Patent Publication Number: US-11391336-B2

Title: Isolator assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/685,363, filed on Jun. 15, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/689,441, filed on Jun. 25, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to damping and isolator assemblies, including isolator assemblies that may be used in connection with vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure. 
     Some damping or isolating designs do not adequately damp or isolate vibration, and/or may not be configured for use with certain frequencies. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of damping and isolator assemblies. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and should not be taken as a disavowal of scope. 
     SUMMARY 
     In embodiments, an isolator assembly may include a bracket, a first isolator connected to the bracket, a second isolator connected to the bracket, and/or a mass connected to the bracket via the first isolator and the second isolator. The first isolator and the second isolator may include a plurality of legs. The first isolator may include a first radial flange and a second radial flange. The first radial flange and the second radial flange may be axially spaced from each other. An outer diameter of the first radial flange may be larger than an outer diameter of the second radial flange. A distance between the first radial flange and the second radial flange may correspond to a thickness of the bracket. The second radial flange may be configured for insertion into an aperture of the bracket and/or to increase a removal force of the first isolator from the bracket. The first radial flange may be configured to limit an insertion depth of the first isolator into the aperture. An outer diameter of the second radial flange is greater than an inner diameter of the aperture. The bracket may include a tab. The tab may include the aperture. The aperture may be offset from a center of the tab. 
     With embodiments, the first isolator includes an inner portion and an outer portion connected to each other via a plurality of support members. A number of support members of the plurality of support members may be equal to a number of legs of the plurality of legs. The inner portion may extend axially beyond the outer portion toward the mass. At least two legs of the plurality of legs may extend from the outer portion of the first isolator toward the mass. The at least two legs may include portions disposed at an inner surface of the outer portion. The plurality of legs may extend substantially in an axial direction toward the mass. At least one of the plurality of legs may include an arcuate configuration. A number of legs of the plurality of legs may correspond to a desired frequency behavior. The plurality of legs may be configured to limit movement of the mass relative to the bracket. 
     In embodiments, a first isolator may include an inner portion and an outer portion connected to each other via an elastomeric membrane. A first isolator may be formed separately from the mass. A cross-sectional shape of the first isolator may be substantially circular or may be rectangular. The first isolator may include a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length. The first length may correspond to a first frequency. The second length may correspond to a second frequency. The first length may be different than the second length and/or the first frequency and the second frequency may be different. 
     In embodiments, a method of assembling an isolator assembly may include providing a first isolator, a second isolator, a bracket, a first pin, a second pin, and a mass, connecting the bracket with an assembly fixture, connecting the mass with the assembly fixture, connecting the first isolator with a press, connecting the second isolator with the press, inserting the first isolator and the second isolator into respective apertures of the bracket via the press, inserting the first pin into the first isolator and a first end of the mass, and/or inserting the second pin into the second isolator and a second end of the mass. Inserting the first isolator and the second isolator into respective apertures may include (i) inserting a first radial flange of the first isolator and a first radial flange of the second isolator into the respective apertures, and/or (ii) limiting insertion via a second radial flange of the first isolator and a second radial flange of the second isolator. After inserting the first isolator and the second isolator into the respective apertures, a first portion of the bracket may be disposed partially between the first radial flange and the second radial flange of the first isolator, and/or a second portion of the bracket may be disposed partially between the first radial flange and the second radial flange of the second isolator. The first isolator and the second isolator may each include a plurality of legs configured to limit movement of the mass relative to the bracket. A number of legs of the plurality of legs may correspond to a desired frequency behavior of the isolator assembly. 
     With embodiments, an isolator assembly may include a bracket, a first isolator connected to the bracket having an aperture, a second isolator connected to the bracket, and/or a mass connected to the bracket via the first isolator and the second isolator. The first isolator and the second isolator may be integrally formed with the mass. The first isolator may include a radial flange. An outer diameter of the radial flange may be larger than an inner diameter of the aperture. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views generally illustrating embodiments of brackets according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views generally illustrating embodiments of isolators according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C  are perspective views generally illustrating embodiments of isolators according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6D  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of assembling an isolator assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating embodiments of an isolator assembly and an assembly apparatus according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views generally illustrating embodiments of isolator assemblies according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are cross-sectional views generally illustrating embodiments of a reverse isolator and an isolator according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 13A-13E  generally illustrate an embodiment of a method of assembling an embodiment of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13F  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a mass and isolators of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13G  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of an isolator assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are cross-sectional views generally illustrating portions of embodiments of a mass and an isolator before assembly and after assembly, respectively. 
