Shape deformation device for shock and vibration protection

Abstract

A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and an object is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the first composite layer provides a first upper plate and a first lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate. The second composite layer provides a second upper plate and a second lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate. The lower surface of the first lower plate slides laterally with the upper surface of the second upper plate. The first and second composite layers are held in sliding contact by at least two clips. The clips are interconnected by at least one elastic retainer positioned and configured to bias the clips, and thus the first and second composite layers, to a neutral position.

Description

Government license right

[0001] This invention was made with government support under Grant No. 1927071 awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States. The United States government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] [Related applications] This application claims priority and has the right to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 472,656, filed on June 13, 2023. The content of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0003] The subject matter of this patent application generally relates to systems and methods for providing shock and vibration protection, and more particularly to a shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibration forces between a vibration source and at least one object.

[0004] The applicant incorporates herein by reference all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application. [Background art]

[0005] As background, conventional methods for protecting objects from shock and vibration involve the use of large amounts of carbon-intensive materials such as foams, rubbers, or steels. Adding cushions, hardened structures, and reinforcements to vehicles, IT equipment, vibrating machinery, civil structures, and personal protective equipment leads to cumbersome, heavy, and extensive solutions. In high-level shock and vibration environments, these conventional systems are designed to sustain extensive damage to protect the object. In more severe and complex dynamic environments, a higher level of protection is required. For example, spacecraft that experience different dynamic loads during launch and operation, or buildings and high-performance equipment that withstand seismic excitation and other severe dynamic loads.

[0006] Structural vibration control can achieve a higher level of protection. Vibration isolation devices are installed to modify the system's dynamic performance, attracting and absorbing damaging vibration energy to prevent it from affecting the object in question.

[0007] Vibration control technology helps effectively reduce the size and weight of an object by minimizing the dynamic load applied to it. This improves the vibration environment and offers significant advantages in various applications. For example, in space applications, lighter satellites and more sensitive equipment substantially reduce launch costs. In other applications, reducing the structural mass of an object improves reliability and reduces energy consumption.

[0008] High-performance vibration control technologies, such as active control, rely on actuators and sensors to measure and adjust structural behavior in real time. However, they require considerable computing power, external energy sources, and control components. Passive methods, on the other hand, provide similar isolation performance without these requirements by using mechanically anisotropic systems with different stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation in various directions of vibration.

[0009] Specifically, to isolate an object from its vibration source, a passive vibration isolator requires high rigidity in one direction for load-bearing capacity combined with high deformability in another direction to isolate the object from the vibration source with large displacements. However, existing materials and systems can be unstable and unable to maintain stability under compressive and tensile loads when subjected to large deformations, leading to failure and trade-offs. For example, increasing the height of an elastomer isolator to allow for large lateral displacements can reduce vertical stability and rigidity, which would require an increase in the size of the isolator, potentially offsetting the benefits of an improved vibration environment, which would mean a reduction in the mass and weight of the target object. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In all micro-vibration applications where isolation layers are applied to vibration-sensitive components rather than the entire structure, the increased weight and volume added to the system, as well as the lack of design flexibility, represent major challenges. The recent use of anisotropic metamaterials means engineering materials with different properties controlled by their structure in different directions of vibration, advantageously providing new degrees of design freedom for vibration control systems. However, challenges such as high stress and structural instability remain when large deformations and energy dissipation are required. These limitations limit the effectiveness of protection for emerging technologies such as sensors, telescopes, cameras, optical satellites, laser communication devices, and IT equipment that demand stringent stability requirements.

[0011] Therefore, there is still a need for advanced systems that provide shock and vibration protection while maintaining continuous load-bearing capacity, even when experiencing significant deformation, without significantly increasing the weight and volume of the system. Aspects of the present invention satisfy these needs and provide further relevant advantages, as described in the following summary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] It should be noted that the above description of background technology contains information that may be useful in understanding aspects of the present invention. Nothing provided herein constitutes prior art, or relates to the currently claimed invention, or constitutes prior art for any publication specifically or implicitly referenced.

[0013] Aspects of the present invention teach specific advantages in structure and use, which result in the exemplary advantages described below.

[0014] The present invention solves the problem of protecting an object from shock and vibration by providing a relatively lightweight, compact, and cost-effective shape-deforming device that reduces the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object. Importantly, by deforming its shape, the device can maintain continuous load-bearing capacity even when subjected to large deformations. In at least one embodiment, the first composite layer provides a first upper plate and a first lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate. The second composite layer provides a second upper plate and a second lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate. The upper surface of the first upper plate is positionable in direct or indirect contact with at least one object. The lower surface of the second lower plate is positionable in direct or indirect contact with a vibration source. The lower surface of the first lower plate is in direct or indirect sliding contact with the upper surface of the second upper plate, and the first composite layer can selectively slide laterally in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer. The lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate are held in direct or indirect sliding contact by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips. The at least two clips are interconnected by at least one elastic retainer configured to bias the clips, so that the first and second composite layers are in a neutral position, and the center of the first composite layer is substantially linearly aligned with the center of the second composite layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention functions as a shape deformation separation device in a vibrating environment. When the device is placed between an object and a vibration source, it reduces the transmission of vibrational forces while changing its shape, providing continuous support to the object and ensuring stability even with large deformations. When the device is placed between two vibration sources, it reduces the transmission of vibrational forces while maintaining the relative distance between the vibration sources.

[0016] Therefore, in at least one embodiment, the device is configured to function as a vibration isolation and damping layer system that reduces the transmission of vibration and impact forces between a vibration or impact source and at least one object. In other words, in at least one embodiment, the device is a relatively lightweight and compact form factor, and is an expandable layer that can expand in response to dynamic excitations while maintaining stability under compressive and tensile loads from a support object. Thus, in such embodiments, the device provides a practical and cost-effective solution that can provide a high level of vibration protection in a thin combination of components.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a shape deformation device having adjustable stiffness and additional energy damping. The proposed shape deformation device extends beyond vibration control and can be effectively applied in a variety of working environments to overcome limitations associated with materials and systems that are incapable of achieving sufficient load-bearing capacity along with large deformations.

