The ultimate in shock and vibration protection.
Shock and vibration influence the performance and life expectancy of nearly every kind of mechanical and electrical device, large or small. Typically, protection from shock and absorption of vibration are accomplished through the combination of a resilient element (metal mesh, an elastomer, a steel spring, etc.) and a metallic supporting frame. However, the helical isolator-also known as a helical mount or a cable mount-provides a higher level of isolation from shock and vibration than any other type of isolation device.
John Evans' helical isolators are made of aircraft quality stainless steel cable, wound into metal retaining bars prepared for surface mounting. The wire rope (ranging in diameter from 1/16" to 1"+) and its helix configuration provide the specific resilience required to cushion fragile loads as small as a few pounds or substantial loads of many thousands of pounds, and absorb vibration through a wide frequency spectrum. The isolator is essentially insensitive to position: it operates well in 
any attitude; in compression, extension, shear and roll, and provides protection in all axes simultaneously.
Helical isolators are used in a wide variety of applications (see table below). Their all metal construction makes them virtually impervious to severe environments, and maintenance free.
General Characteristics and Uses
| Applications |
Typical Equipment |
Protection From |
Operational Advantages |
| Shipboard |
Electronics, Computers, Machinery |
Explosive blast, Inherent vibration, Storms |
Long life, Maintenance free, Temperature extremes, Corrosion resistance, All axes protection |
| Rough Terrain Vehicles |
Instrumentation, Generators, Electronics |
Rough terrain, Poor road conditions, Collision |
Long life, Maintenance free, Temperature extremes, Ozone, Radioactivity, UV Radiation |
| Aircraft |
Electronics, Computers |
High-G maneuvering, Hard landings, Turbulent air |
Temperature and altitude extremes, Lightweight |
| Shipping Containers |
Optics, Instruments, Missiles, Electronics |
Transit, Handling drop, Loading/Unloading |
Long life, Maintenance free, Exposure to moisture, Repeated use |
| Industrial Equipment |
Centrifuge, Dryers, Pumps |
Unbalanced dynamic loads, Fluid hammer, Inherent vibration, Foundation weakness |
Long life, Maintenance free, Corrosive environments |
| Ordnance Equipment |
Missile launcher, Tank artillery, Computer controls, Electronics |
Rough terrain, Railroad humping, Transit |
Maintenance free, Temperature extremes, Nearby blast |
| Medical Equipment |
Mechanical equipment necessary for patient care |
Vibration from moving parts, Mobile carts-Transport shock |
Maintenance free, No outgassing, Can be sterilized |
| Chimneys |
Chimneys, Scrubbers, Measuring devices |
Wind causing resonant frequencies, Stack gas causing turbulence near scrubber, etc. |
Maintenance free, Temperature extremes, Corrosive environments |
John Evans' can tailor an isolator to meet customers’ individual requirements. Iridited aluminum bars are standard; however, there are other materials and finishes which can be employed. Similarly, variations in cable configuration are available, if the standard is not suitable.
Shown here, is an application for shipboard installation. Not only does this arrangement dampen shock and vibration in three axes, but also allows designer/engineers to use COTS equipment rather than the more expensive ruggedized electronic equipment. Electronics Racks courtesy of A & J Mfg. Co.
Helical isolators provide the solution of choice for protecting a broad range of loads composed of the very fragile (electronic equipment, computer hardware, optical devices) or the very substantial (heavy engines, machinery) during transit or while in operation-even operation in a moving vehicle.
Please contact us, to discuss your design specifications or to obtain pricing information about production quantities. Our engineering staff is also available to assist you in selecting the best configuration for your application, from the broad range represented by our family of isolators.
From basic transportation to aerospace, there is an application for
Helical Isolators from America's Oldest Springmaker.
