Liquid-Mechanical Isolators

Abstract

To provide shock and vibration isolators, and methods of isolating loads from vibrations and shocks.SOLUTION: An isolator 5 includes a liquid spring assembly 12 and a mechanical spring assembly 16, where the liquid spring assembly 12 and the mechanical spring assembly 16 are arranged in series. The mechanical spring assembly 16 includes a first spring and a second spring that are arranged such that compression of the mechanical spring assembly 16 simultaneously directly compresses the first spring and indirectly compresses the second spring via an intermediate actuator, where the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to an isolator device and method for isolating a system from shock and vibration, and more particularly, to an isolator device that includes both a liquid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Vibration isolation can be used to isolate a system of interest from its environment to counter the effects of vibrations caused by earthquakes, traffic vibrations, or even footsteps. Alternatively, vibration isolation can be used to isolate the environment of the system of interest from the vibrations and sounds generated by the system of interest. Shock, in contrast to vibration, is typically considered a transient phenomenon and represents a sharp movement or pulse. Shock isolation is used to protect a system from vibrations transmitted from the environment.

[0003] A variety of isolation systems exist, many of which may include simple pads or mounts incorporating vibration dampening or dampening elastomers or other materials suitable for isolating a table or even a small engine. Where larger isolation systems are required, the isolation systems may include larger and more complex mechanical isolators, including spring mounts, pneumatic mounts, suspension mounts, and / or cable (wire rope) isolators.

[0004] If stronger shock isolation is required, isolators incorporating metallic coil springs can be strengthened by increasing the size of the coil. Unfortunately, the physical constraints of some systems may limit the size of the shock isolator that the system can accommodate. What is needed is a vibration and shock isolator that provides enhanced isolation capabilities while maintaining a small footprint. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] The present disclosure may provide a shock and vibration isolator including a liquid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, the liquid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly being arranged in series, the mechanical spring assembly including a first spring and a second spring, the first spring and the second spring being arranged such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly 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, the shock absorber including a cylindrical housing, a liquid spring assembly disposed at a first end of the cylindrical housing, the liquid spring assembly including a bore filled with liquid and a piston slidably mounted within the bore, and a mechanical spring assembly disposed in series with the liquid spring assembly at a second end of the cylindrical housing, the mechanical spring assembly including a first coil spring and a second coil spring disposed in series and aligned within the cylindrical housing, the mechanical spring assembly configured such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the liquid spring assembly results in the first coil spring acting directly on the first coil spring compressing the first coil spring against a bearing block fixed to the cylindrical housing, and the liquid spring assembly acting indirectly on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator that simultaneously compresses the second coil spring against the second end of the cylindrical housing, thus applying a compressive force 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, the method including coupling one or more isolators to a load and coupling the one or more isolators to a load environment such that a weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators. Each isolator includes a liquid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, the liquid spring assembly including a bore filled with liquid and a piston slidably mounted within the bore, disposed at a first end of the isolator such that shocks transmitted from the environment to the isolators act on the liquid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly in succession. The mechanical spring assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring, disposed such that movement of the liquid spring assembly relative to the mechanical spring assembly directly compresses the first coil spring between the liquid spring assembly and the bearing block while indirectly compressing the second coil spring between the intermediate actuator and the second end of the isolator. As a result, the liquid spring assembly is compressed sequentially with the mechanical spring assembly, with the first coil spring being compressed in tandem with the second coil spring.

[0009] The disclosed features, functions, and advantages of the disclosed isolators and methods may be realized independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined into yet further embodiments, further details of which can be understood with reference to the following description and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a shock and vibration isolator according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shock and vibration isolator of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1A-1C are semi-schematic illustrations of isolating an exemplary load from shock and vibration using a shock and vibration isolator according to the present disclosure; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid spring assembly for an isolator in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical spring assembly for an isolator according to the present disclosure prior to compression. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical spring assembly of FIG. 5 during compression. [Figure 7] 1 provides a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for isolating a load from vibration and shock according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A-1C are semi-schematic illustrations of isolating an exemplary load from shock and vibration using a shock and vibration isolator according to the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] As used herein, the following definitions apply unless otherwise stated.