[0018] In another embodiment, the apparatus can deform its shape according to its working environment in order to support a load in multiple deformable configurations having different stiffnesses and additional energy damping in different directions. Generally, in other embodiments, the apparatus can be subjected to considerable displacement in one or more directions while being able to support loads in other directions. Shape transformation in response to mechanical forces is achieved by the stiff-flexible morphing concept, in which stiff mechanical elements (i.e., composite layers and clips) slide and deform flexible elements. The flexible elements allow the apparatus to morph reversibly. The use of multiple stiff mechanical elements, such as clips, increases the in-plane deformability of the apparatus. Furthermore, changes in the geometric shape of the stiff mechanical elements increase the out-of-plane deformability modes of the apparatus.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a shape-changing metamaterial device having adjustable stiffness and additional energy attenuation. The assembly of the shape-changing transformation material into unit cells enables the generation of complex deformation mechanisms for protecting objects having complex geometries under different vibration directions. For purposes of illustration, the shape-changing transformation material is referred to herein as a "cell layer."

[0020] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a further exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of yet another exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of yet another exemplary shape-changing device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7 according to at least one embodiment, illustrating its exemplary lateral displacement. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a top view of an apparatus according to at least one embodiment, illustrating further exemplary lateral and vertical displacements thereof. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view of an apparatus according to at least one embodiment, illustrating further exemplary lateral and vertical displacements thereof. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary shape deformation apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 12 according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 12 according to at least one embodiment, illustrating exemplary lateral and vertical displacements thereof. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary shape deformation apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 16 according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 16 according to at least one embodiment, showing only the first lower plate, intermediate plate, and second upper plate of the apparatus for clarity. [Figure 19A] Figure 19A is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 16 according to at least one embodiment, illustrating exemplary lateral displacements thereof in one direction (Figure 19A) and two directions (Figure 19B). [Figure 19B] Figure 19B is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 16 according to at least one embodiment, illustrating exemplary lateral displacements thereof in one direction (Figure 19A) and two directions (Figure 19B). [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an exploded view of yet another exemplary shape deformation apparatus according to at least one embodiment, showing only the first lower plate, intermediate plate, and second upper plate of the apparatus for clarity. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an exploded view of yet another exemplary shape-deforming device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the intermediate plate of the apparatus of Figure 21, according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a top view of an exemplary first lower plate and corresponding exemplary clips and connectors according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a top view of an exemplary first lower plate and corresponding exemplary clips and connectors according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a top view of an exemplary first lower plate and corresponding exemplary clips and connectors according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a top view of an exemplary first lower plate and corresponding exemplary clips and connectors according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a top view of an exemplary first lower plate and corresponding exemplary clips and connectors according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary cell layer containing a plurality of linearly arranged unit cells of the apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary shape-deforming device according to at least one embodiment.

[0022] The drawings described above illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention referenced by the same numbers in different drawings represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in one or more embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Referring here to Figure 1, a side elevation view of an exemplary shape deformation device 20, according to at least one embodiment, is shown, configured to function as an impact and / or vibration (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vibration" for the purposes of simplification) isolation and damping layer, which reduces or eliminates the transmission of vibration from a vibrating surface or other vibration and impact sources (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vibration sources") to at least one object. The object may include, but is not limited to, people, cargo, satellites, batteries, IT equipment, electronic equipment, avionics equipment, buildings, and any other type of object currently known or to be developed that can benefit from being protected from vibration forces. Thus, although the device 20 may be shown and described herein for illustrative purposes in the context of a particular type of object and / or use case, the device 20 should not be construed as being so limited. Efficient design of vibration isolation is beneficial for reducing material consumption, completely protecting vibration targets, and extending their lifespan. The ability of the separation layer to deform its shape is an attractive solution, as it allows the layer to expand and / or adapt its shape to support loads during large displacements. In addition, the shape transformation of the device 20 allows for the achievement of different stiffnesses in different directions, providing additional energy damping.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 comprises at least one unit cell 21 which itself provides a first composite layer 22 and a second composite layer 24 that is in sliding contact with the first composite layer 22. In at least one embodiment, the sliding contact between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 is achieved by the use of a low-friction material or coating. In at least one alternative embodiment, the sliding contact between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 is achieved by the use of rollers or bearings. In yet another embodiment, the sliding contact between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 is achieved by the use of any other mechanism, structure or material that is currently known or to be developed later. In at least one embodiment, the first composite layer 22 provides a first upper plate 26 and a first lower plate 28 that is vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate 26. In at least one embodiment, at least one first connector 30 interconnects the center of the first upper plate 26 and the center of the first lower plate 28, extending between them. In at least one embodiment, the at least one first connector 30 is a pin, but in further embodiments, the at least one first connector 30 may be any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can connect the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the second composite layer 24 provides a second upper plate 32 and a second lower plate 34 that is vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate 32. In at least one embodiment, at least one second connector 36 interconnects the center of the second upper plate 32 and the center of the second lower plate 34, extending between them. In at least one embodiment, at least one second connector 36 is a pin, but in further embodiments, at least one second connector 36 may be any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can connect the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34.In at least one embodiment, at least one first connector 30 is made of an elastic, deformable material to allow minimal deformation between the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, at least one second connector 36 is made of an elastic, deformable material to allow minimal deformation between the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, at least one first connector 30 and / or at least one second connector 36 are made of a vibration-absorbing metamaterial 84 similar to the vibration-absorbing metamaterial apparatus described in the applicant's U.S. Patent No. 11,300,176, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one further alternative embodiment, at least one first connector 30 and / or at least one second connector 36 may be made of other energy-absorbing metamaterials that are currently known or to be developed later.