         FIGS. 15A-15T  include finite element analysis (FEA) images of embodiments of isolator assemblies and portions thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an isolator assembly  10  may include a bracket  12 , a first isolator  14 , a second isolator  16 , a mass  18 , a first pin  20 , and/or a second pin  22 . The mass  18  may be connected to the bracket  12  via the first isolator  14 , the second isolator  16 , the first pin  20 , and/or the second pin  22 . 
     With embodiments, a bracket  12  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. As generally illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , for example and without limitation, a bracket  12  may include a generally U-shaped configuration that may include a base  30 , a first tab  32 , and a second tab  34 . The first tab  32  and the second tab  34  may extend (e.g., perpendicularly) from opposite ends of the base  30 . The first tab  32  may include a first aperture  36  that may be configured to at least partially receive (or connect with) an isolator (e.g., the first isolator  14 ). The second tab  34  may include a second aperture  38  that may be configured to at least partially receive an isolator (e.g., the second isolator  16 ). The apertures  36 ,  38  may be tapered, at least to some degree. For example and without limitation, diameters of the apertures  36 ,  38  may be greatest (e.g., about 40 mm) at outer axial ends and may taper inward toward a center of the bracket  12  and/or toward the mass  18  (e.g., to about 30 mm). Tapered apertures may facilitate insertion of isolators  14 ,  16  into the apertures  36 ,  38  and/or may increase a removal force involved with removing an inserted isolator  14 ,  16  from a bracket  12 . Apertures  36 ,  38  may be centered with respect to a tab  32 ,  34  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ) or apertures  36 ,  38  may be offset from a center of a tab  32 ,  34  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3B ). A bracket  12  may include one or more mounting holes  40  that may be configured to receive (or connect with) one or more fasteners  42  for connecting the bracket  12  and/or the isolator assembly  10  to another component  44 , such as a vehicle component or structure (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). The isolator assembly  10  may be configured to absorb and/or dampen vibration of the other component  44 . A length  12 L of a bracket  12  may, for example and without limitation, be about 126 mm. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in an assembled configuration of an isolator assembly  10 , a first end  50  of a mass  18  may be connected to the bracket  12  via the first isolator  14  and the first pin  20 . For example and without limitation, the first isolator  14  may be inserted into and/or retained within the first aperture  36  of the first tab  32  of the bracket  12 . The first pin  20  may be inserted into the first isolator  14 , through the first aperture  36  of the first tab  32 , and/or into a recess  52  in the first end  50  of the mass  18 . Additionally or alternatively, in an assembled configuration of an isolator assembly  10 , a second end  54  of a mass  18  may be connected to the bracket  12  via the second isolator  16  and the second pin  22 . For example and without limitation, the second isolator  16  may be inserted into and/or retained within the second aperture  38  of the second tab  34  of the bracket  12 . The second pin  22  may be inserted into the second isolator  16 , through the second aperture  38  of the second tab  34 , and/or into a recess  56  in the second end  54  of the mass  18 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C , an isolator (e.g., the first isolator  14  and/or the second isolator  16 ) may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. An isolator  14 ,  16  may include a generally round and/or cylindrical configuration. An isolator  14 ,  16  may include a resilient and/or damping material, such as, for example and without limitation, rubber and/or an elastomer. Isolators  14 ,  16  may or may not include the same configuration. 
     An isolator  14 ,  16  may include a mounting ring  60  that may include a first/outer flange  62  and a second/inner flange  64 . The first flange  62  and the second flange  64  may be spaced from each other by a distance D 1 , such as in an axial direction (e.g., a Z-direction). The distance D 1  may correspond to a thickness of a tab  32 ,  34  of a bracket  12 . For example and without limitation, the distance D 1  may be about 5 mm and, in an assembled configuration, a tab  32 ,  34  may be sandwiched between the first flange  62  and the second flange  64 . The second flange  64  may be configured for insertion into an aperture  36 ,  38  of a bracket  12  and/or the first flange  62  may be configured to limit an insertion depth of the isolator  14 ,  16  into an aperture  36 ,  38 . An outer diameter  62 D of the first flange  62  may be larger than an outer diameter  64 D of the second flange  64  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5C ). For example and without limitation, an outer diameter  62 D of the first flange  62  may be about 40 mm and/or an outer diameter  64 D of the second flange  64  may be about 37 mm (e.g., the first flange  62  may be about 10% larger than the second flange  64 ). 
