Rigidity-adjustable flexible connector and rigidity adjusting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a rigidity-adjustable flexible connector and a rigidity adjusting method, and relates to the technical field of connectors. Comprising a connector body, an elastic hardening part, an auxiliary chamber, a first one-way pressure release valve and an adjustable threshold value one-way pressure release valve, and a first containing space is formed in the connector body; the elastic hardening part is arranged in the first accommodating space; a second containing space is formed in the auxiliary chamber, the first one-way pressure release valve and the threshold-adjustable one-way pressure release valve are both communicated with the first containing space and the second containing space, and the first one-way pressure release valve only allows a pressed medium in the second containing space to enter the first containing space; and the threshold-adjustable one-way pressure release valve only allows the pressed medium in the first accommodating space to enter the second accommodating space. Through the three-section type pressure-resistant curve design, dynamic adjustment of rigidity is achieved, variable loads in the external environment can be effectively coped with, and the problem that an existing connector is single in rigidity and cannot be automatically adjusted is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method. Background Art

[0002] In marine engineering, rail transit, vehicle connections, building structures and other complex load environments, various structural connection devices need to withstand variable external loads and provide reasonable stiffness adjustment capabilities under different working conditions. For example, ultra-large marine floating structures (such as offshore floating platforms, floating wind power foundations, offshore bridges, and deep-sea aquaculture facilities) are subject to dynamic loads such as wind, waves, tides, and ocean currents for a long time. The stiffness characteristics of the connector directly affect the motion response and overall stability of the structure. Rail transit and vehicle connections (such as train cars, subway vehicles, maglev trains, heavy-duty transport vehicles, and aircraft docking structures) are subject to complex loads such as vibration and impact during operation. The non-adjustable stiffness of the connector may lead to a decrease in driving stability, increased structural fatigue damage, and even affect system safety. Under the action of earthquakes, wind loads, and mechanical loads, the connection parts of building structures (such as high-rise buildings, bridges, skywalks, and deformable structures) need to have buffering and energy dissipation capabilities to reduce stress concentration and extend service life. In addition, flexible connectors are also needed in large-scale mechanical equipment, robotic joints, aerospace equipment, flexible infrastructure (such as flexible pipes, space station docking mechanisms) and other fields to meet the dynamic stiffness adjustment requirements under different working conditions.

[0003] Existing connectors typically employ fixed stiffness designs, making it difficult to provide reasonable stiffness adjustment under complex operating conditions. This can lead to structural instability, impact damage, or fatigue failure in extreme environments. While some existing flexible connectors offer some cushioning capabilities, their stiffness adjustment methods are limited, preventing them from dynamically adjusting stiffness based on external loads, limiting their applicability in complex environments.

[0004] Regarding the above-mentioned related technologies, there are problems in that the existing connectors have poor buffering effect and single stiffness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method, aiming to solve the problem of single stiffness of existing connectors.

[0006] The present application provides a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method using the following technical solutions: A flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, comprising:

[0007] A connector body, the connector body being used to connect two adjacent structural units, the connector body having a first accommodating space formed therein, the first accommodating space being filled with a pressurized medium;

[0008] an elastic hardening member, the elastic hardening member being arranged in the first accommodating space;

[0009] an auxiliary chamber, wherein a second accommodating space is formed in the auxiliary chamber, and the second accommodating space is filled with the pressurized medium;

[0010] a first one-way pressure relief valve, the first one-way pressure relief valve connecting the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and configured to allow only the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space to enter the first accommodating space;

[0011] An adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, wherein the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space to enter the second accommodating space, wherein the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve is adjustable.

[0012] Optionally, the connector body includes:

[0013] a first sealing plate, the first sealing plate being used to connect with one of the structural units;

[0014] a second sealing plate, the second sealing plate being used to connect with another of the structural units;

[0015] an elastic accommodating member, at least one of which is provided, and the at least one elastic accommodating member is provided between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate;

[0016] The first accommodation space is formed between the first sealing plate, the second sealing plate and the elastic accommodation member.

