Liquid-Mechanical Isolators

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to fluid-mechanical isolators and discloses shock and vibration isolators and their use for isolating loads from vibration and shock, wherein the isolator comprises a fluid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, wherein the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly are arranged in series. The mechanical spring assembly comprises a first spring and a second spring, the first spring and the second spring being arranged such that compression of the mechanical spring assembly simultaneously directly compresses the first spring and indirectly compresses the second spring via an intermediate actuator, such that the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to isolator devices and methods for isolating systems from shock and vibration. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolator devices that include both a liquid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly. Background Art

[0002] Vibration isolation can be used to isolate a target system from its environment to eliminate the effects of earthquake vibrations, traffic vibrations, or even vibrations caused by footsteps. Alternatively, vibration isolation can be used to isolate the target system's environment from vibrations and noise generated by the target system. In contrast to vibration, shock is generally considered a transient phenomenon, representing a violent motion or impulse. Shock isolation is often used to protect a system from shocks originating from the environment.

[0003] While a wide variety of isolation systems exist, many consist of simple pads or mounts that incorporate elastomers or other vibration-reducing or damping substances suitable for isolating workbenches or even small engines. Where larger isolation systems are required, the isolation system may include larger, more complex mechanical isolators including spring mounts, pneumatic mounts, suspension mounts, and / or cable (wire) isolators.

[0004] In situations where more robust shock isolation is required, isolators with metal coil springs can be enhanced by increasing the size of the coil springs. Unfortunately, the physical constraints of some systems place limits on the size of shock isolators that can be accommodated in the system. What is needed is a vibration and shock isolator that can provide increased isolation capabilities while maintaining a small footprint. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides shock and vibration isolators for isolating a load from shock and vibration.

[0006] The present disclosure may provide a shock and vibration isolator including a fluid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, wherein the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly are arranged in series. The mechanical spring assembly includes a first spring and a second spring, the first spring and the second spring being arranged such that pressure applied to the mechanical spring assembly simultaneously directly compresses the first spring and indirectly compresses the second spring via an intermediate actuator, such that the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel.

[0007] The present disclosure may provide a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber includes a cylindrical housing; a fluid spring assembly, which is arranged at a first end of the cylindrical housing, the fluid spring assembly including a hole filled with fluid and a piston slidably mounted in the hole; and a mechanical spring assembly, which is arranged at a second end of the cylindrical housing and connected in series with the fluid spring assembly. The mechanical spring assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring sequentially and alignedly arranged in the cylindrical housing, which is configured so that the compression force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the fluid spring assembly causes the first coil spring to act directly on the first coil spring to press the first coil spring against a bearing seat fixed to the cylindrical housing, and the fluid spring assembly simultaneously acts indirectly on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator, which presses the second coil spring against the second end of the cylindrical housing, so that the compression force is applied to the first coil spring and the second coil spring in parallel.

[0008] The present disclosure may provide a method of isolating a load from vibration and shock, including coupling one or more isolators to the load, and coupling one or more isolators to the load environment so that the weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators. Each isolator includes a fluid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, the fluid spring assembly being disposed at a first end of the isolator and including a hole filled with a fluid and a piston slidably mounted within the hole so that an impact transmitted from the environment to the isolator acts in series on the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly. The mechanical spring assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring, which are arranged so that the fluid spring assembly directly compresses the first coil spring between the fluid spring assembly and the bearing seat against translation of the mechanical spring assembly, while indirectly compressing the second coil spring between the intermediate actuator and the second end of the isolator. As a result, the fluid spring assembly is compressed in series with the mechanical spring assembly, and the first coil spring is compressed in parallel with the second coil spring.

[0009] The disclosed features, functions, and advantages of the disclosed isolators and methods may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 An illustrative example of a shock and vibration isolator according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a shock and vibration isolator.

[0012] Figure 3 Semi-schematically depicted isolating an exemplary load from shock and vibration using shock and vibration isolators in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid spring assembly for an isolator according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical spring assembly for an isolator according to the present disclosure prior to compression.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a mechanical spring assembly during compression.