[0025] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, in at least one embodiment, the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28 is in sliding contact with the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32, so that the first composite layer 22 can selectively slide in at least one direction relative to and parallel to the second composite layer 24, as will be further described below. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the upper surface 42 of the first upper plate 26 is positioned to directly or indirectly contact the object being protected, while the lower surface 44 of the second lower plate 34 is positioned to directly or indirectly contact the vibration source. In at least one alternative embodiment, depending on the orientation of the device 20 relative to the object and the vibration source, the upper surface 42 of the first upper plate 26 is positioned to directly or indirectly contact the vibration source, while the lower surface 44 of the second lower plate 34 is positioned to directly or indirectly contact the object being protected. Thus, directional terms are used herein for illustrative purposes, but they do not necessarily indicate a particular orientation of the device 20. In other words, the device 20 can be used in any number of orientations, at least in part, depending on the specific object to be protected from a given vibration source. Therefore, the device 20 should not be interpreted as being limited to any one particular orientation.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 are held in sliding contact by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips 46 or pins (hereinafter referred to as "clips" for simplicity's purposes). In at least one such embodiment, the first arm 48 of each clip 46 is slidably positioned between the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28 along the lateral edge 50 of the first composite layer 22, while the second arm 52 of each clip 46 is slidably positioned between the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34 along the lateral edge 54 of the second composite layer 24, so that the first lower plate 28 and the second upper plate 32 are positioned between the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 of each clip 46. Therefore, in such embodiments, the clip 46 is configured to maintain sliding contact between the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28 and the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the clip 46 helps prevent any relative vertical displacement between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24, while also providing tensile and compressive constraints for vertical movement while the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 slide laterally relative to each other. In at least one alternative embodiment, the clip 46 may take any other size, shape, dimensions, quantity, and / or relative position, currently known or to be developed, or any other mechanism, structure, or material, currently known or to be developed, that can maintain sliding contact between the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28 and the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32. In this regard, the device 20 may be designed to adapt its rigidity and energy dissipation in different directions by changing one or more of the size, shape, dimensions, quantity, and / or relative position of the clip 46.Additional design parameters for optimization include (but are not limited to) the distance between one or more of the first upper plate 26, the first lower plate 28, the second upper plate 32, the second lower plate 34, the first arm 48, and the second arm 52, the orientation of the first and second arms 48 and 52 of each clip 46, and the coefficient of friction of the contact surfaces. The lateral and longitudinal rigidity of the plane can be optimized to achieve optimal insulation performance.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented clips 46 are interconnected with each other by at least one elastic retainer 56 positioned and configured to bias the clips 46, and then position the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 in a neutral position, with the center of the first composite layer 22 substantially linearly aligned with the center of the second composite layer 24, and each of the clips 46 is moved entirely inward toward the imaginary vertical centerline of the device 20 so as to substantially contact the lateral edges 50 and 54 of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. Thus, in at least one embodiment, in addition to being configured to maintain sliding contact between the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28 and the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32, the clips 46 are further configured to bias the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 (via at least one retainer 56) in a neutral position. In addition, the clips 46 provide continuous support to the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24, avoiding any risk of instability during large displacements. In at least one embodiment, at least one retainer 56 is an elongated elastic band (e.g., a rubber band) extending around the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. In at least one such embodiment, as best shown in Figure 8, each of the clips 46 provides at least one retainer groove 58 that is dimensioned and configured to receive at least one retainer 56, so as to maintain the proper position of at least one retainer 56 relative to the clip 46. In at least one further embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the device 20 provides two retainers 56. In at least one alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 29, at least one retainer 56 is a tension spring fixed between two or more clips 46. In at least one alternative embodiment, two compression springs are arranged in two vertical directions.In yet another embodiment, at least one retainer 56 can take any other size, shape, dimension, quantity, and / or relative position, currently known or to be developed, or may even include any other mechanism, structure, or material, currently known or to be developed, that can bias the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 to a neutral position.

[0028] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the lower surface 44 of the second lower plate 34 is positioned to be in direct or indirect contact with the vibration source, and the upper surface 42 of the first upper plate 26 is positioned to be in direct or indirect contact with the object to be protected. When vibration occurs, the second composite layer 24 is subjected to displacement, causing the corresponding clips 46 to slide. In at least one embodiment, the clips 46 provide continuous load-bearing capacity during sliding to prevent stability problems even with large displacements. Without the support capacity provided by the clips 46, the device 20 would suffer a significant reduction in stiffness in the direction perpendicular to the plates, and / or a tipping and rotational effect between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. The clips 46 also help control the vertical stiffness of the device 20. Their sliding with the first composite layer 22 or the second composite layer 24 ensures high vertical stiffness, even with large displacements, depending on the direction of vibration. In addition, the shape and number of the clips 46, as described below, allow for control of stiffness and energy dissipation in different directions.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, in at least one embodiment, the device 20 has a symmetrical configuration in which the vibration source can be applied to the lower surface 44 of the second lower plate 34 or the upper surface 42 of the first upper plate 26, or both. An example of a first load configuration is when the vibration source is ground shaking (with the device 20 positioned substantially horizontally) and the object to be protected is positioned on the upper surface 42 of the first upper plate 26. In this configuration, the expandable layers of the device 20 (i.e., the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 that slide laterally) can be optimized to have high lateral flexibility and large lateral displacement while maintaining stability under the vertical load of the object. In different configurations, the expandable layers of the device 20 can be oriented vertically or in different directions.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, at least one unit cell 21 of the apparatus 20 provides at least one intermediate plate 60 arranged to slide in contact between the lower surface 38 of a first lower plate 28 and the upper surface 40 of a second upper plate 32 in order to facilitate and optimize the lateral sliding motion between the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24, while also decomposing any displacement into predetermined components. In at least one embodiment, at least one intermediate plate 60 is further configured to control the relative lateral displacement of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. In at least one such embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the intermediate plate 60 provides at least one first fastener 62 arranged and configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one first fastener 64 provided by the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28, thereby limiting the displacement distance by which the first composite layer 22 can slide laterally relative to the second composite layer 24. Similarly, in at least one such embodiment, the intermediate plate 60 provides at least one second fastener 66 positioned and configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one second fastener 68 provided by the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32, thereby limiting the displacement distance by which the second composite layer 24 can slide laterally relative to the first composite layer 22. In further alternative embodiments, each of the at least one first stop 62 and the second stop 66 may take any other size, shape, dimension, quantity, and / or relative position currently known or to be developed, or may include any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can limit the relative lateral displacement of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24.

[0031] As shown in Figure 17, in at least one such alternative embodiment, the first lower plate 28 provides at least one pair of spaced-apart first fasteners 62 positioned along the edges of the first lower plate 28 and cooperating to form a linear first guide 80 between them. The first guide 80 is dimensioned and configured to slidably engage with a corresponding first stop 62 of the intermediate plate 60, thereby allowing the first stop 62 to ride within the first guide 80, as shown in Figure 18, and limiting the displacement distance by which the first composite layer 22 can slide laterally relative to the second composite layer 24. In at least one embodiment, the first lower plate 28 provides two pairs of spaced-apart first catches 62 positioned along laterally opposed edges of the first lower plate 28 and defining a pair of first guides 80 configured to slidably engage with a pair of corresponding laterally opposed first stoppers 62 provided by the intermediate plate 60. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, continuing with reference to Figure 18, the second upper plate 32 provides at least one pair of spaced-apart second fasteners 68 positioned along the edges of the second upper plate 32 and cooperating to form a linear second guide 82 between them. The second guide 82 is dimensioned and configured to slidably engage with a corresponding second stop 66 of the intermediate plate 60, thereby allowing the second stop 66 to ride within the second guide 82, as shown in Figure 18, and limiting the displacement distance by which the second composite layer 24 can slide laterally relative to the first composite layer 22. In at least one embodiment, the second upper plate 32 provides two pairs of spaced-apart second catches 68 positioned along laterally opposed edges of the second upper plate 32 and defining a pair of second guides 82 configured to slidably engage with a pair of corresponding laterally opposed second stoppers 66 provided by the intermediate plate 60.As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in at least one such embodiment, the lateral edge of the first lower plate 28 on which the pair of first guides 80 are located differs from the lateral edge of the second upper plate 32 on which the pair of second guides 82 are located, thereby enabling the device 20 to achieve lateral displacement in multiple directions. In further alternative embodiments, each of at least one of the first guides 80 and the second guides 82 may take on any other size, shape, dimension, quantity, and / or relative position currently known or to be developed, or may further include any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can limit the relative lateral displacement of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24.