[0017] Optionally, at least two elastic accommodating members are provided, and two adjacent elastic accommodating members are connected to each other.

[0018] Optionally, a hoop is provided at the periphery of the connection between two adjacent elastic receiving members.

[0019] Optionally, the first sealing plate is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member;

[0020] The second sealing plate is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member.

[0021] Optionally, a medium filling port is provided on the second sealing plate, the medium filling port is communicated with the first accommodating space, and a medium sealing plug is detachably provided on the medium filling port.

[0022] Optionally, the auxiliary chamber is provided on the second sealing plate, and the first one-way pressure relief valve and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve are both provided on the auxiliary chamber.

[0023] Optionally, the first one-way pressure relief valve is connected to the auxiliary chamber and the connector body;

[0024] The adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve connects the auxiliary chamber and the connector body.

[0025] A method for adjusting the stiffness of a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, applied to any of the flexible connectors with adjustable stiffness as described above, the method comprising:

[0026] Adjusting the pressure of the fluid flowing into the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space to ensure that the pressure of the fluid in the first accommodating space is equal to the pressure of the fluid in the second accommodating space;

[0027] Determining a pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, and adjusting the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve;

[0028] The elastic stiffening members are selected to have different stiffnesses.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0030] Two adjacent structural units are connected respectively through the connector body.

[0031] When two adjacent structural units produce relative movement, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness will be squeezed. According to the degree of squeezing of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, the compression process can be divided into three stages, namely the initial stage, the pressure relief and energy consumption stage, and the hardening stage.

[0032] In the initial stage, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is in the elastic stage and can bear part of the load under normal conditions.

[0033] As the connector body is further squeezed, when the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space minus the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space is greater than the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, it enters the pressure relief energy consumption stage. During this stage, the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space will flow into the second accommodating space for release.

[0034] When the surface of the connector body contacts the elastic hardening member, it enters the hardening stage.

[0035] Finally, when the relative movement of adjacent structural units causes the length of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness to be lengthened compared to the previous moment, the volume of the first accommodating space will increase and the fluid pressure will decrease. When the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space is less than the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space, the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space will flow along the first one-way pressure relief valve into the first accommodating space.

[0036] As the external load changes, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness has the characteristic of changing its stiffness according to the different stages, so that timely adjustments can be made according to the changes in external load.

[0037] The problem that the existing connector has a single stiffness and cannot be automatically adjusted is solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in an embodiment of the present application, in which the auxiliary chamber is located within the first accommodation space;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in an embodiment of the present application, in which the auxiliary chamber is located outside the first accommodation space;

[0041] Figure 3 is a compression curve of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in an embodiment of the present application in a compressed state;

[0042] Figure 4 is a rebound curve of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the embodiment of the present application in a rebound state;

[0043] Figure 5 The load-displacement curve of the elastic accommodation member is obtained by performing three sets of compression-rebound cyclic loading tests in sequence when the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space are filled with the same fluid pressure of 0.3 MPa in the embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged graph of the load-displacement curve of the elastic receiving member near the origin;

[0045] Figure 7This is a flow chart of a stiffness adjustment method for a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Description of reference numerals:

[0047] 1. Connector body; 11. First sealing plate; 12. Second sealing plate; 121. Medium filling port; 122. Pressure relief port; 13. Elastic accommodating member; 131. Hoop; 2. Elastic hardening member; 3. Auxiliary chamber; 4. First one-way pressure relief valve; 5. Adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] The present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The embodiments of the present application disclose a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness includes a connector body 1, an elastic hardening part 2, an auxiliary chamber 3, a first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and an adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5, the connector body 1 is used to connect two adjacent structural units, a first accommodating space is formed in the connector body 1, and the first accommodating space is filled with a pressurized medium; the elastic hardening part 2 is arranged in the first accommodating space; a second accommodating space is formed in the auxiliary chamber 3, and the second accommodating space is filled with a pressurized medium; the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space to enter the first accommodating space; the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space to enter the second accommodating space, wherein the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is adjustable.