[0016] Figure 7 A flow chart depicting an illustrative method of isolating a load from vibration and shock according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0017] Figure 8 Semi-schematically depicted isolating an exemplary load from shock and vibration using shock and vibration isolators in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] definition

[0019] Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply herein.

[0020] "Substantially" means conforming primarily to a particular size, range, shape, concept or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component does not have to conform exactly as long as it is suitable for its intended purpose or function. For example, an object that is "substantially cylindrical" means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

[0021] “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and variations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms that are not intended to exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, etc., in the order in which they are introduced in a specific context, and are not intended to indicate a sequential or numerical limitation, or to be fixed identifiers of group members.

[0023] "Coupled" means a relationship whereby the performance of one party affects the performance of the other, and may include permanent or releasable connection, whether directly connected or indirectly connected through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connection(s).

[0024] "Compressive force" means the force absorbed by the isolator of the present invention. Compression forces include, but are not limited to, vibration pulses, seismic pulses, shock waves, etc., and such compression forces may be periodic or non-periodic. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Various aspects and examples of shock and vibration isolators, shock isolators, and methods of use thereof are described below and shown in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the disclosed apparatus and / or its various components may, but are not required to, contain one or more of the structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. In addition, unless expressly excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein in conjunction with the present teachings may be included in other similar apparatus and methods, including being interchangeable between the disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or use. In addition, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature, and not all examples and embodiments necessarily provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary shock and vibration isolator 5 is depicted. The isolator 5 includes an isolator housing 10 that at least partially encloses a fluid spring assembly 12 disposed at a first end 14 of the isolator housing 10, and a mechanical spring assembly 16 disposed at a second end 18 of the isolator housing 10. The fluid spring assembly 12 and the mechanical spring assembly 16 are arranged such that the two spring assemblies are connected in series within the housing 10. That is, the fluid spring assembly 12 and the mechanical spring assembly 16 are arranged end-to-end such that a compressive force applied to the isolator 5 is applied to each spring assembly without the magnitude of the compressive force being constant.

[0027] like Figure 3 As schematically shown in , the isolator 5 is generally configured so that the first end 14 of the isolator 5 can be connected to a load 20, wherein the load generally includes a target system. The second end 18 of the isolator 5 is generally configured to be connected to an environment 22 of the load 20. Target systems that can benefit from shock and vibration isolation include vehicle suspension systems and sensitive instruments. Entire buildings or other facilities can employ shock and vibration isolation to provide seismic isolation and / or protection. There are various military and / or aerospace applications for shock and vibration isolation, including vehicle suspension systems, but also including weapon modules or systems. The load 20 may include, but is not limited to, and in any combination, one or more vehicles, buildings, instruments, or weapon systems.

[0028] During use, one or more isolators 5 may be disposed between the load 20 and the load environment 22, so that the load 20 is isolated or protected from shocks and vibrations from the load environment, which would otherwise affect or even damage the load 20. By disposing one or more isolators 5 between the load 20 and the load environment 22, vibrations and shocks originating from the load environment 22 are absorbed and / or damped by the one or more isolators, so that the load 20 is not subjected to vibrations or shocks, or at least subjected to attenuated (damped) vibrations or shocks.

[0029] The incoming shock or vibration manifests as a compressive force 24 applied to the isolator 5. Even though the compressive force 24 may originate external to the load 20, from the reference frame of the load environment 22, the compressive force 24 is still considered to correspond to the movement of the load 20 relative to the surrounding load environment 22. From the perspective of the isolator 5, the compressive force 24 is applied by the load 20 at the first end 14 of the isolator 5, where the load 20 is coupled to the isolator 5.

[0030] The isolator 5 is configured to dampen or absorb relative movement of the load 20 relative to the load environment 22. The isolator 5 can be configured so that it has a longitudinal axis 26. Typically, the first end 14 and the second end 18 of the isolator housing 10 are disposed along the longitudinal axis 26 and are located at the ends of the longitudinal axis 26. During use, the isolator 5 can be oriented so that the longitudinal axis 26 is substantially aligned with a compression vector 28, which is defined as the vector of the compressive force applied to the isolator 5 along the load 20. The longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 can, but is not required to, substantially coincide with the compression vector 28.