[0012] "Substantially" means that features or components need not strictly conform, so long as they are primarily conforming to a particular size, area, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by this term and are appropriate for their intended purpose or function. For example, a "substantially cylindrical" object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

[0013] "Comprising," "including," and "having" (and their conjugations) are used interchangeably to mean inclusive, but not necessarily exclusive, and are open-ended terms that are not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0014] For example, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, as introduced in a particular context, and are not intended to indicate any ordering or numerical limitations or to be fixed identifiers of the members of the group.

[0015] "Coupled" means in a relationship such that the performance of one affects the performance of the other, and may include being permanently or releasably connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection or connections.

[0016] "Compressive force" means a force absorbed by an isolator of the present disclosure. Compressive forces include, but are not limited to, vibratory shock, seismic shock, impulse waves, and the like, and such compressive forces may be cyclic or non-cyclic.

[0017] Shock and vibration isolators, shock isolators, and methods of use thereof are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the disclosed apparatus and / or various components thereof may, but need not, include one or more of the structures, components, functionality, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the method steps, structures, components, functionality, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable among the disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses in any way. Furthermore, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are exemplary in nature, and not all examples and embodiments necessarily provide the same advantages or to the same degree of advantages.

[0018] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary shock and vibration isolator 5. The isolator 5 includes an isolator housing 10 that at least partially encloses a liquid 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 liquid spring assembly 12 and the mechanical spring assembly 16 are arranged such that the two spring assemblies are in series inside the housing 10. That is, the liquid 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 varying the degree of compressive force.

[0019] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, the isolator 5 is typically configured to allow a first end 14 of the isolator 5 to be coupled to a load 20, which typically includes a system of interest. A second end 18 of the isolator 5 is typically configured to be coupled to an environment 22 of the load 20. Systems of interest that may benefit from shock and vibration isolation include vehicle suspension systems and sensitive equipment. Buildings or entire facilities may utilize shock and vibration isolation to provide seismic isolation and / or earthquake protection. Various military and / or aerospace applications exist for shock and vibration isolation including vehicle suspension systems, but also including weapon modules or systems. The load 20 may include, without limitation, one or more vehicles, buildings, equipment, or weapon systems in any combination.

[0020] In use, one or more isolators 5 may be disposed between the load 20 and the load environment 22, thereby isolating or protecting the load 20 from shock and vibration from the load environment that may otherwise affect or even damage the load 20. By disposing one or more isolators 5 between the load 20 and the load environment 22, the vibration and shock originating from the load environment 22 is absorbed and / or attenuated by the one or more isolators, such that the load 20 is not exposed to vibration or shock, or is at least exposed to attenuated (attenuated) vibration or shock.

[0021] An incoming shock or vibration appears as a compressive force 24 applied to the isolator 5. Although the compressive force 24 may originate from outside the load 20, i.e., the frame of reference of the load environment 22, the compressive force 24 may be considered to correspond to the motion of the load 20 relative to the surrounding load environment 22. From the perspective of the isolator 5, the compressive force 24 is applied to a first end 14 of the isolator 5 where the load 20 is coupled to the isolator 5.

[0022] The isolator 5 is configured to dampen or absorb relative movement of the load 20 with respect to the load environment 22. The isolator 5 may be configured to have a longitudinal axis 26. Typically, the first end 14 and the second end 18 of the isolator housing 10 are disposed along and at the ends of the longitudinal axis 26. In use, the isolator 5 may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis 26 is substantially aligned with a compression vector 28. The compression vector 28 is defined as a vector along which a compressive force may be applied to the isolator 5 by the load 20. The longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 may, but need not, be substantially coincident with the compression vector 28.

[0023] The liquid spring assembly 12 includes a suitable hydraulic bumper or snubber 30, as shown in cross-sectional view in Figure 4. Typically, the liquid spring assembly 12 includes a bumper or snubber that resists movement in response to an applied compressive force by viscous friction between the moving parts and a viscous fluid.