[0052] Two adjacent structural units are connected respectively through the connector body 1 .

[0053] When two adjacent structural units produce relative movement, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness will be squeezed. According to the degree of squeezing of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, the compression process can be divided into three stages, namely the initial stage, the pressure relief and energy consumption stage, and the hardening stage.

[0054] In the initial stage, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is in the elastic stage and can bear part of the load under normal conditions.

[0055] As the connector body 1 is further squeezed, when the pressure in the first accommodating space minus the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space is greater than the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5, it enters the pressure relief energy consumption stage. During this stage, the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space will flow into the second accommodating space for pressure relief.

[0056] When the surface of the connector body 1 contacts the elastic hardening member 2 , the hardening stage begins.

[0057] Finally, when the relative movement of adjacent structural units causes the length of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness to be lengthened compared to the previous moment, the volume of the first accommodating space will increase and the fluid pressure will decrease. When the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space is less than the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space, the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space will flow along the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 into the first accommodating space.

[0058] As the external load changes, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness has the characteristic of changing its stiffness according to the different stages, so that timely adjustments can be made according to the changes in external load.

[0059] The problem that the existing connector has a single stiffness and cannot be automatically adjusted is solved.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector body 1 includes a first sealing plate 11, a second sealing plate 12, and an elastic accommodating member 13. The first sealing plate 11 is used to connect to one of the structural units; the second sealing plate 12 is used to connect to the other structural unit; at least one elastic accommodating member 13 is provided, and at least one elastic accommodating member 13 is disposed between the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12; a first accommodating space is formed between the first sealing plate 11, the second sealing plate 12, and the elastic accommodating member 13.

[0061] Specifically, the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 are cylindrical in shape, the elastic accommodating member 13 is shaped as a cylindrical airbag with a middle portion passing through, and both ends of the elastic accommodating member 13 are respectively arranged on two opposite surfaces of the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 .

[0062] The two adjacent structural units are respectively arranged on a side of the first sealing plate 11 facing away from the second sealing plate 12 and a side of the second sealing plate 12 facing away from the first sealing plate 11 .

[0063] A first mounting bracket may be provided on the side of the first sealing plate 11 facing away from the second sealing plate 12, and the first sealing plate 11 is connected to one of the structural units through the first mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket may be provided on the side of the second sealing plate 12 facing away from the first sealing plate 11, and the second sealing plate 12 is connected to another structural unit through the second mounting bracket.

[0064] The pressure medium refers to the contents filled in the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space, and the pressure medium is a fluid (fluid includes gas and liquid).

[0065] In this embodiment, the pressure medium is a gas such as air.

[0066] The elastic receiving member 13 is made of rubber, which has good elasticity. In this embodiment, the elastic receiving member 13 is an elastic airbag. If the pressure medium is a liquid, an elastic airbag or other elastic receiving member capable of containing liquids can also be used. When the flexible connector is subjected to tension or compression (tension or compression refers to the direction from one adjacent structural unit to the other), the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 will move toward or away from each other.

[0067] When the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 move closer to each other, that is, when the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is compressed, the elastic accommodating member 13 will be compressed, the volume of the first accommodating space will be reduced, and the pressurized medium will be compressed. As the compression amount changes, its pressure bearing capacity will also change, so that it can adapt to more complex working conditions.

[0068] In one implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the auxiliary chamber 3 is arranged in the first accommodating space.

[0069] Specifically, the auxiliary chamber 3 is detachably arranged on the second sealing plate 12 , and the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and the one-way pressure relief valve with an adjustable threshold value 5 are both arranged on the auxiliary chamber 3 .

[0070] The auxiliary chamber 3 is arranged at the center of the second sealing plate 12 , and the elastic hardening member 2 is detachably arranged on the auxiliary chamber 3 , so that the auxiliary chamber 3 and the elastic hardening member 2 can be easily replaced and repaired.

[0071] The elastic hardening part 2 is used to abut against the first sealing plate 11. When the first sealing plate 11 abuts against the elastic hardening part 2, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness enters the elastic hardening stage. According to different actual needs, the different stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness can be achieved in the elastic hardening stage by selecting hardening parts of different materials (that is, selecting different stiffness).