     In embodiments, an isolator  14 ,  16  may include an inner portion  70  and/or an outer portion  72 . The inner portion  70  and/or the outer portion  72  may include a cylindrical configuration. The inner portion  70  and the outer portion  72  may be disposed concentrically. The outer portion  72  may be connected with the inner portion  70  via one or more support members  74  that may extend, generally, in a radially direction out from the inner portion  70  to the outer portion  72 . The number of support members  74 , the thickness of the support members  74 , and/or an angle of the support members  74  may determine, at least in part, a radial stiffness of an isolator assembly  10 . The inner portion  70  and the outer portion  72  may overlap, in a radial direction, at least to some degree. Additionally or alternatively, the inner portion  70  may extend axially beyond the outer portion  72 , such as toward a mass  18 . The outer portion  72  may include the mounting ring  60 . The inner portion  70  may include an aperture  76  that may be configured to receive or connect with a pin (e.g., first and second pins  20 ,  22 ). For example and without limitation, an aperture  76  may be configured for a press or interference fit with a pin  20 ,  22 . 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C , an isolator  14 ,  16  may include one or more legs  80  that may extend from an outer portion  72 , such as in an axial direction toward a mass  18 . An isolator  14 ,  16  may include two legs  80  that may be disposed opposite each other. In embodiments, a leg  80  may be (or may include portions that are) curved or arcuate. A leg  80  may include a portion  82  that may be disposed at an inner surface  84  of the outer portion  72  (e.g., between the outer portion  72  and the inner portion  70 ), which may increase an amount of material in or around the mounting ring  60  and/or may facilitate insertion of the isolator  14 ,  16  into an aperture  36 ,  38  of a bracket tab  32 ,  34 . In an assembled configuration, the legs  80  may not contact the mass  18 . The legs  80  may serve as movement limiters to restrict movement (e.g., excess movement) of a mass  18 , such as in the Z-direction (e.g., legs  80  may act as bumpers). 
     As generally illustrated in  FIG. 6A , an isolator  14 ,  16  may include three legs  80 , and, as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , an isolator  14 ,  16  may include four legs  80 . While embodiments are illustrated with two, three, or four legs  80 , an isolator  14 ,  16  may include any number of legs. The number of legs  80  may determine, at least in part, a frequency behavior of an isolator  14 ,  16  and/or of an isolator assembly  10 . For example and without limitation, a 2-leg design may be configured for use with frequencies of about 10 Hz to about 20 Hz, a 3-leg design may be configured for use with frequencies of about 15 Hz to about 30 Hz, and/or a 4-leg design may be configured to use with frequencies of about 30 Hz to about 60 Hz. A 2-leg design may be utilized primarily in single direction applications. A 3-leg or 4-leg design may be tuned radially. The number of support members  74  of an isolator  14 ,  16  may correspond to the number of legs  80  of the isolator  14 ,  16 . For example and without limitation, an isolator  14 ,  16  may include the same number of legs  80  and support members  74 . The legs  80  may be spaced circumferentially (e.g., equally) about the outer portion  72  and/or the support members  74  may be connected to the outer portion  72  between (e.g., circumferentially) adjacent legs  80 . The support members  74  may be equally spaced. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 6D , an inner portion  70  may be connected with an outer portion  72  via a membrane  78 . The membrane  78  may, for example and without limitation, include a substantially toroidal configuration, may be configured to flex to facilitate relative movement between the inner portion  70  and the outer portion  72  (e.g., between the mass  18  and the bracket  12 ), and/or may include rubber and/or an elastomeric material. 
     With embodiments, one or more portions of an isolator  14 ,  16  may be configured to compress, at least to some degree. For example and without limitation, an isolator  14 ,  16  may be configured to compress at or about a mounting ring  60 , which may include compressing in an axial direction about 5% (or more, or less), and/or compressing in a radial direction about 5% (or more, or less). Additionally or alternatively, an inner portion  70  may be configured to compress, at least to some degree. For example and without limitation, an end  86  of the inner portion  70  may be configured to compress about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm and the compression amount may depend on a weight of the mass  18 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 8 , the pins  20 ,  22  and the mass  18  may include one or more of a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, and/or materials. For example and without limitation, a pin  20 ,  22  may include a cylindrical configuration, may include lengths  20 L,  22 L of about 32 mm, and/or may include diameters  20 D,  22 D of about 8 mm (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). A mass  18  may, for example and without limitation, include a cylindrical configuration, have a length  18 L of about 87 mm, and/or have a diameter  18 D of about 38 mm. The mass  18  may include a first end  50  that may include a first recess  52  that may be configured to at least partially receive (or connect with) a pin (e.g., the first pin  20 ), such as via a press fit or interference fit. The mass  18  may include a second end  54  that may include a second recess  56  that may be configured to at least partially receive a pin (e.g., the second pin  22 ), such as via a press fit or interference fit. The first recess  52  and/or the second recess  56  may, for example and without limitation, include a length/depth  52 L,  56 L of at least about 10 mm and/or may include a diameter  52 D,  56 D of about 8 mm. An overall length  10 L of an assembled isolator assembly  10  may, for example and without limitation, be about 132 mm. 