[0032] As shown in Figure 20, in at least one such alternative embodiment, at least one first guide 80 is a recessed slot located within the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28 and configured therein to slidably receive a corresponding at least one first stop 62 of the intermediate plate 60. Similarly, in at least one such alternative embodiment, at least one second guide 82 is a recessed slot located within the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32 and configured therein to slidably receive a corresponding at least one second stop 66 of the intermediate plate 60. In at least one such embodiment, at least one first guide 80 is oriented laterally in a direction substantially transverse to at least one second guide 82, thereby enabling the device 20 to achieve lateral displacement in multiple directions. In at least one alternative embodiment, at least one first guide 80 and at least one second guide 82 are recessed slots positioned on the intermediate plate 60, the corresponding first stop 62 is positioned on the lower surface 38 of the first lower plate 28, and the corresponding second stop 66 is positioned on the upper surface 40 of the second upper plate 32.

[0033] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in at least one further alternative embodiment, the intermediate plate 60 is composed of a vibration-absorbing metamaterial 84 similar to the vibration-absorbing metamaterial apparatus described in the applicant's U.S. Patent No. 11,300,176. In at least one further alternative embodiment, the intermediate plate 60 may be composed of other energy-absorbing metamaterials that are currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, as best shown in Figure 1, the first arm 48 of each clip 46 has a thickness close to the distance between the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28 so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the first composite layer 22 (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the second composite layer 24). Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the second arm 52 of each clip 46 has a thickness approximating the distance between the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34 so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the second composite layer 24. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 of each clip 46 are spaced apart such that the distance between the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 approximates the combined thickness of the first lower plate 28 and the second upper plate 32 so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. In at least one alternative embodiment, the clip 46 is sized and configured to allow an amount of vertical displacement of one or both of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. In at least one such alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first arm 48 of each clip 46 has a thickness less than the distance between the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28, while the distance between the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 is greater than the combined thickness of the first lower plate 28 and the second upper plate 32, thereby allowing an amount of vertical displacement of the first composite layer 22. In at least one other such alternative embodiment, the second arm 52 of each clip 46 has a thickness less than the distance between the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34, while the distance between the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 is greater than the combined thickness of the first lower plate 28 and the second upper plate 32, thereby allowing for a vertical displacement of the second composite layer 24. Thus, in such an embodiment, the device 20 allows for relative vertical displacement in combination with lateral displacement to create a multidimensional energy dissipation mechanism.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the clips 46 are configured to allow vertical displacement of the first composite layer 22, and the first arm 48 of each clip 46 provides a downwardly inclined shoulder 70 positioned and configured to assist in the vertical displacement of the first composite layer 22 and bias of the subsequent clip 46 toward the neutral position. Similarly, in at least one embodiment, the clips 46 are configured to allow vertical displacement of the second composite layer 24, and the second arm 52 of each clip 46 provides a downwardly inclined shoulder 70 positioned and configured to assist in the vertical displacement of the second composite layer 24 and bias of the subsequent clip 46 toward the neutral position. In at least one alternative embodiment, one or more of the shoulders 70 may instead be inclined upward.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a simplified embodiment of the device 20, which is very compact in shape and can expand under dynamic excitation while maintaining stability under compressive loads (not tensile loads) from a support object. In at least one such simplified embodiment, the first composite layer 22 provides only a single upper plate 72, and the second composite layer 24 provides only a single lower plate 74 that slides into contact with the upper plate 72 of the first composite layer 22. In at least one such embodiment, the upper plate 72 provides projections 76 (e.g., pins) that contact the lower plate 74, thereby creating a space in which the arms 78 of each clip 46 are slidably positioned between them.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 7, the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 are substantially circular in shape, and a plurality of clips 46 are arranged radially around the periphery of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24. Thus, in such an embodiment, the first composite layer 22 or the second composite layer 24 has the ability to slide or rotate in any radial direction, or a combination of both, based on the direction of vibration. The clips 46 are forced to slide in order to actuate the shape transformation of the device 20. Specifically, the shape transformation shown in Figure 9 is the expansion of the layers activated by shear deformation. Further shape transformations induced by shear deformation and gravity, or a combination thereof, are shown in Figures 10 and 11. The flexible elements allow the device 20 to reversibly morph.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, as shown in the figures, the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 are substantially rectangular in shape, with clips 46 positioned at each corner of the first and second composite layers 24. In at least one such embodiment, as best shown in Figure 17, at least one first connector 30 between the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28, and at least one second connector 36 between the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34, are substantially cross-shaped to guide the displacement of the first and second composite layers 22 and the second composite layer 24 to create a three-dimensional rail guide slide mechanism. An example of multi-directional lateral displacement in such an embodiment is shown in the figures. Referring to Figures 19A and 19B, the first composite layer 22 is shown sliding laterally relative to the second composite layer 24.