[0072] In another implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the auxiliary chamber 3 is located outside the connector body 1 , and the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 are both arranged between the auxiliary chamber 3 and the connector body 1 .

[0073] Specifically, a pressure relief port 122 is provided on the first sealing plate 11 or the second sealing plate 12 of the connector body 1, and the pressure relief port 122 is connected to the first accommodating space. One end of the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 is provided on the pressure relief port 122, and the other end is connected to the auxiliary chamber 3. One end of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is provided on the pressure relief port 122, and the other end is connected to the auxiliary chamber 3.

[0074] Furthermore, a first connecting pipe can be set between the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and the pressure relief port 122, and between the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and the auxiliary chamber 3 according to actual needs; a second connecting pipe can be set between the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 and the pressure relief port 122, and between the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 and the auxiliary chamber 3 according to actual needs to improve the overall adaptability.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing plate 11 is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member 13 ; the second sealing plate 12 is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member 13 .

[0076] Specifically, each end of the elastic receiving member 13 is provided with a flange, which is generally annular in shape. One side of the flange is bonded to the edge of the end of the elastic receiving member 13, and the flange and the elastic receiving member 13 are bonded near the inner ring of the ring. Screw holes are provided near the outer edge of the flange, and the side of the flange facing away from the elastic receiving member 13 can be screwed to the surface of the first sealing plate 11 or the second sealing plate 12, respectively.

[0077] After the two flanges at both ends of the elastic accommodation member 13 are screwed to the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 respectively, a first accommodation space is formed between the first sealing plate 11, the second sealing plate 12 and the elastic accommodation member 13.

[0078] Furthermore, a sealing gasket can be provided between the flange and the first sealing plate 11 or the second sealing plate 12. The sealing gasket is in the same annular shape as the flange and is made of rubber. The provision of the sealing gasket can further prevent outside air from entering the first accommodation space through the gap between the flange and the sealing plate, thereby enhancing the airtightness of the first accommodation space.

[0079] The first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 are both detachably connected to the elastic receiving member 13 , which facilitates replacement of the elastic receiving member 13 , thereby enabling different compression lengths to be set in the pressure relief and energy consumption stages by replacing different elastic receiving members 13 .

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least two elastic receiving members 13 are provided, and two adjacent elastic receiving members 13 are connected to each other.

[0081] Specifically, by changing the number of elastic accommodating members 13, different volume differences between the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space can be designed, thereby setting different compression lengths in the pressure relief and energy consumption stages. The number of elastic accommodating members 13 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0082] In one implementation of this embodiment, two elastic accommodating members 13 are provided, the two elastic accommodating members 13 are concentrically arranged, and the two elastic accommodating members 13 are connected to each other, one side of one elastic accommodating member 13 is connected to the first sealing plate 11, and one side of the other elastic accommodating member 13 is connected to the second sealing plate 12.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a hoop 131 is provided on the periphery of the connection between two adjacent elastic receiving members 13 .

[0084] Specifically, the hoop 131 is provided to tighten the connection between two adjacent elastic receiving members 13. Due to the complexity of actual work and the complex and variable external loads, the elastic receiving members 13 may be repeatedly compressed and deformed, resulting in severe wear at the connection between the two adjacent elastic receiving members 13. The provision of the hoop 131 can better protect the connection between the two adjacent elastic receiving members 13, reduce wear, and extend the service life of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second sealing plate 12 is provided with a medium filling port 121 , which is communicated with the first accommodating space. A medium sealing plug is detachably provided on the medium filling port 121 .

[0086] Specifically, the medium filling port 121 is used to introduce the pressurized medium into the first accommodating space.

[0087] In this embodiment, since the pressurized medium is air, an air intake device such as an air intake pump can be used to introduce the pressurized medium into the first accommodating space through the medium filling port 121 to achieve filling of the pressurized medium.