     An embodiment of a method  100  of assembling an isolator assembly  10  is generally illustrated in  FIG. 7 . An embodiment of an assembly apparatus  120  that may be utilized in connection with a method  100  and portions of an isolator assembly  10  are generally illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     In embodiments, a method  100  of assembly may include providing a bracket  12 , a first isolator  14 , a second isolator  16 , a mass  18 , a first pin  20 , and/or a second pin  22  (step  102 ). An embodiment of a method  100  may include connecting the bracket  12  with an assembly fixture  122  of the assembly apparatus  120  (step  104 ) and/or connecting the mass  18  with the with the assembly fixture  122  (step  106 ). The isolators  14 ,  16  may be connected with a press  124  of the assembly apparatus  120  (step  108 ). A clamp  126  of the assembly apparatus  120  may clamp the mass  18  (e.g., to be centered with respect to tabs  32 ,  34  of the bracket  12 ) (step  110 ). The isolators  14 ,  16  may be inserted into the apertures  36 ,  38  of the tabs  32 ,  34  of the bracket  12 , such as via the press  124  (step  112 ). For example and without limitation, an isolator  14 ,  16  may be inserted into an aperture  36 ,  38  of a tab  32 ,  34  until the second flange  64  snaps through the aperture  36 ,  38  and/or until the first flange  62  abuts an outer surface of the tab  32 ,  34 . Method  100  may include inserting the pins  20 ,  22  into the isolators  14 ,  16  and/or the mass  18 , such as via press fits or interference fits (step  114 ). The pins  20 ,  22  may be pressed into the isolators  14 ,  16  and/or the mass  18  via the assembly apparatus  120  (e.g., via a press  128 ). 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an isolator assembly  210  may include a bracket  212 , a first isolator  214 , a second isolator  216 , and/or a mass  218 . The bracket  212  may include a base  230 , a first tab  232 , a second tab  234 , a third tab  236 , and/or a fourth tab  238 . The base  230 , the first tab  232 , and the second tab  234  may be disposed in a generally U-shaped configuration, such as with the first tab  232  and the second tab  234  extending (e.g., perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly) from opposite ends  240 A,  240 B of the base  230 . The first tab  232  may include an aperture  242  and/or the second tab  234  may include a second aperture  244 . The aperture  242  of the first tab  232  may be configured for connection with (e.g., to at least partially receive) a first isolator  214  and/or the aperture  244  of the second tab  234  may be configured for connection with (e.g., to at least partially receive) a second isolator  216 . The apertures  242 ,  244  may be tapered, at least to some degree. For example and without limitation, diameters of the apertures  242 ,  244  may be greatest proximate a center of the bracket  12  and/or the mass  18 , and may taper (e.g., radially inward) toward outer axial ends. Tapered apertures may facilitate insertion of the isolators  214 ,  216  into the apertures  242 ,  244  and/or may increase a removal force involved with removing an inserted isolator  214 ,  216  from a bracket  212 . Isolators  214 ,  216  may connect a mass  218  with a bracket  212 . 
     In embodiments, a third tab  236  and/or a fourth tab  238  may extend (e.g., perpendicularly) from the base  230 , such as from opposite sides  246 A,  246 B of the base  230 . For example and without limitation, the base  230 , the first tab  232 , the second tab  234 , the third tab  236 , and the fourth tab  238  may be disposed in a generally rectangular configuration that may be configured to receive at least portions of a mass  218  and restrict movement of the mass  218 . The base  230  may restrict movement of the mass  218  in an X-direction, the first tab  232  and the second tab  234  may restrict movement of the mass  218  in the Z-direction, and/or the third tab  236  and the fourth tab  238  may restrict movement of the mass  218  in the Y-direction. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , an isolator  214 ,  216  (e.g., isolators) may be formed with the mass  218 , such as integrally formed with the mass. Pins, such as the pins  20 ,  22  of the isolator assembly  10 , may or may not be used with isolators  214 ,  216  that are formed with a mass  218 . For example and without limitation, the pins  20 ,  22  may be configured as a back-up of fail-safe connection between isolators  14 ,  16  and a mass  18  that may prevent the mass  18  from moving freely in the event of a rubber failure. Forming isolators  214 ,  216  with a mass  218  and/or including a third tab  236  and a fourth tab  238  may substantially prevent such free movement of the mass  218 , so pins may not be included. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 11 , an isolator  214 ,  216  may include a mounting ring  260  that may include a first/outer flange  262  and a second/inner flange  264  that may be axially separated by a distance D 2 . The second flange  264  may be disposed closer to the mass  218  than the first flange  262 . The first flange  262  may include an outer diameter  262 D that may be less than an outer diameter  264 D of the second flange  264 . The first flange  262  may be configured for insertion into an aperture  242 ,  244  of a tab  232 ,  234 . For example and without limitation, in an assembled configuration, an isolator  214 ,  216  may be inserted into an aperture  242 ,  244  such that a tab  232 ,  234  is retained or sandwiched at least partially between the first flange  262  and the second flange  264 . 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , an embodiment of an isolator  214 ,  216  of an isolator assembly  210  may include at least somewhat of a reverse or mirrored configuration relative to an isolator  14 ,  16  (e.g., of the isolator assembly  10 ). 