[0039] As described above, in a further embodiment, at least one first connector 30 may be any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can connect the first upper plate 26 and the first lower plate 28, and at least one second connector 36 may be any other mechanism, structure, or material currently known or to be developed that can connect the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 34. In at least one such further embodiment, one or both of the at least one first connector 30 and the second connector 36 are molded to produce an optimal guide along which the first arm 48 and the second arm 52 of the pin 46 can slidably move, thereby controlling the deformability of the device 20. Exemplary embodiments of such first connectors 30 and second connectors 36 are shown in the figure, along with the corresponding clips 46. 23-27. As shown in Figure 26, in at least one such embodiment, when the shapes of the first composite layer 22 and the second composite layer 24 are substantially circular, the first connector 30 and the second connector 36 allow any in-plane displacement. In other embodiments, the shapes of the first connector 30 and the second connector 36 have at least one or more arms (i.e., two cross-shaped arms in Figures 22 and 23, and eight arms in Figures 25 and 27) that guide the sliding of the clip 46 and prevent any rotation of the device 20 around an axis perpendicular to the first and second composite layers 22 and 24.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, one or more of the first composite layer 22, the second composite layer 24, the clip 46, and the at least one intermediate plate 60 are made of a relatively rigid material. In at least one such embodiment, the material is a relatively low-friction material, thereby assisting the sliding engagement between the components. In at least one alternative embodiment, instead of being made of a relatively low-friction material, one or more of the first composite layer 22, the second composite layer 24, the clip 46, and the at least one intermediate plate 60 are coated or lined with a relatively low-friction material such as TEFLON® or nylon.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the device 20 is used as a vibration isolation layer, the shape morphing device 20 relies on shear deformation or lateral displacement caused by vibration, and gravity, or a combination thereof, to actuate the shape morphing mechanism. A shear strain applied in one direction causes the layer to expand in one or more directions to continuously support the load. The expansion is driven by sliding the components in response to changes in the applied dynamic force. In some embodiments used in other applications such as robotic machinery, an external source for actuation may be used, including pneumatic, thermal, electrical, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes an application of shear deformation to the layer, or an application of shear deformation by compressing or stretching the layer or combination.

[0042] Therefore, in at least one embodiment, the device 20 is relatively lightweight and compact in shape and can expand under dynamic excitations it may be subjected to while maintaining stability under compressive and tensile loads from a support object. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the device 20 can provide a scalable, practical, and cost-effective mechanical metamaterial for shock and vibration control that can be manufactured in mass-producible volumes. It should be noted that the dimensions, shapes, dimensions, volumes, and relative positions of the device 20 and its various components (including, but not limited to, the first composite layer 22, the second composite layer 24, the clip 46, at least one retainer 56, and at least one intermediate plate 60) are merely illustrative examples as depicted in the drawings (as described herein). In further embodiments, each of the device 20 and its various components may take any other size, shape, dimension, volume, and / or relative position currently known or to be developed in the future, at least in part, depending on the specific circumstances in which the device 20 is to be used, insofar as the device 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 28, the apparatus 20 includes a plurality of unit cells 21 arranged in a side-by-side configuration. For illustrative purposes, the plurality of unit cells 21 arranged in a side-by-side configuration are referred to herein as a “cell layer” 86. In at least one such embodiment, all unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 are oriented substantially in the same direction. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, a given cell layer 86 may comprise a plurality of unit cells 21 that are aligned side-by-side and joined to one another via one or both of the respective first or second composite layers 22 or 24. In at least one alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 28, the unit cells 26 of a given cell layer 86 are joined to one another via at least one retainer 56 that not only connects clips 46 within the same unit cell 21 but is also woven around other unit cells 21 to form the cell layer 86. In at least one embodiment, the unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 may be oriented longitudinally with respect to the length of the cell layer 86. In at least one alternative embodiment, the unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 may be oriented perpendicular to the length of the cell layer 86. In at least one further alternative embodiment, the unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 may be oriented longitudinally and perpendicularly in an alternating pattern with respect to the length of the cell layer 86. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 may be arranged continuously with respect to one another, while in at least one alternative embodiment, one or more of the unit cells 21 of a given cell layer 86 may be arranged discontinuously. These cell layers 86 may take substantially any size, shape, dimensions, quantity, and / or relative position, currently known or to be developed, at least in part depending on the specific circumstances in which the device 20 is used, insofar as the device 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein. Similar to the unit cells 26 of a given cell layer 86, in at least one embodiment, two or more cell layers 86 may be arranged contiguously with respect to one another, while in at least one alternative embodiment, two or more cell layers 86 may be arranged discontinuously.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 comprises a plurality of cell layers 86 arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. In at least one embodiment, the cell layers 86 are oriented such that all unit cells 21 in a given cell layer 86 are oriented in substantially the same direction as the unit cells 21 of other cell layers 86. In at least one alternative embodiment, the cell layers 86 are oriented such that the unit cells 21 of at least some of the cell layers 86 are oriented in a different direction from the unit cells 21 of other cell layers 86, for example, in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the unit cells 21 of each directly adjacent cell layer 86, at least in part depending on the specific circumstances in which the apparatus 20 is used. In at least one embodiment, the lower surface 44 of a second lower plate 34 of a unit cell 21 in a given cell layer 86 is fixed to or otherwise engaged with the upper surface 42 of a first upper plate 26 of a unit cell 21 in an adjacent cell layer 86, the lower surface 44 of a second lower plate 34 of a unit cell 21 in a bottom cell layer 86 is positioned to be in direct or indirect contact with a vibration source, and the upper surface 42 of a first upper plate 26 of a unit cell 21 in the uppermost cell layer 86 is positioned to be in direct or indirect contact with at least one object to be protected.

[0045] It should be noted again that the size, shape, and dimensions of the apparatus 20, including the respective size, shape, dimensions, and quantity of each of the unit cells 21 and cell layers 86, depend at least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be used. For example, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be configured as a cushion pallet for an object, or alternatively as a protective box. Thus, in further embodiments, each of the unit cells 21 and cell layers 86 may take any other size, shape, dimensions, position, and / or quantity, currently known or to be developed, insofar as the apparatus 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein. In at least one embodiment in which the apparatus 20 includes a plurality of unit cells 21 and / or cell layers 86, one or more of the unit cells 21 and / or cell layers 86 may optionally provide different characteristics or properties compared to one or more of the other unit cells 21 and / or cell layers 86 that govern the dynamic force control of the apparatus 20, consisting of stiffness, damping, and strength.

[0046] Embodiments of this specification may also be described as follows:

[0047] 1. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: a first composite layer providing a first upper plate and a first lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate; a second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate; an upper surface of the first upper plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with the at least one object; a lower surface of the second lower plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with the upper surface of the second upper plate; and the first composite layer being the second A shape deformation device comprising at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, which are selectively slidable laterally with respect to the composite layer in at least one direction, and whose lower surface of the first lower plate and upper surface of the second upper plate are in direct or indirect contact with each other so as to directly or indirectly hold the lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate, and at least two clips interconnected with each other by at least one elastic retainer arranged and configured to bias the at least two clips, and then the first composite layer and the second composite layer are brought into sliding contact with each other in a neutral position.

