Rubber shock absorbers and spring shock absorbers are commonly used vibration reduction devices in the industrial and civil fields. They achieve vibration reduction and noise reduction functions through different physical properties and are suitable for different scenarios. The following is a comparative analysis from the perspective of action principle, application scenarios and advantages and disadvantages.

 

1. The role of rubber shock absorbers

1. Action principle

Elastic deformation energy absorption: Rubber materials have high elasticity and undergo elastic deformation when subjected to force, converting vibration energy into heat energy dissipation.

Damping characteristics: Friction between rubber molecular chains produces damping, suppresses vibration amplitude, and attenuates vibration frequency.

2. Typical application scenarios

Mechanical equipment: such as motors, fans, compressors, etc., to reduce the transmission of equipment vibration to the foundation.

Precision instruments: such as optical equipment and electronic instruments, to isolate the impact of small vibrations on accuracy.

Rail transit: train suspension systems, rail vibration damping pads, to reduce the impact of rail vibration on the vehicle body and surrounding environment.

Construction field: floor vibration damping pads, pipe supports, to reduce structural vibration and noise.

3. Advantages

The difference between static stiffness and dynamic stiffness is large: low stiffness at low frequency, increased stiffness at high frequency, and adaptable to wide-band vibration.

Compact structure: small size, easy installation, and space saving.

Corrosion resistance and aging resistance: rubber materials can adapt to a variety of environments and have a long service life.

Good noise reduction effect: damping characteristics can effectively reduce radiated noise caused by vibration.

4. Limitations

Limited load-bearing capacity: not suitable for heavy load or impact load scenarios.

Temperature sensitivity: performance decreases at high temperatures and hardens at low temperatures. Materials need to be selected according to the environment.

2. The role of spring shock absorbers

1. Working principle

Elastic potential energy conversion: springs store and release energy by stretching or compressing to buffer vibration shock.

Frequency selectivity: fixed natural frequency, suitable for vibration isolation of specific frequencies.

2. Typical application scenarios

Heavy equipment: such as punch presses, forging presses, and generator sets, which bear large loads.

Bridges and buildings: bridge bearings and building isolation layers absorb vibrations caused by earthquakes or wind loads.

Vehicle suspension: Automobile and train suspension systems balance comfort and handling.

Industrial pipelines: Compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of pipelines to reduce vibration transmission.

3. Advantages

Strong load-bearing capacity: Can withstand loads of hundreds to thousands of tons.

High stability: Stable natural frequency, suitable for fixed frequency vibration control.

Long life: Metal springs are fatigue-resistant and have low maintenance costs.

4. Limitations

No damping characteristics: Need to be used with a damper, otherwise it is easy to resonate.

Large size: Requires a large installation space, not suitable for compact equipment.

Poor high-frequency vibration attenuation: Limited effect on high-frequency vibration isolation.

3. Comparison between rubber shock absorber and spring shock absorber

Comparison item Rubber shock absorber Spring shock absorber

Vibration damping principle Elastic deformation + damping energy consumption Elastic potential energy conversion

Applicable frequency Broadband (low frequency to high frequency) Narrowband (near natural frequency)

Carrying capacity Low to medium High

Damping characteristics Built-in damping, fast decay No damping, additional damper required

Installation space Small Large

Durability Affected by ambient temperature Fatigue resistance, long life

Cost Medium High (complex system requires damper)

 

4. Application suggestions

Scenario for selecting rubber shock absorber:

Vibration frequency range is wide (such as motors, precision instruments).

Space is limited and compact design is required.

Noise reduction and vibration reduction are required at the same time.

Scenario for selecting spring shock absorber:

Heavy load or impact load (such as bridges, heavy machinery).

Fixed vibration frequency (such as mechanical vibration of a specific frequency).

Long-term stable operation is required and maintenance cost is sensitive.

Composite use:

In some scenarios, the advantages of both can be combined (such as spring + rubber composite shock absorber) to achieve wide-band, high-load vibration reduction effect.

V. Summary

Rubber shock absorber: suitable for light load, wide-band, space-constrained scenarios, emphasizing damping and noise reduction.

Spring shock absorber: suitable for heavy load, fixed frequency, high stability scenarios, emphasizing load-bearing capacity.

Choosing a suitable shock absorber according to actual working conditions (load, frequency, space, cost), or adopting a composite solution, can maximize the vibration reduction effect.