Shock and Vibration Isolators

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.