[0088] After the pressurized medium in the first accommodation space is fully replenished, the medium filling port 121 is sealed with a medium seal, so that the pressurized medium in the first accommodation space does not flow into the outside through the closed medium filling port 121 .

[0089] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the workflow of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is as follows:

[0090] Before the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness works, gas with the same pressure value is filled into the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space. It should be noted that when filling gas into the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space, the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve can be designed to be 0 MPa first. After the gas with the same fluid pressure is filled, the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve can be adjusted again by remote control.

[0091] When the elastic accommodating member 13 is compressed by external impact, the elastic accommodating member 13 undergoes three stages during the change process, namely, an elastic stage, a pressure relief and energy consumption stage, and a hardening stage.

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the horizontal axis represents the displacement deformation X of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, and the vertical axis represents the load F that the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness resists against the external load. Among them, the stage from the origin to point A on the horizontal axis is the elastic stage, the stage from point A to point B is the pressure relief and energy dissipation stage, and the stage from point B to point C is the hardening stage. Figure 3 The slope k of each stage of the middle curve is the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness at each stage.

[0093] When the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is just subjected to an external pressure load (the pressure load has the tendency to drive the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 to move closer to each other), the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is in an elastic stage (reflected in the Figure 3 The middle is the OA segment).

[0094] When the deformation of the elastic accommodating member 13 is not greater than A, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness at this stage moves toward each other as the external pressure load continues to increase, and the first sealing plate 11 and the second sealing plate 12 move, the elastic accommodating member 13 is compressed and deformed, and the pressure in the first accommodating space increases with the compression of the elastic accommodating member 13. However, the pressure value in the first accommodating space in the elastic stage does not exceed the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve will not be turned on, and the gas in the first accommodating space will not be discharged to the second accommodating space.

[0095] The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the elastic stage has its stiffness controlled by the fluid pressure in the first accommodation space. Different stiffness can be achieved by pre-filling the pressure medium with different pressures. The greater the fluid pressure, the greater the stiffness. Figure 3 The steeper the slope k of the middle OA segment (ie, the greater the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness).

[0096] Specifically, it is explained that the greater the pressure of the fluid filled in advance into the first accommodating space, the smaller the length by which the elastic accommodating member 13 can be compressed under the pressure of the same external load, and the greater the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness; conversely, the smaller the pressure of the fluid filled in advance into the first accommodating space, the greater the length by which the elastic accommodating member 13 can be compressed under the pressure of the same external load, and the smaller the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness.

[0097] As the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is continuously compressed, the fluid pressure in the first accommodation space gradually increases until the fluid pressure in the first accommodation space is greater than the pressure relief threshold preset by the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness enters the second stage, i.e., the pressure relief energy consumption stage (reflected in Figure 3 The middle is the AB segment).

[0098] The stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the pressure relief and energy consumption stage is controlled by factors such as the pressure relief rate. The pressure relief rate can be changed by adjusting the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5. When the opening and closing degree becomes smaller, the fluid in the first accommodating space does not have time to flow into the auxiliary chamber 3. At this time, the slope of the AB section is larger, and the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is larger; and when the opening and closing degree becomes larger, the fluid in the first accommodating space can quickly flow into the auxiliary chamber 3. At this time, the slope of the AB section is smaller, and the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is smaller.

[0099] It should be noted that the pressure relief and energy dissipation phase is the ductile stage, where a gradual change in stiffness is achieved by setting different pressure relief rates. The design of the ductile stage is similar to the concept of ductility in concrete structures, enabling controlled deformation under load to absorb and dissipate energy, thereby preventing sudden structural failure. The ductile stage controls the rate of change of the stiffness of the adjustable-stiffness flexible connector by adjusting the opening and closing of the adjustable-threshold single-way pressure relief valve. This allows for a gradual release of energy as the load increases, avoiding stress concentration caused by sudden changes in stiffness.

[0100] The design of the ductile section significantly improves the impact resistance and fatigue life of the connector, ensuring that the overall stability of the structure is maintained under extreme load conditions.