[0031] The fluid spring assembly 12 includes a suitable hydraulically based buffer or damper 30, such as Figure 4 Typically, the fluid spring assembly 12 includes a buffer or damper that resists movement in response to compressive forces applied due to viscous friction between a moving part and a viscous fluid.

[0032] The damper 30 of the fluid spring assembly 12 may include a fluid-filled bore 32 and a piston 34 slidably disposed in the fluid-filled bore 32. A compressive force applied to the fluid spring assembly 12 via a piston shaft 35 pushes the piston 34 away from the first end 14 (i.e., inwardly) along a piston translation axis 36, and the movement of the piston 34 is resisted by the viscous fluid 38 filling the bore 32. Figure 4As shown, the piston shaft 35 is configured to push the piston 34 inward when a compressive force is applied to the damper 30 from the second end 18 of the isolator 5. Typically, when a compressive force is to be applied from the second end 18, the load 20 is coupled to the fluid spring assembly 12 via a connection extending along the length of the isolator 5. Alternatively, the piston shaft 35 may be coupled to a piston 34 extending outward toward the first end 14 of the isolator 5, and a compressive force may be applied to the fluid spring assembly 12 from the first end 14.

[0033] The piston 34 can divide the hole 32 into a first fluid-filled compartment 40 and a second fluid-filled compartment 42, wherein the damper 30 is configured such that when a compressive force pushes the piston 34 inward along the piston translation axis 36, the movement of the piston compresses the viscous fluid 38 filling the second compartment 42, thereby damping (resisting) the movement of the piston 34.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the piston 34 may incorporate one or more orifices 44 configured such that inward movement of the piston 34 forces the viscous fluid 38 from the second compartment 42 into the first compartment 40 through the orifices 44 , thereby dampening movement of the piston 34 .

[0035] The viscous fluid 38 of the fluid spring assembly 12 may be selected based on viscosity and stability, and may include one or more natural oils, mineral oils, and / or silicone oils. The fluid 38 may optionally include one or more additives intended to impart desired properties to the fluid 38. One or more additives may be added to impart fire resistance, increase the fluid's operating temperature range, reduce the fluid's operating temperature range, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and other properties to the fluid 38.

[0036] Various alternative damper designs and hydraulic spring designs other than the piston and fluid filled bore disclosed herein may be used in the fluid spring assembly 12 without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed isolator.

[0037] The mechanical spring assembly 16, when considered as a single spring, is coupled in series with the fluid spring assembly 12. That is, when a compressive force is applied to the fluid spring assembly 12, the compressive force is also applied to the mechanical spring assembly 16. However, the mechanical spring assembly 16 also includes two or more mechanical springs, and applying a compressive force on the mechanical spring assembly 16 causes each of the multiple mechanical springs to be compressed in parallel.

[0038] To illustrate the advantageous properties of this configuration of isolator 5, we may first consider a liquid-mechanical isolator having a spring constant k f a fluid spring assembly, a first mechanical spring with a spring constant k1, and a second mechanical spring with a spring constant k2, wherein the isolator is configured such that the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly are arranged in series, andThe first mechanical spring is arranged in series with the second mechanical spring. Since all three spring elements are arranged in series, the spring constant k of the entire isolator can be calculated using the following formula i :

[0039]

[0040] For illustration purposes, we can set the spring constant of the fluid spring assembly and the spring constant of each of the mechanical springs to be equal, each with a spring constant of k. Solving for the effective isolator spring constant k i The following results are obtained:

[0041]

[0042] In contrast, a liquid-mechanical isolator according to the present disclosure will include a mechanical spring assembly in which the first mechanical spring and the second mechanical spring are functionally arranged in parallel, with the mechanical spring assembly as a whole being arranged in series with the fluid spring assembly, as described above. In the case of the liquid-mechanical isolator of the present disclosure, the entire isolator k i The spring constant can be calculated using the following formula:

[0043]

[0044] Similarly, set k f =k1=k2=k, solve for k i The result is:

[0045]

[0046] Therefore, by placing two mechanical springs in parallel rather than in series, the effective spring constant of the resulting isolator is doubled, but not Increased footprint of the isolator itself. Thus, the isolators of the present disclosure may provide increased surge isolation capabilities for critical and / or delicate loads without requiring a larger isolator footprint.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the illustrative example of FIG, the mechanical spring assembly 16 may include a first mechanical spring 50 and a second mechanical spring 52. The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are functionally and effectively arranged in parallel, because applying a compressive force to the mechanical spring assembly 16 may directly compress the first spring 50 and indirectly and simultaneously compress the second spring 52 via the intermediate actuator 54.