[0024] The snubber 30 of the liquid spring assembly 12 may include a liquid-filled bore 32 and a piston 34 slidably disposed within the liquid-filled bore 32. A compressive force applied to the liquid spring assembly 12 via a piston shaft 35 urges the piston 34 away from the first end 14 (i.e., inward) along a piston translation axis 36, with motion of the piston 34 resisted by a viscous fluid 38 filling the bore 32. As shown in FIG. 4 , the piston shaft 35 is configured to urge the piston 34 when a compressive force is applied to the snubber 30 from the second end 18 of the isolator 5. Typically, a load 20 is coupled to the liquid spring assembly 12 via a connection extending along the length of the isolator 5 when a compressive force is applied from the second end 18. Alternatively, a piston shaft 35 ′ that flares outwardly toward the first end 14 of the isolator 5 may be coupled to the piston 34 such that a compressive force may be applied to the liquid spring assembly 12 from the first end 14 .

[0025] The piston 34 can divide the bore 32 into a first liquid-filled compartment 40 and a second liquid-filled compartment 42, and the damper 30 is configured such that when a compressive force urges the piston 34 inward along the piston translation axis 36, the movement of the piston compresses the viscous fluid 38 that fills the second compartment 42, resulting in dampening (resistance to) the movement of the piston 34.

[0026] Alternatively, or in addition, the piston 34 may incorporate one or more apertures 44 such that inward movement of the piston 34 pushes the viscous fluid 38 from the second compartment 42 through the apertures 44 and into the first compartment 40, counteracting the movement of the piston 34.

[0027] The viscous fluid 38 of the liquid spring assembly 12 may be selected for 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 designed to impart desired properties to the fluid 38. One or more additives may be added to impart fire resistance to the fluid 38, to increase the operating temperature range of the fluid, to decrease the operating temperature range of the fluid, to resist corrosion, and to resist oxidation, among other properties.

[0028] Various alternative shock basin designs and hydraulic spring designs other than the piston and liquid filled bore disclosed herein may also be used in liquid spring assembly 12 without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed isolator.

[0029] The mechanical spring assembly 16, if considered a single spring, is connected in series with the liquid spring assembly 12, i.e., when a compressive force is applied to the liquid spring assembly 12, the compressive force is also applied to the mechanical spring assembly 16. However, the mechanical spring assembly 16 includes two or more mechanical springs, and applying a compressive force to the mechanical spring assembly 16 results in multiple mechanical springs being compressed in parallel.

[0030] To illustrate the advantageous properties of this isolator 5 configuration, first consider the spring constant k f a liquid spring assembly having a spring constant k 1 a first mechanical spring having a spring constant k 2 The isolator is configured such that the liquid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly are arranged in series, with the first mechanical spring being arranged in series with the second mechanical spring. Once all three spring elements are arranged in series, the spring constant k of the entire isolator is i can be calculated using the following formula: TIFF0007604115000001.tif17170

[0031] For illustrative purposes, the spring constants of the liquid spring assembly and each mechanical spring can be set to be equal, each having a spring constant k. The effective isolator spring constant k i The solution to this problem is as follows: TIFF0007604115000002.tif15170

[0032] In contrast, a liquid-mechanical isolator according to the present disclosure would include a mechanical spring assembly in which a first mechanical spring and a second mechanical spring are functionally arranged in parallel, but the overall mechanical spring assembly would be arranged in series with the liquid spring assembly as described above. For the liquid-mechanical isolators of the present disclosure, the overall isolator spring constant k i can be calculated using the following formula: TIFF0007604115000003.tif18170 Here again, k f =k 1 =k 2 If you set =k, k f The solution of gives the following result: TIFF0007604115000004.tif15170

[0033] Thus, by placing two mechanical springs in parallel rather than in series, the effective spring constant of the resulting isolator is doubled without increasing the footprint of the isolator itself. Thus, the isolators of the present disclosure can provide improved shock isolation capabilities for critical and / or sensitive loads without requiring a larger isolator footprint.