[0048] 2. The shape deformation device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first upper plate and the first lower plate are connected by at least one first connector extending between the center of the first upper plate and the center of the first lower plate.

[0049] 3. The shape-deforming device according to Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the at least one first connector is a pin.

[0050] 4. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second upper plate and the second lower plate are connected by at least one second connector extending between the center of the second upper plate and the center of the second lower plate.

[0051] 5. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one second connector is a pin.

[0052] 6. The shape deformation device according to Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first arm of each clip is slidably positioned between the first upper plate and the first lower plate along the lateral edge of the first composite layer, and the second arm of each clip is spaced apart from the first arm and slidably positioned between the second upper plate and the second lower plate along the lateral edge of the second composite layer, thereby positioning the first lower plate and the second upper plate between the first arm and the second arm of each clip.

[0053] 7. The shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first arm of each clip has a thickness close to the distance between the first upper plate and the first lower plate so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

[0054] 8. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the second arm of each clip has a thickness close to the distance between the second upper plate and the second lower plate so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the second composite layer.

[0055] 9. The shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first and second arms of each clip are spaced apart such that the distance between the first and second arms approaches the combined thickness of the first lower plate and the second upper plate, in order to minimize or prevent displacement of the first and second composite layers in the vertical direction.

[0056] 10. In the shape deformation apparatus described in Embodiments 1 to 9, the clips are sized and configured to allow a vertical displacement relative to one or both of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0057] 11. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the first arm of each clip has a thickness less than the distance between the first upper plate and the first lower plate, and the distance between the first arm and the second arm of each clip is greater than the combined thickness of the first lower plate and the second upper plate, thereby allowing for vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

[0058] 12. A shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the first arm of each clip provides a downwardly inclined shoulder portion that is positioned and configured to assist the vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

[0059] 13. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the second arm of each clip has a thickness less than the distance between the second upper plate and the second lower plate, and the distance between the first arm and the second arm of each clip is greater than the combined thickness of the first lower plate and the second upper plate, thereby allowing for vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

[0060] 14. A shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the second arm of each clip provides a downwardly inclined shoulder portion that is positioned and configured to assist the vertical displacement of the second composite layer.

[0061] 15. The shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the at least one retainer is an elongated elastic band extending around the outer periphery of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0062] 16. A shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 15, wherein each clip provides at least one retainer groove, which is dimensioned and configured to receive at least one retainer, such that it maintains the proper position of at least one retainer relative to the clip.

[0063] 17. The shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 16, further comprising at least one intermediate plate arranged to be in sliding contact between the lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate in order to facilitate lateral sliding between the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0064] 18. A shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 17, wherein at least one intermediate plate is provided with at least one first fastener configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one first fastener provided by the lower surface of a first lower plate, thereby limiting the displacement distance by which the first composite layer can slide laterally relative to the second composite layer.

[0065] 19. A shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 18, wherein at least one intermediate plate is provided with at least one second fastener that is arranged and configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one second fastener provided by the upper surface of a second upper plate, thereby limiting the displacement distance by which the second composite layer can slide laterally relative to the first composite layer.

[0066] 20. A shape-deforming apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the first composite layer and the second composite layer are substantially circular in shape, and each has a plurality of clips arranged radially around the periphery of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0067] 21. The shape-deforming apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the first composite layer and the second composite layer are substantially rectangular in shape, and clips are positioned at each corner of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0068] 22. The shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 21, wherein each of the at least one first connector and the second connector is substantially cross-shaped.

[0069] 23. A shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 22, wherein one or more of the first composite layer, the second composite layer, the clip, and at least one intermediate plate are made of a relatively rigid material.

[0070] 24. The shape deformation apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the material is a relatively low-friction material.

[0071] 25. A shape-deforming apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 24, wherein one or more of the first composite layer, the second composite layer, the clip, and at least one intermediate plate are coated or lined with a relatively low-friction material.

[0072] 26. A shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 25, wherein at least one first connector is made of an elastic, deformable material to allow minimal deformation between the first upper plate and the first lower plate.

[0073] 27. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 26, wherein at least one second connector is made of an elastic, deformable material to allow minimal deformation between the second upper plate and the second lower plate.

[0074] 28. A shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 27, wherein a first lower plate provides at least one pair of spaced first fasteners arranged along the edge of the first lower plate and cooperating to form a linear first guide between them, the first guide being dimensioned and configured to slidably engage with a corresponding first fastener on an intermediate plate, thereby allowing the first fastener to rest within the first guide.

[0075] 29. A shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 28, wherein a first lower plate provides two pairs of spaced-apart first fasteners that define a pair of first guides, each configured to be slidably engaged with a pair of corresponding laterally opposed first fasteners provided by an intermediate plate, the first lower plate being positioned along laterally opposed edges of the first lower plate.

[0076] 30. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the second upper plate provides at least one pair of spaced second fasteners arranged along the edge of the second upper plate and cooperating to form a linear second guide between them, the second guide being dimensioned and configured to slidably engage with the corresponding second fasteners of the intermediate plate.

[0077] 31. A shape-deforming device according to embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the second upper plate provides two pairs of spaced-apart second fasteners that define a pair of second guides, which are positioned along laterally opposed edges of the second upper plate and configured to slidably engage with a pair of corresponding laterally opposed second fasteners provided by the intermediate plate.

[0078] 32. In the shape deformation apparatus described in Embodiments 1 to 31, the side edge of the first lower plate on which a pair of first guides are arranged is different from the side edge of the second upper plate on which a pair of second guides are arranged.

[0079] 33. In the shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 32, at least one first guide is a concave slot located within the lower surface of the first lower plate and configured to slidably receive at least one corresponding first stop of the intermediate plate.

[0080] 34. The shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the at least one second guide is a concave slot located within the upper surface of the second upper plate and configured to slidably receive the corresponding at least one second stop of the intermediate plate therein.

[0081] 35. The shape deformation device according to embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the at least one first guide is oriented laterally in a direction substantially transverse to the at least one second guide.

[0082] 36. A shape deformation apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 35, comprising a plurality of unit cells arranged in a parallel configuration, thereby forming at least one cell layer.

[0083] 37. In the shape deformation apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 36, the unit cells of a given cell layer are joined to one another not only by connecting clips within the same unit cell, but also by at least one retainer that is woven around other unit cells to form a cell layer.

[0084] 38. A shape deformation apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 37, comprising a plurality of cell layers arranged in a vertically stacked configuration.