[0048] Each of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 can be a mechanical spring. Any mechanical spring that can be configured for use in the mechanical spring assembly 16 is a spring suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure, and the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 do not need to be the same or even the same type of mechanical spring. Typically, each of the spring 50 and the spring 52 is a compression spring, such as a helical coil spring.

[0049] In the case where the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are compression coil springs, each of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 defines a respective longitudinal axis. The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 can be arranged such that the first longitudinal axis 56 of the first spring 50 is aligned with the second longitudinal axis 58 of the second spring 52, and each of the first longitudinal axis 56 and the second longitudinal axis 58 is similarly aligned with the piston translation axis 36. The isolator 5 can be configured such that each of the first longitudinal axis 56, the second longitudinal axis 58, and the piston translation axis 36 is coincident with the other axis. Typically, each of the first longitudinal axis 56, the second longitudinal axis 58, and the piston translation axis 36 is coincident with each other and with the compression vector 28 of the isolator 5.

[0050] The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may each exhibit a spring constant indicative of a spring stiffness. The first spring constant of the first spring 50 and the second spring constant of the second spring 52 may be, but are not required to be, substantially equal. Due to the ability of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 to have different spring constants, the isolator 5 provides a useful ability to adjust and fine-tune the capacity and / or response curve of the isolator 5 by replacing one or more of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 with springs having different strengths.

[0051] The first spring 50 is configured to be compressed between the fluid spring assembly 12 and a fixed bearing block 60 fixed to the isolator housing 10. The bearing block 60 can be fixedly fixed to the isolator housing 10 so that the bearing block 60 does not move under the force applied by the first mechanical spring 50. For example, the bearing block 60 can be coupled to the isolator housing 10 at one or more connection points 62.

[0052] At the same time, as the first spring 50 is directly compressed, the shared compressive force applied by the mechanical spring assembly 16 is indirectly applied to the second spring 52 via the intermediate actuator 54 , which presses the second spring 52 against the inner surface 64 at the second end 18 of the isolator housing 10 .

[0053] Any configuration of the intermediate actuator 54 that can effectively transfer the compressive force of the fluid spring assembly 12 to the second spring 52 is a suitable intermediate actuator. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the intermediate isolator 54 may include an actuator cylinder 66 slidably disposed within the isolator housing 10. The sidewall 68 of the actuator cylinder 66 surrounds at least a portion of the first spring 50 within the housing 10, and the intermediate actuator 54 may be configured such that the actuator sidewall 68 can slidably translate within the isolator housing 10 past the bearing seat 60, thereby being able to compress the second spring 52, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0054] As an example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the actuator cylinder 66 can contact the inner surface 72 of the fluid spring assembly 12 at the first actuator end 70 and contact the inner surface 72 of the second spring 52 at the second actuator end 70. The actuator sidewall 68 of the actuator cylinder 66 can further define one or more longitudinal grooves 74 corresponding to the connection points 62 of the bearing adapter 60 and shaped to accommodate the connection points 62. In this way, the actuator cylinder 66 can translate past the first spring 50, wherein the bearing adapter connection point 62 slides along the longitudinal grooves 74.

[0055] This configuration of the intermediate actuator 54 allows the fluid spring assembly 12 to translate along the compression vector 28 to push the intermediate actuator 54 against the second spring 52 and thereby compress both the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 simultaneously.

[0056] When the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are functionally connected in parallel, the compressive force applied by the fluid spring assembly 12 to the mechanical spring assembly 16 is shared between the first spring 50 and the second spring 52. That is, the total force applied to the mechanical spring assembly 16 is the sum of the compressive forces applied to each of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52. The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may be arranged in any suitable configuration as long as the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are functionally coupled in parallel.