[0034] 5 and 6, 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 such that application of 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 an intermediate actuator 54.

[0035] The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may each be a mechanical spring. Any mechanical spring that may be configured for use in the mechanical spring assembly 16 is a suitable spring for purposes of the present disclosure, and the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 do not have to be identical, or even the same type of mechanical spring. Typically, the springs 50 and 52 are each compression springs (e.g., torsion coil springs).

[0036] When the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are helical compression springs, the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 each define a corresponding 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, which are also aligned with the piston translation axis 36, respectively. The isolator 5 can be configured such that the first longitudinal axis 56, the second longitudinal axis 58, and the piston translation axis 36 each coincide with the other. Typically, the first longitudinal axis 56, the second longitudinal axis 58, and the piston translation axis 36 each coincide with one another and with the compression vector 28 of the isolator 5.

[0037] The first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may exhibit a spring constant that indicates the stiffness of the spring. The first spring constant of the first spring 50 and the second spring constant of the second spring 52 may be, but need not be, substantially equivalent. 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 profile of the isolator 5 by replacing one or more of the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 with springs having different strengths.

[0038] The first spring 50 is configured to be compressed between the liquid spring assembly 12 and a fixed bearing block 60 that is fixed to the isolator housing 10. The bearing block 60 may be rigidly fixed to the isolator housing 10 such that the bearing block 60 does not move due to the force applied by the first mechanical spring 50. For example, the bearing block 60 may be coupled to the isolator housing 10 at one or more connection points 62.

[0039] 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 through the intermediate actuator 54. The intermediate actuator 54 compresses the second spring 52 against an inner surface 64 at the second end 18 of the isolator housing 10.

[0040] Any configuration of intermediate actuator 54 that can effectively transfer the compressive force of liquid spring assembly 12 to second spring 52 is a suitable intermediate actuator. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, intermediate actuator 54 can include an actuator cylinder 66 slidably disposed within isolator housing 10. A sidewall 68 of actuator cylinder 66 surrounds at least a portion of first spring 50 within housing 10, and intermediate actuator 54 is configured such that actuator sidewall 68 can slidably move past bearing block 60 within isolator housing 10 to compress second spring 52, as shown in Figure 6.

[0041] 5 and 6 , the actuator cylinder 66 may contact an inner surface 72 of the liquid spring assembly 12 at a first actuator end 70 and an inner surface 72 of the second spring 52 at a second actuator end 70. The actuator sidewall 68 of the actuator cylinder 66 may further define one or more longitudinal slots 74 formed to correspond to and accommodate the connection points 62 of the bearing block 60. In this manner, the actuator cylinder 66 may move past the first spring 50 with the bearing block connection points 62 sliding along the longitudinal slots 74.

[0042] This configuration of the intermediate actuator 54 enables the liquid spring assembly 12 to move along the compression vector 28, biasing the intermediate actuator 54 against the second spring 52, thereby compressing the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 simultaneously.

[0043] Because the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are functionally coupled in parallel, the compressive force applied by the liquid spring assembly 12 to the mechanical spring assembly 16 is shared between the first spring 50 and the second spring 52. That is, the overall 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. Provided that the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 are functionally coupled in parallel, the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0044] Although the mechanical spring assembly 16 of the isolator 5 is shown as including two mechanical springs, the mechanical spring assembly 16 may include additional mechanical springs, with each spring having an intermediate actuator such that each spring is operatively arranged in parallel, each spring being compressed between its intermediate actuator and either a bearing block or an end face of the isolator housing, and each intermediate actuator including appropriately configured slots or other apertures such that the intermediate actuators may be simultaneously biased by the liquid spring assembly 12 and move simultaneously within the isolator 5 without interference from either the intermediate bearing block or any other intermediate actuators.