[0085] 39. In the shape deformation apparatus described in Embodiments 1 to 38, at least one of the intermediate plate, the first connector, and the second connector is made of a vibration-absorbing metamaterial.

[0086] 40. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: a first composite layer providing a first upper plate and a first lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate; a second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate; an upper surface of the first upper plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with the at least one object; a lower surface of the second lower plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with the upper surface of the second upper plate; the first composite layer being selectively slidable laterally in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer, such that the lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate are held directly or indirectly. A shape-deforming device that brings the first and second composite layers into a neutral position, in sequence, comprising: at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, the lower surface of the lower plate of the first and the upper surface of the second upper plate being in direct or indirect contact with each other; a first arm of each clip slidably positioned between the first upper plate and the first lower plate along the lateral edge of the first composite layer; a second arm of each clip spaced apart from the first arm and slidably positioned between the second upper plate and the second lower plate along the lateral edge of the second composite layer, such that the first lower plate and the second upper plate are positioned between the first and second arms of each clip; at least two clips interconnected by at least one elastic retainer configured to bias the clips; and the first and second composite layers.

[0087] 41. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: a first composite layer providing a first upper plate and a first lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the first upper plate; a second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate vertically spaced apart and connected to the second upper plate; the upper surface of the first upper plate which can be positioned to directly or indirectly abut against the at least one object; and the second lower plate which can be positioned to slide in contact with the lower surface of the second lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate. The apparatus comprises at least one intermediate plate arranged to slide in contact with the lower surface of the plate, wherein the first composite layer is capable of selectively sliding in a lateral direction parallel to the second composite layer in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer, the first lower plate and upper surface of the second upper plate by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, and at least two clips interconnected with each other by at least one elastic retainer arranged and configured to bias the clips, and then the first composite layer and the second composite layer are brought to a neutral position.

[0088] Finally, with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown and described herein, it will be understood that the shape-deforming device is disclosed and configured to provide shock and vibration protection. Since the principles of the invention can be implemented in several configurations beyond those shown and described, it should be understood that the invention is by no means limited by the exemplary embodiments and, in general, covers shape-deforming devices and can take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the specific geometric shapes and materials of the disclosed structures and, instead, may involve other functionally equivalent structures or materials that are currently known or to be developed in the future, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0089] Specific embodiments of the Invention, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the Invention, are described herein. Of course, variations of these described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the preceding description. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will appropriately use such variations, and the inventors intend that the Invention may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the Invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the claims appended herein, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein, or unless it is clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the above embodiments in all possible variations is incorporated into the Invention.

[0090] The grouping of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referred to individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein and may be claimed. One or more members of a group may be included in or excluded from a group for convenience and / or patentability reasons. In the event of such inclusion or exclusion, this specification shall be deemed to include the group as modified to satisfy the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0091] Unless otherwise specified, all numbers used herein and in the claims to represent features, items, quantities, parameters, characteristics, terms, etc., should be understood in all cases to be modified by the terms “about” and “approximately,” where “about” and “approximately” as used herein means that the feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or term thus modified encompasses a range of ±10 percent of the value of the described feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or term. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described herein and in the appended claims are variable approximations. At the very least, each numerical representation should be interpreted in light of the number of significant figures reported and by applying ordinary rounding techniques, not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims. Although the numerical ranges and values ​​representing the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values ​​shown in specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical range or number inherently includes certain errors that inevitably arise from the standard deviation found in each test measurement. Numerical range citations in this specification are intended solely as a concise way of individually referring to each separate numerical value that falls within that range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value within a numerical range is incorporated herein as if it were individually enumerated herein. Similarly, where used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “substantially” is a term intended to indicate an approximation of a so-called qualified characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, feature, or term that can be understood and interpreted by a person skilled in the art, or at least encompasses a range of ±10 percent above and below the value of the described characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, feature, or term.

[0092] The use of the terms “possible” or “possible” with respect to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also has the alternative meaning of “impossible” or “impossible.” Therefore, where this specification discloses that an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may or may be included as part of the subject matter of the invention, a negative limitation or exclusive condition is also expressly implied, meaning that the embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may or may not be included as part of the subject matter of the invention. Similarly, the use of the terms “optionally” with respect to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may or may not be included as part of the subject matter of the invention. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusive condition applies depends on whether the negative limitation or exclusive condition is stated in the claimed subject matter.

[0093] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar references used in the context describing the present invention (in particular in the context of the following claims) should be construed to encompass both singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or unless the context clearly contradicts this. Furthermore, ranking indicators such as “first,” “second,” and “third” for identified elements are used to distinguish elements and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, nor do they indicate a particular position or rank of such elements unless specifically stated. All methods described herein may be performed in any preferred order unless otherwise indicated herein or unless the context clearly contradicts this. Any and all examples or illustrative words provided herein (e.g., “etc.”) are intended merely to clarify the present invention and do not limit the scope of the otherwise claimed invention. Nothing in this specification should be construed to indicate an unclaimed element essential to the practice of the present invention.

[0094] When used in the claims, whether filed or added by amendment, the non-restrictive transitional term "including" (along with equivalent non-restrictive transitional phrases such as "including," "containing," and "having") encompasses all of the explicitly enumerated elements, limitations, steps, and / or features, either alone or in combination with unenumerated subject matter, where the enumerated elements, limitations, and / or features are mandatory, but other unnamed elements, limitations, and / or features may be added to still form the structure of the claims. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims by using closed-end transitional phrases "consisting of" or "essentially consisting of" instead of "including," or as an amendment to "including." When used in the claims, whether filed or added by amendment, the closed-end transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes elements, limitations, steps, or features not expressly described in the claims. The closed-end transition phrase “essentially consisting of” limits the scope of the claims to the explicitly enumerated elements, limitations, steps, and / or features, as well as any other elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-end transition phrase “comprising” is defined as encompassing all the specifically enumerated elements, limitations, steps, and / or features, as well as any additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-end transition phrase “consisting of” is defined only as including those elements, limitations, steps, and / or features specifically enumerated in the claims, whereas the meaning of the closed-end transition phrase “essentially consisting of” is defined only as including those elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the open-end transition phrase “comprising” (with its equivalent open-end transition phrase) includes, in the limited case, the claimed subject matter.Thus, embodiments described herein or claimed with the phrase “including” are expressly or essentially clearly described herein with respect to the phrases “essentially consisting of” and “consisting of.”