     With embodiments, an isolator assembly  10 ,  210  may be configured for one or more particular applications, which may include modifying a stiffness and/or frequency of an isolator  14 ,  16 ,  214 ,  216 . Modifying a stiffness and/or frequency of an isolator  14 ,  16 ,  214 ,  216  may include modifying one or more of a leg length L, a leg thickness t, a leg angle θ, and a preload (mm). An isolator assembly  10 ,  210  may, for example and without limitation, be configured for frequencies of about 50 Hz to about 150 Hz. A mass  18 ,  218  may, for example and without limitation, be about 100 g to about 1500 g, and may include steel bar stock. 
     An isolator assembly  10 ,  210  may be utilized in connection with one or more of a variety of applications. For example and without limitation, an isolator assembly  10 ,  210  may be used in connection with vehicles seats, vehicle liftgates, vehicle tailgates, vehicle exhausts, vehicle suspensions, vehicle engine compartments, and/or other vehicle and non-vehicle applications. 
     An embodiment of a method of assembling an isolator assembly  210  is generally illustrated in  FIGS. 13A-13E . The method may include providing isolators  214 ,  216  and a mass  218 , which may be formed together or the isolators  214 ,  216  may be connected to the mass  18  (e.g., prior to connecting the isolators  214 ,  216  to the bracket  212 ). The mass  218  may be disposed on a surface  322 , such as of an assembly apparatus  320  ( FIG. 13A ). The isolators  214 ,  216  may be constrained, such as in the Z-direction by a press  324  of the assembly apparatus  320  ( FIG. 13B ). A bracket  212  may be provided. The bracket  212  may be moved toward the mass  218 , such as until the apertures  242 ,  244  of the first and second tabs  232 ,  234  are aligned with the first and second isolators  214 ,  216  ( FIGS. 13C and 13D ). The press  324  may be moved away (e.g., may slide back) from the mass  218  and/or the isolators  214 ,  216  may be released to extend into and/or through the apertures  242 ,  244  ( FIG. 13D ). The isolators  214 ,  216  may automatically extend and/or locate into the apertures  242 ,  244 . The isolator assembly  210  may be removed from the surface  322  and/or the assembly apparatus  320 , and the method of assembly may be complete ( FIG. 13E ). In an assembled configuration, an isolator  214 ,  216  may, for example and without limitation, include a preload of about 1 mm. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 13F and 13G , the isolators  214 ,  216  may, for example, include cross-sectional shapes that may be substantially rectangular. The bracket  212  may, for example, include corresponding/respective apertures  244  that may include substantially rectangular shapes. The size of the apertures  244  may be at least slightly smaller than the isolators  214 ,  216 , such as to provide a press or interference fit. The lengths of the sides of the isolators  214 ,  216  may be different. For example and without limitation, the first isolator may include a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length. The first length may correspond to a first frequency. The second length may correspond to a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency may be different. 
     In embodiments, the isolators  214 ,  216  may be formed with the mass  218  or may be formed separately from the mass  218  and connected to the mass  218 . With embodiments, some isolators (e.g., isolators  214 ,  216 ) may not include legs (e.g., legs  80  of isolators  14 ,  16 ). 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  generally illustrate portions of embodiments of a mass  218  and an isolator  214 ,  216  before assembly and after assembly, respectively. 
       FIGS. 15A-15T  includes FEA images of embodiments of isolator assemblies  210  and portions thereof. 
     Various embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. 
     It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments. 
     Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical. 
     While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted. 
     It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.