[0057] Although the mechanical spring assembly 16 of the isolator 5 is described as including two mechanical springs, the mechanical spring assembly 16 may include additional mechanical springs, each of which is functionally arranged in parallel because each spring has an intermediate actuator, each spring is compressed between its intermediate actuator and the end surface of the intermediate bearing seat or isolator housing, and each intermediate actuator includes a suitably configured slot or other aperture so that the intermediate actuator can be simultaneously pushed by the fluid spring assembly 12 and can simultaneously translate in the isolator 5 without interfering with the intermediate bearing seat or any other intermediate actuator.

[0058] Preferably, the isolator 5 can be used in an environment where any incoming shock or vibration will not exceed the compression capacity of the isolator. However, it is advantageous to configure the isolator 5 so that during compression of the isolator 5, the compression limit of the fluid spring assembly 12 is reached before the compression limit of the mechanical spring assembly is reached. That is, it is advantageous to configure the isolator 5 so that the mechanical spring assembly 16 exhibits a greater capacity than the fluid spring assembly 12. In other words, the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 can be selected so that if and when the compression capacity of the fluid spring assembly 12 is reached due to mechanical interaction with the piston 34 or due to reaching the compression limit of the viscous fluid 38 in the second compartment 42 of the bore 32, the mechanical spring assembly will still retain additional compression capacity.

[0059] Application Areas

[0060] The presently disclosed hydro-mechanical isolators are particularly useful in isolating a load or target system from shock and vibration. A variety of systems can benefit from isolation of shock and vibration, and as used herein, load 20 can include one or more devices, implements, instruments, weapon systems, or other equipment in any combination and without limitation.

[0061] Figure 7 Flowchart 80 provides a flow chart describing a method of isolating a load from vibration and shock, wherein the method includes coupling one or more isolators to the load at step 82 of flowchart 80, and coupling one or more isolators to the load environment at step 84 of flowchart 80 such that the weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators.

[0062] During use, load 20 is typically coupled directly or indirectly to first end 14 of isolator 5 and second end 18 is coupled directly or indirectly to environment 22 of isolator 5 , wherein isolator 5 may be configured to dampen or absorb relative movement of load 20 relative to load environment 22 .

[0063] In an exemplary installation, and as Figure 3 As shown schematically, each isolator 5 may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 is substantially vertical, the first end 14 is uppermost and the second end 18 is lowermost. In this configuration, the surface fluid spring assembly 12 of each isolator 5 is oriented at the first end 14, and coupling one or more isolators 5 to a load 20 may include resting the load 20 on the fluid spring assembly 12. In this way, the one or more isolators 5 may function substantially similar to shock absorbers on an automobile.

[0064] In an alternative and exemplary installation, if Figure 8As shown schematically, each isolator 5 may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 is substantially vertical, but in this installation, the second end 18 is disposed uppermost and the first end 14 is disposed lowermost. In this configuration, the fluid spring assembly 12 of each isolator 5 is oriented at the lower end of the isolator 5, and coupling one or more isolators 5 to the load 20 may include coupling a loading cable 76 to each fluid spring assembly, extending each loading cable 76 upward within and through each isolator 5 along its longitudinal axis 26, and extending over an associated pulley 78. Each loading cable may then be coupled to the suspended load 20. In this way, relative movement of the load 20 relative to the load environment 22 is applied as a compressive force that the loading cable 76 applies upward to the isolator 5 via the fluid spring assembly 12.

[0065] Examples, Parts, and Alternatives

[0066] The following numbered paragraphs describe selected aspects of the disclosed shock and vibration isolators, and methods of isolating loads from vibration and shock. The examples in these sections are intended to be illustrative, and should not be construed as limiting the overall scope of the disclosure. Each section may include one or more different embodiments or examples, and / or contextual or related information, functions, and / or structures.

[0067] A1. A shock and vibration isolator comprising a fluid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, wherein the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly are arranged in series, and the mechanical spring assembly comprises a first spring and a second spring, wherein the first spring and the second spring are arranged such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly simultaneously directly compresses the first spring and indirectly compresses the second spring via an intermediate actuator, such that the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel.

[0068] A2. An isolator according to paragraph A1, wherein the spring constant of the first spring and the spring constant of the second spring are substantially equal.