[0045] Preferably, the isolator 5 may be utilized in an environment where any incoming shock or vibration does not exceed the compression capacity of the isolator. However, it may be advantageous to configure the isolator 5 such that during compression of the isolator 5, the compression limit of the liquid spring assembly 12 is reached before the compression limit of the mechanical spring assembly is reached. That is, it may be advantageous to configure the isolator 5 such that the mechanical spring assembly 16 has a greater capacity than the liquid spring assembly 12. In other words, the first spring 50 and the second spring 52 may be selected such that when the compression capacity of the liquid spring assembly 12 is reached due to mechanical interaction with the piston 34 or due to reaching the compression capacity limit of the viscous fluid 38 in the second section 42 of the bore 32, the mechanical spring assembly still retains additional compression capacity.

[0046] Purpose The liquid-mechanical isolators of the present disclosure may have particular utility when isolating a load or system of interest from shock and vibration. A variety of systems may benefit from shock and vibration isolation, and as used herein, load 20 may include, but is not limited to, one or more devices, equipment, instruments, weapon systems, or other pieces of equipment, in any combination.

[0047] Flow diagram 80 of Figure 7 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method for isolating a load from vibration and shock, the method including, at step 82 of flow diagram 80, coupling one or more isolators to a load, and, at step 84 of flow diagram 80, coupling one or more isolators to an environment of the load such that the weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators.

[0048] In use, the load 20 is typically coupled directly or indirectly to a first end 14 of the isolator 5, while the second end 18 is coupled directly or indirectly to an environment 22 of the isolator 5, and the isolator 5 may be configured to dampen or absorb relative movement of the load 20 with respect to the load environment 22.

[0049] In an exemplary installation configuration, as shown generally in Figure 3, each isolator 5 may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 is substantially vertical, with the first end 14 at the top and the second end 18 at the bottom. In this configuration, the surface liquid spring assembly 12 of each isolator 5 is oriented at the first end 14, and coupling the one or more isolators 5 to the load 20 may include placing the load 20 on top of the fluid spring assembly 12. In this manner, the one or more isolators 5 may function substantially similarly to a shock absorber mounted on an automobile.

[0050] In an alternative and exemplary installation, each isolator 5 may be oriented such that its longitudinal axis 26 is substantially vertical, with the second end 18 disposed at the top and the first end 14 disposed at the bottom, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8. In this configuration, the liquid spring assembly 12 of each isolator 5 is oriented at the bottom 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 liquid spring assembly and extending each loading cable 76 upward through the interior of each isolator 5 along the longitudinal axis 26 of the isolator 5 and hanging on an associated pulley 78. Each loading cable may then be coupled to the suspended load 20. In this manner, relative motion of the load 20 with respect to the load environment 22 is exerted as a compressive force exerted upward by the loading cable 76, which is exerted on the isolator 5 via the liquid spring assembly 12.

[0051] Examples, Components, and Alternatives The following numbered paragraphs describe selected aspects of the disclosed shock and vibration isolators and methods for isolating a load from vibration and shock. The examples in these sections are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the overall scope of the disclosure. Each section may include one or more individual embodiments or examples, and / or contextual or related information, functionality, and / or structures.

[0052] A1 1. A shock and vibration isolator comprising: a liquid spring assembly; and a mechanical spring assembly, the liquid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly being arranged in series, the mechanical spring assembly including a first spring and a second spring, the first spring and the second spring being arranged such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly directly compresses the first spring while indirectly compressing the second spring via an intermediate actuator, such that the first spring and the second spring are compressed in parallel.

[0053] A2 The isolator of paragraph A1, wherein a spring constant of the first spring and a spring constant of the second spring are substantially equal.

[0054] A3 The isolator described in 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 positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the first spring and a longitudinal axis of the second spring are aligned.

[0055] A4 The isolator of paragraph A1, wherein the liquid spring assembly includes a bore filled with liquid and a piston slidably mounted within the bore, the piston dividing the bore into a first compartment and a second compartment, and compression of the liquid spring assembly moves the piston into the bore and compresses fluid in the second compartment of the bore.

[0056] A5 The isolator described in paragraph A4, wherein the compression force applied to the isolator is applied along a single compression vector, each of the first spring and the second spring are compression coil springs, and the isolator is configured such that the piston of the liquid spring assembly and each coil of the first spring and the second spring are aligned with the single compression vector.