[0101] As the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness continues to be compressed, the first sealing plate 11 will contact the upper surface of the elastic hardening member 2, and the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness will enter the third stage, namely the hardening stage (reflected in Figure 3 The middle is the BC segment).

[0102] The stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness at this stage is controlled by the elastic hardening member 2 ; different stiffnesses in the hardening stage can be achieved by selecting elastic hardening members 2 with different stiffnesses.

[0103] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the relative movement of adjacent structural units causes the flexible connector to generate tension, the elastic accommodating member 13 rebounds, increasing the volume of the first accommodating space and reducing the fluid pressure. When the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space is lower than the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space, the fluid in the second accommodating space flows along the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 into the first accommodating space.

[0104] When the elastic accommodating member 13 is stretched to the initial state, the internal fluid pressure thereof will be restored to the initial state (the initial state is that the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space are filled with fluid of the same fluid pressure).

[0105] Depend on Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be clearly seen that the curve of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness has an obvious three-segment curve during the compression process, and when the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is in the rebound process, the elastic receiving part 13 rebounds to the origin and the fluid pressure can also be restored to the initial state.

[0106] And, by Figure 6 It can be seen that when the elastic accommodation member is always within the elastic variation range, the three sets of compression and rebound test curves are very similar, which is sufficient to prove the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, a method for adjusting the stiffness of a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is applied to any of the flexible connectors with adjustable stiffness as described above, the method comprising:

[0108] S100: Adjust the pressure of the fluid flowing into the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and ensure that the pressure of the fluid in the first accommodating space is equal to the pressure of the fluid in the second accommodating space.

[0109] Specifically, the compression process of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is divided into three stages, namely the elastic stage, the pressure relief and energy consumption stage, and the hardening stage. The factors affecting the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in each stage are different. For the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the elastic stage, its stiffness is mainly affected by the fluid pressure in the first and second accommodating spaces. Under the condition that the fluid pressure in the first and second accommodating spaces is consistent, the greater the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space, the greater the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness. Therefore, by adjusting the fluid pressure entering the first and second accommodating spaces in the initial state, the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the elastic stage can be changed.

[0110] S200 , determining the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 , and adjusting the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 .

[0111] Specifically, the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is first determined according to different actual needs.

[0112] Afterwards, since the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness in the pressure relief and energy consumption stage is affected by the pressure relief rate of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5, when the pressure relief rate of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is small, the fluid in the first accommodating space does not have time to flow into the auxiliary chamber 3. At this time, the slope of the pressure relief and energy consumption stage is larger, and the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is larger; and when the pressure relief rate becomes larger, the fluid in the first accommodating space can quickly flow into the auxiliary chamber 3. At this time, the slope of the pressure relief and energy consumption stage is smaller, and the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is smaller.

[0113] The pressure relief rate of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is affected by the opening and closing degree. The greater the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5, the greater the pressure relief rate and the greater the rigidity. The smaller the opening and closing degree, the smaller the pressure relief rate and the smaller the rigidity.

[0114] Therefore, after the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is set, the gas flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 .

[0115] S300, selecting elastic hardening parts 2 with different stiffness.

[0116] Specifically, for the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness during the hardening stage, since the first sealing plate 11 abuts against the elastic hardening member 2, the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is directly affected by the stiffness of the elastic hardening member 2. The greater the stiffness of the elastic hardening member 2, the greater the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness; the smaller the stiffness of the elastic hardening member 2, the smaller the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness during the hardening stage can be changed by selecting elastic hardening members 2 with different stiffnesses.

[0117] To sum up, a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness includes a connector body 1, an elastic hardening part 2, an auxiliary chamber 3, a first one-way pressure relief valve 4 and an adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5. The connector body 1 is used to connect two adjacent structural units. A first accommodating space is formed in the connector body 1, and the first accommodating space is filled with a pressurized medium; the elastic hardening part 2 is arranged in the first accommodating space; a second accommodating space is formed in the auxiliary chamber 3, and the second accommodating space is filled with a pressurized medium; the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space to enter the first accommodating space; the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space to enter the second accommodating space, wherein the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5 is adjustable.