[0069] A3. An isolator according to paragraph A1, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring of the mechanical spring assembly is a compression coil spring having a longitudinal axis, and the first spring and the second spring are arranged so that the longitudinal axes of the first spring and the second spring coincide.

[0070] A4. An isolator according to paragraph A1, wherein the fluid spring assembly includes a hole filled with fluid and a piston slidably mounted in the hole, so that the piston divides the hole into a first compartment and a second compartment, so that compression of the fluid spring assembly moves the piston in the hole and compresses the fluid in the second compartment of the hole.

[0071] A5. An isolator according to paragraph A4, wherein the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied along a single compression vector; each of the first spring and the second spring is a compression coil spring. The isolator is configured so that the piston of the fluid spring assembly and the coil of each of the first spring and the second spring are aligned with the single compression vector.

[0072] A6. An isolator according to paragraph A4, wherein the isolator is configured such that during compression of the isolator, the compression limit of the fluid spring component is reached before the compression limit of the mechanical spring component is reached.

[0073] A7. An isolator according to paragraph A1, wherein the isolator has a longitudinal axis and is oriented so that the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical, the fluid spring assembly is disposed at the lower end of the isolator, and the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied upwardly to the fluid spring assembly.

[0074] A8. An isolator according to paragraph A7, wherein the compressive force is applied upward to the fluid spring assembly via a loading cable coupled to the fluid spring assembly, wherein the loading cable extends within and through the isolator along a longitudinal axis of the isolator.

[0075] A9. The isolator of paragraph A1, further comprising an isolator housing, wherein the fluid spring assembly is configured to press the first spring directly against a bearing seat fixed to the isolator housing.

[0076] A10. The isolator of paragraph A9, wherein the fluid spring assembly is configured to indirectly compress the second spring by pushing the intermediate actuator against the second spring to press the second spring against an inner surface of the isolator housing.

[0077] A11. An isolator according to paragraph A10, wherein the intermediate actuator includes a cylinder that is slidably disposed within the isolator, surrounds at least a portion of the first spring, and is configured to slidably translate through the bearing seat to compress the second spring.

[0078] A12. An isolator according to paragraph A11, wherein the bearing seat is connected to the isolator housing at one or more points and the intermediate actuator cylinder defines one or more grooves along the length of the cylinder to accommodate the points for attaching the bearing seat so that the cylinder can slide and translate through the bearing seat.

[0079] B1. A shock absorber, comprising a cylindrical shell; a fluid spring assembly, which is arranged at a first end of the cylindrical shell, the fluid spring assembly comprising a hole filled with fluid and a piston slidably mounted in the hole; and a mechanical spring assembly, which is arranged at a second end of the cylindrical shell and is connected in series with the fluid spring assembly, wherein the mechanical spring assembly comprises a first coil spring and a second coil spring arranged sequentially and aligned in the cylindrical shell, and is configured so that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the fluid spring assembly causes the first coil spring to act directly on the first coil spring to press the first coil spring against a bearing seat fixed to the cylindrical shell, and the fluid spring assembly simultaneously acts indirectly on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator, which presses the second coil spring against the second end of the cylindrical shell, so that the compressive force is applied to the first coil spring and the second coil spring in parallel.

[0080] B2. A shock absorber according to paragraph B1, wherein the bearing seat is coupled to the cylindrical housing, and the intermediate actuator includes a sliding cylinder concentrically mounted within the cylindrical housing, the sliding cylinder being configured to slidably translate along the bearing seat to compress the second coil spring.

[0081] B3. A shock absorber according to paragraph B1, wherein the shock absorber is configured to be suspended vertically so that the first end of the cylindrical shell is disposed at the lowermost end of the shock absorber, and further includes a loading cable connected to the fluid spring assembly at the lowermost end of the shock absorber and extending upward through the shock absorber.

[0082] B4. A shock absorber according to paragraph B3, wherein the loading cable extends along the longitudinal axis of the first coil spring, the second coil spring, the intermediate actuator and the cylindrical housing.