[0057] A6 The isolator of paragraph A4, wherein the isolator is configured such that during compression of the isolator, a compression limit of the liquid spring assembly is reached before a compression limit of the mechanical spring assembly is reached.

[0058] A7 The isolator described in paragraph A1, wherein the isolator has a longitudinal axis, the isolator is oriented such that the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical, the liquid spring assembly is disposed at a lower end of the isolator, and the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied upwardly relative to the liquid spring assembly.

[0059] A8 The isolator described in paragraph A7, wherein the compressive force is applied upwardly to the liquid spring assembly by a loading cable connected to the liquid spring assembly, the loading cable extending within and through the isolator along a longitudinal axis of the isolator.

[0060] A9 The isolator of paragraph A1, further comprising an isolator housing, the liquid spring assembly configured to compress the first spring directly against a bearing block fixed to the isolator housing.

[0061] A10 The isolator described in paragraph A9, wherein the liquid spring assembly is configured to indirectly compress the second spring by biasing an intermediate actuator against the second spring to compress the second spring against an inner surface of the isolator housing.

[0062] A11 The isolator of paragraph A10, wherein the intermediate actuator includes a cylinder slidably disposed within the isolator, surrounding at least a portion of the first spring, and configured to slidably move past the bearing block to compress the second spring.

[0063] A12 The isolator of paragraph A11, wherein the bearing block is connected to the isolator housing at one or more points, and the intermediate actuator cylinder defines one or more slots along a length of the cylinder to accommodate attachment points of the bearing block to enable the cylinder to slidably move past the bearing block.

[0064] B1 1. A shock absorber comprising: a cylindrical housing; a liquid spring assembly disposed at a first end of the cylindrical housing, the liquid spring assembly including a bore filled with liquid and a piston slidably mounted within the bore; and a mechanical spring assembly disposed in series with the liquid spring assembly at a second end of the cylindrical housing, the mechanical spring assembly including a first coil spring and a second coil spring disposed in series and aligned within the cylindrical housing, wherein a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the liquid spring assembly results in the first coil spring acting directly on the first coil spring compressing it against a bearing block fixed to the cylindrical housing and the liquid spring assembly acting indirectly on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator that simultaneously compresses the second coil spring against the second end of the cylindrical housing, such that the compressive force is applied to the first coil spring and the second coil spring in parallel.

[0065] B2 The shock absorber of paragraph B1, wherein the bearing block is coupled to the cylindrical housing and the intermediate actuator includes a sliding cylinder concentrically mounted within the cylindrical housing, the sliding cylinder configured to slidably move along the bearing block and compress the second coil spring.

[0066] B3 The shock absorber described in paragraph B1, wherein the shock absorber is configured to be suspended vertically such that the first end of the cylindrical housing is disposed at a lowermost end of the shock absorber, and further comprises a loading cable connected to the liquid spring assembly at the lowermost end of the shock absorber and extending upwardly through the shock absorber.

[0067] B4 The shock absorber of paragraph B3, wherein the loading cable extends along a longitudinal axis of the first coil spring, the second coil spring, the intermediate actuator, and the cylindrical housing.

[0068] C1 1. A method of isolating a load from vibration and shock, comprising: coupling one or more isolators to the load; and coupling the one or more isolators to a load environment such that a weight of the load is supported by the one or more isolators, each isolator comprising a liquid spring assembly and a mechanical spring assembly, the liquid spring assembly being disposed at a first end of the isolator, a bore filled with liquid, and a spring slidably mounted within the bore such that shocks transmitted from the environment to the isolator act on the liquid spring assembly and the mechanical spring assembly in succession. a piston attached to a liquid spring assembly, the mechanical spring assembly including a first coil spring and a second coil spring arranged such that movement of the liquid spring assembly relative to the mechanical spring assembly directly compresses the first coil spring between the liquid spring assembly and a bearing block while indirectly compressing a second coil spring between an intermediate actuator and a second end of the isolator, whereby the first coil spring is compressed in parallel with the second coil spring while the liquid spring assembly is compressed sequentially with the mechanical spring assembly.