[0118] Two adjacent structural units are connected respectively through the connector body 1 .

[0119] When two adjacent structural units produce relative movement, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness will be squeezed. According to the degree of squeezing of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, the compression process can be divided into three stages, namely the initial stage, the pressure relief and energy consumption stage, and the hardening stage.

[0120] In the initial stage, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness is in the elastic stage and can bear part of the load under normal conditions.

[0121] As the connector body 1 is further squeezed, when the pressure in the first accommodating space minus the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space is greater than the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve 5, it enters the pressure relief energy consumption stage. During this stage, the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space will flow into the second accommodating space for pressure relief.

[0122] When the surface of the connector body 1 contacts the elastic hardening member 2 , the hardening stage begins.

[0123] Finally, when the relative movement of adjacent structural units causes the length of the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness to be lengthened compared to the previous moment, the volume of the first accommodating space will increase and the fluid pressure will decrease. When the fluid pressure in the first accommodating space is less than the fluid pressure in the second accommodating space, the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space will flow along the first one-way pressure relief valve 4 into the first accommodating space.

[0124] As the external load changes, the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness has the characteristic of changing its stiffness according to the different stages, so that timely adjustments can be made according to the changes in external load.

[0125] The problem that the existing connector has a single stiffness and cannot be automatically adjusted is solved.

[0126] It should be noted that, unless there is any conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0127] It should be noted that the present invention takes a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method as an example to introduce the specific structure and working principle of the present invention, but the application of the present invention is not limited to a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness and a stiffness adjustment method, and can also be applied to the production and use of other similar workpieces.

[0128] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0129] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, characterized in that: include: A connector body, the connector body being used to connect two adjacent structural units, the connector body having a first accommodating space formed therein, the first accommodating space being filled with a pressurized medium; an elastic hardening member, the elastic hardening member being arranged in the first accommodating space; an auxiliary chamber, wherein a second accommodating space is formed in the auxiliary chamber, and the second accommodating space is filled with the pressurized medium; a first one-way pressure relief valve, the first one-way pressure relief valve connecting the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and configured to allow only the pressurized medium in the second accommodating space to enter the first accommodating space; An adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, wherein the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve connects the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space, and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve is used to only allow the pressurized medium in the first accommodating space to enter the second accommodating space, wherein the pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve is adjustable.

2. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector body comprises: a first sealing plate, the first sealing plate being used to connect with one of the structural units; a second sealing plate, the second sealing plate being used to connect with another of the structural units; an elastic accommodating member, at least one of which is provided, and the at least one elastic accommodating member is provided between the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate; The first accommodation space is formed between the first sealing plate, the second sealing plate and the elastic accommodation member.

3. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least two elastic accommodating members are provided, and two adjacent elastic accommodating members are communicated with each other.

4. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 3, characterized in that: A hoop is provided on the outer periphery of the connection between two adjacent elastic receiving members.

5. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sealing plate is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member; The second sealing plate is detachably connected to the elastic receiving member.

6. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second sealing plate is provided with a medium filling port, the medium filling port is communicated with the first accommodating space, and the medium filling port is detachably provided with a medium sealing plug.

7. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary chamber is arranged on the second sealing plate, and the first one-way pressure relief valve and the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve are both arranged on the auxiliary chamber.

8. The flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first one-way pressure relief valve is connected to the auxiliary chamber and the connector body; The adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve connects the auxiliary chamber and the connector body.

9. A method for adjusting the stiffness of a flexible connector with adjustable stiffness, characterized in that: Applied to the flexible connector with adjustable stiffness according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprises: Adjusting the pressure of the fluid flowing into the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space to ensure that the pressure of the fluid in the first accommodating space is equal to the pressure of the fluid in the second accommodating space; Determining a pressure relief threshold of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve, and adjusting the opening and closing degree of the adjustable threshold one-way pressure relief valve; The elastic stiffening members are selected to have different stiffnesses.

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