[0083] C1. A method of isolating a load from vibration and shock, comprising coupling one or more isolators to the load, and coupling one or more isolators to the load environment so that the weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators, wherein each isolator includes a fluid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, the fluid spring assembly being disposed at a first end of the isolator and including a bore filled with a fluid and a piston slidably mounted within the bore, such that shock transmitted from the environment to the isolator acts in series on the fluid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly, wherein the mechanical spring assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring, the first coil spring and the second coil spring being arranged such that translation of the fluid spring assembly relative to the mechanical spring assembly will directly compress the first coil spring between the fluid spring assembly and the bearing seat, while indirectly compressing the second coil spring between the intermediate actuator and the second end of the isolator, such that when the fluid spring assembly is compressed in series with the mechanical spring assembly, the first coil spring is compressed in parallel with the second coil spring.

[0084] C2. A method according to paragraph C1, wherein connecting one or more isolators to a load environment includes attaching one or more isolators to a solid surface so that the fluid spring assembly is disposed below the mechanical spring assembly; and connecting one or more isolators to the load includes suspending the load from one or more loading cables, each loading cable extending upward and over a corresponding pulley member, and then extending downward through the center of each isolator and attached to the fluid spring assembly of the isolator.

[0085] C3. A method according to paragraph C1, wherein connecting one or more isolators to a load environment includes arranging each isolator substantially vertically on a solid surface so that the fluid spring assembly of each isolator is on the top, and connecting one or more isolators to the load includes resting the load on the one or more fluid spring assemblies.

[0086] C4. The method of paragraph C1, wherein coupling one or more isolators to a load comprises coupling one or more isolators to a target system comprising one or more vehicles, buildings, instruments, and weapon systems.

[0087] Advantages, Features, Benefits

[0088] The various embodiments and examples of shock and vibration isolators and methods of use described herein provide several advantages over those incorporated with previous isolator designs.

[0089] As described above, by arranging the two mechanical springs of the mechanical spring assembly in parallel, rather than placing them in series, it is possible to No The spring constant of the resulting isolator is significantly increased while increasing the footprint of the isolator itself. Thus, the isolators of the present disclosure can not only provide enhanced shock and vibration isolation to protect sensitive or critical systems, but can also enhance the protection of such systems without the need for larger isolators, which is particularly advantageous when reinstalling or retrofitting existing systems where space may be at a premium.

[0090] in conclusion

[0091] The disclosure set forth above may include multiple different examples with independent utility. Although each of them has been disclosed in its preferred form (one or more), the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein should not be considered restrictive, because many variations are possible. With regard to the section titles used in this disclosure, such titles are only used for organizational purposes. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various elements, features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed herein. The accompanying claims specifically point out certain combinations and sub-combinations that are considered to be novel and non-obvious. In applications claiming priority to this application or a related application, other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and / or characteristics may be claimed. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, identical or different in scope than the original claims, are also considered to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A shock and vibration isolator (5), comprising: Fluid spring assembly (12); Mechanical spring assembly (16); and Isolator housing (10), wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) and the mechanical spring assembly (16) are arranged in series; and The mechanical spring assembly (16) includes a first spring (50) and a second spring (52), the first spring and the second spring being functionally arranged in parallel, such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly simultaneously directly compresses the first spring (50) and indirectly compresses the second spring (52) via an intermediate actuator (54), such that the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel, wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) is configured to directly compress the first spring (50) against a bearing seat (60) fixed to the isolator housing, The intermediate actuator (54) comprises a cylinder (66) which: slidably disposed within the isolator; surrounding at least a portion of the first spring (50); and The bearing seat (60) is configured to slidably translate through the bearing seat (60) to compress the second spring (52).

2. The isolator of claim 1, wherein a spring constant of the first spring (50) and a spring constant of the second spring (52) are substantially equal.

3. An isolator according to claim 1, wherein each of the first spring (50) and the second spring (52) of the mechanical spring assembly (16) is a compression coil spring having a longitudinal axis, and the first spring and the second spring are arranged so that the longitudinal axes (56, 58) of the first spring and the second spring coincide.

4. An isolator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) includes a bore (32) filled with a fluid and a piston (34) slidably mounted in the bore, so that the piston divides the bore into a first compartment (40) and a second compartment (42), so that compression of the fluid spring assembly causes the piston to move within the bore and compress the fluid in the second compartment of the bore.