[0095] Claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S. SC § 112(f) begin with the phrase “means for,” but the use of the term “for” in other contexts is not intended to be treated under 35 U.S. SC § 112(f). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to seek additional claims after filing this application, either in this application or a continuation application.

[0096] Any methods disclosed herein are purely illustrative, along with the order in which each element of any such method is performed. Depending on the practice, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0097] All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference, individually and in whole, for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, compositions and methodologies described in such publications that may be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. In this regard, the inventors should not be construed as acknowledging that they do not have prior rights to such disclosures, either by prior art or for any other reason. All statements relating to dates or expressions relating to the contents of these documents are based on information available to the applicant and do not constitute any acknowledgment of the accuracy of the dates or contents of these documents.

[0098] While aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention should be interpreted in conjunction with the appended claims, where it is clear that the inventors consider the claimed subject matter to be the present invention.

Claims

1. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: At least one unit cell consisting of: A first composite layer comprising a first upper plate and a first lower plate connected to the first upper plate and spaced vertically apart; A second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate connected to the second upper plate and spaced vertically apart; The upper surface of a first upper plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with at least one object; The lower surface of the second lower plate can be positioned by directly or indirectly contacting the vibration source; The lower surface of the first lower plate is in direct or indirect sliding contact with the upper surface of the second upper plate, such that the first composite layer can selectively slide laterally in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer; The upper surfaces of a first lower plate and a second upper plate are held in direct or indirect sliding contact by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, and at least two clips are interconnected with each other by at least one elastic retainer positioned and configured to bias the clips. The first composite layer and the second composite layer are then brought to a neutral position.

2. The shape deformation device according to claim 1, wherein the first upper plate and the first lower plate are connected by at least one first connector extending between the center of the first upper plate and the center of the first lower plate.

3. The shape deformation device according to claim 1, wherein the second upper plate and the second lower plate are connected by at least one second connector extending between the center of the second upper plate and the center of the second lower plate.

4. A shape deformation device according to claim 1: The first arm of each clip is slidably positioned between the first upper plate and the first lower plate along the lateral edge of the first composite layer, and the second arm of each clip is spaced apart from the first arm and slidably positioned between the second upper plate and the second lower plate along the lateral edge of the second composite layer; As a result, the first lower plate and the second upper plate are positioned between the first arm and the second arm of each clip.

5. The shape deformation device according to claim 4, wherein the first arm of each clip has a thickness approximating the distance between the first upper plate and the first lower plate so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

6. The shape deformation device according to claim 4, wherein the second arm of each clip has a thickness approximating the distance between the second upper plate and the second lower plate so as to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the second composite layer.

7. The shape deformation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first arm and the second arm of each clip are spaced apart such that the distance between the first arm and the second arm approaches the combined thickness of the first lower plate and the second upper plate, in order to minimize or prevent vertical displacement of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

8. The shape morphing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the clip is sized and configured to allow a certain amount of vertical displacement relative to one or both of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

9. A shape deformation device according to claim 8: The first arm of each clip has a thickness less than the distance between the first upper plate and the first lower plate, and the distance between the first arm and the second arm of each clip is greater than the combined thickness of the first lower plate and the second upper plate, thereby allowing for vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

10. The shape deformation device according to claim 9, wherein the first arm of each clip provides a downwardly inclined shoulder portion configured to assist the vertical displacement of the first composite layer.

11. The shape deformation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retainer is an elongated elastic band extending around the outer periphery of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

12. The shape deformation device according to claim 11, wherein each of the clips provides at least one retainer groove that is dimensioned and configured to receive the at least one retainer in order to maintain the proper position of the at least one retainer relative to the clip.

13. The shape deformation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one intermediate plate arranged to slide in contact between the lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate in order to facilitate lateral sliding between the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

14. The shape deformation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one intermediate plate is configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one first fastener provided by the lower surface of the first lower plate, thereby limiting the displacement distance over which the first composite layer can slide laterally relative to the second composite layer.

15. The shape deformation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one intermediate plate is provided with at least one second fastener configured to selectively contact a corresponding at least one second fastener provided by the upper surface of the second upper plate, thereby limiting the displacement distance by which the second composite layer can slide laterally relative to the first composite layer.

16. The shape-deforming device according to claim 1, wherein the first composite layer and the second composite layer are substantially circular in shape and have a plurality of clips arranged radially around the periphery of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

17. The shape-deforming device according to claim 1, wherein the first composite layer and the second composite layer are substantially rectangular in shape, and clips are positioned at each corner of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

18. The shape-deforming device according to claim 17, wherein each of the at least one first connector and the second connector is substantially cross-shaped.

19. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: At least one unit cell consisting of: A first composite layer comprising a first upper plate and a first lower plate connected to the first upper plate and spaced vertically apart; A second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate connected to the second upper plate and spaced vertically apart; The upper surface of a first upper plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with at least one object; The lower surface of the second lower plate can be positioned by directly or indirectly contacting the vibration source; The lower surface of the first lower plate is in direct or indirect sliding contact with the upper surface of the second upper plate, such that the first composite layer can selectively slide laterally in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer; The lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate are held in direct or indirect sliding contact by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, the first arm of each clip is slidably positioned between the first upper plate and the first lower plate along the lateral edge of the first composite layer, the second arm of each clip is spaced apart from the first arm and slidably positioned between the second upper plate and the second lower plate along the lateral edge of the second composite layer, the first lower plate and the second upper plate are slidably positioned between the first arm and the second arm of each clip, and at least two clips are interconnected by at least one elastic retainer configured to bias the clips. Shape deformation device.

20. A shape deformation device for reducing the transmission of vibrational force between a vibration source and at least one object, comprising: At least one unit cell consisting of: A first composite layer comprising a first upper plate and a first lower plate connected to the first upper plate and spaced vertically apart; A second composite layer providing a second upper plate and a second lower plate connected to the second upper plate and spaced vertically apart; The upper surface of a first upper plate that can be positioned in direct or indirect contact with at least one object; The lower surface of the second lower plate can be positioned by directly or indirectly contacting the vibration source; At least one intermediate plate positioned to slide in contact between the lower surface of the first lower plate and the upper surface of the second upper plate, such that the first composite layer can selectively slide laterally in at least one direction relative to the second composite layer; At least one intermediate plate held in sliding contact between the lower surface of a first lower plate and the upper surface of a second upper plate by at least two laterally opposed and laterally oriented U-shaped clips, at least two clips interconnected with each other by at least one elastic retainer configured to bias the clips, and then the first composite layer and the second composite layer are brought to a neutral position. Shape deformation device.

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