5. An isolator according to claim 4, wherein the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied along a single compression vector (28); each of the first spring (50) and the second spring (52) is a compression coil spring; and the isolator is configured so that the piston (34) of the fluid spring assembly (12) and the coils of each of the first spring and the second spring are aligned with the single compression vector (28).

6. The isolator of claim 4, wherein the isolator is configured such that during compression of the isolator, the compression limit of the fluid spring assembly (12) is reached before the compression limit of the mechanical spring assembly (16) is reached.

7. An isolator according to claim 1, wherein the isolator has a longitudinal axis (26) and the isolator is oriented so that the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical, the fluid spring assembly (12) is disposed at a lower end of the isolator, and the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied upward to the fluid spring assembly.

8. An isolator according to claim 7, wherein the compressive force is applied upward to the fluid spring assembly (12) by a loading cable (76) connected to the fluid spring assembly, wherein the loading cable extends within and through the isolator (5) along the longitudinal axis (26) of the isolator.

9. The isolator of claim 1, wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) is configured to indirectly compress the second spring (52) by pushing an intermediate actuator (54) against the second spring (52) to press the second spring against an inner surface (64) of the isolator housing (10).

10. An isolator according to claim 1, wherein the bearing seat (60) is connected to the isolator housing (10) at one or more points (62), and the cylinder (66) of the intermediate actuator defines one or more grooves (74) along the length of the cylinder to accommodate the points of attachment of the bearing seat so that the cylinder can slidably translate through the bearing seat.

11. A shock absorber (5), comprising: A cylindrical housing (10); a fluid spring assembly (12) disposed at the first end (14) of the cylindrical housing, the fluid spring assembly comprising a fluid-filled bore (32) and a piston (34) slidably mounted within the bore; and a mechanical spring assembly (16) disposed at the second end (18) of the cylindrical housing and connected in series with the fluid spring assembly (12); wherein the mechanical spring assembly (16) comprises a first coil spring (50) and a second coil spring (52) arranged sequentially and aligned in the cylindrical housing, which are arranged functionally in parallel, so that the compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the fluid spring assembly acts directly on the first coil spring to press the first coil spring against a bearing seat (60) fixed to the cylindrical housing, and the fluid spring assembly simultaneously acts indirectly on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator (54), the intermediate actuator pressing the second coil spring against the second end (18) of the cylindrical housing, so that the compressive force is applied in parallel to the first coil spring (50) and the second coil spring (52), wherein the bearing housing (60) is coupled to the cylindrical housing (10), and the intermediate actuator (54) comprises a sliding cylinder (66) concentrically mounted within the cylindrical housing, the sliding cylinder: slidably disposed within the shock absorber; surrounding at least a portion of the first coil spring (50); and The bearing seat (60) is configured to slidably translate through the bearing seat (60) so as to compress the second coil spring (52).

12. A method of isolating a load from vibration and shock, comprising: coupling (82) one or more isolators (5) to the load (20); as well as coupling (84) the one or more isolators (5) to a load environment (22) such that the weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators; wherein each isolator comprises a fluid spring assembly (12) and a mechanical spring assembly (16); The fluid spring assembly is disposed at a first end (14) of the isolator (5) and includes a fluid-filled bore (32) and a piston (34) slidably mounted in the bore such that an impact transmitted from the load environment (22) to the isolator acts on the fluid spring assembly (12) and the mechanical spring assembly (16) in series; wherein the mechanical spring assembly (16) includes a first coil spring (50) and a second coil spring (52), the first coil spring and the second coil spring being functionally arranged in parallel such that translation of the fluid spring assembly (12) relative to the mechanical spring assembly (16) will directly compress the first coil spring (50) between the fluid spring assembly and the bearing seat (60) while indirectly compressing the second coil spring (52) between the intermediate actuator (54) and the second end (64) of the isolator; so that when the fluid spring assembly (12) and the mechanical spring assembly (16) are compressed in series, the first coil spring (50) and the second coil spring (52) are compressed in parallel, The intermediate actuator (54) comprises a cylinder (66) which: slidably disposed within the isolator; surrounding at least a portion of the first coil spring (50); and The bearing seat (60) is configured to slidably translate through the bearing seat (60) so as to compress the second coil spring (52).

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