[0069] C2 The method of paragraph C1, wherein connecting the one or more isolators to the load environment includes mounting the one or more isolators to a solid surface such that the liquid spring assembly is positioned below the mechanical spring assembly, and connecting the one or more isolators to the load includes suspending the load from one or more loadings, the one or more loading cables extending upwardly and over respective pulley members and then extending downwardly through the center of each isolator and attached to the liquid spring assembly of that isolator.

[0070] C3 The method of paragraph C1, wherein coupling the one or more isolators to the load environment includes positioning each isolator substantially vertically on a solid surface with the liquid spring assembly of each isolator at the top, and coupling the one or more isolators to the load includes placing the load on top of the one or more fluid spring assemblies.

[0071] C4 The method of paragraph C1, wherein coupling one or more isolators to the load includes coupling one or more isolators to a system of interest including one or more of a vehicle, a building, equipment, or a weapon system.

[0072] Advantages, features, benefits The various embodiments and implementations of the shock and vibration isolators described herein, and their methods of use, provide several advantages over previous implementations of isolator designs.

[0073] As discussed above, by placing the two mechanical springs of a mechanical spring assembly in parallel rather than in series, the spring constant of the resulting isolator can be substantially increased without 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 provide enhanced protection for such systems without the need for larger isolators, which is particularly advantageous when repairing or retrofitting existing systems where space is at a premium.

[0074] conclusion The disclosure above may encompass a number of individual examples with individual utility. While each of these disclosures is disclosed in a preferred form(s), the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be taken in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. As used within this disclosure, the section headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. The claims that follow specifically point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are deemed novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different than the scope of the claims originally filed, are still considered to be within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A shock and vibration isolator (5), comprising: A fluid spring assembly (12), and Mechanical Spring Assembly (16) Equipped with the fluid spring assembly (12) and the mechanical spring assembly (16) are arranged in series; the mechanical spring assembly (16) includes a first spring (50) and a second spring (52), the first spring (50) and the second spring (52) being arranged such that a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly compresses the first spring (50) and simultaneously compresses the second spring (52) via an intermediate actuator (54), such that the first spring (50) and the second spring (52) are compressed in parallel; The shock and vibration isolator (5), 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 such that the longitudinal axis (56) of the first spring and the longitudinal axis (58) of the second spring are aligned.

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

3. 3. The isolator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) includes a bore (32) filled with fluid and a piston (34) slidably mounted within the bore, the piston dividing the bore into a first compartment (40) and a second compartment (42), and compression of the fluid spring assembly moves the piston within the bore and compresses fluid in the second compartment of the bore.

4. 4. The isolator of claim 3, wherein the compressive force applied to the isolator is applied along a single compression vector, each of the first spring and the second spring are helical compression springs, and the isolator is configured such that the piston of the fluid spring assembly and respective coils of the first spring and the second spring are aligned with the single compression vector.

5. 5. The isolator of claim 3 or 4, wherein the isolator is configured such that during compression of the isolator, a compression limit of the fluid spring assembly (12) is reached before a compression limit of the mechanical spring assembly (16) is reached.

6. 6. The isolator of claim 1, wherein the isolator has a longitudinal axis (26), the isolator is oriented such 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 upwardly relative to the fluid spring assembly.

7. 7. The isolator of claim 6, wherein the compressive force is applied upwardly to the fluid spring assembly by a loading cable coupled to the fluid spring assembly, the loading cable extending within and through the isolator along a longitudinal axis of the isolator.

8. 8. The isolator of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an isolator housing (10), wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) is configured to compress the first spring (50) against a bearing block (60) fixed to the isolator housing.

9. 9. The isolator of claim 8, wherein the fluid spring assembly (12) is configured to compress the second spring (52) by biasing an intermediate actuator (54) against the second spring (52) to compress the second spring against an inner surface (64) of the isolator housing (10).

10. 10. The isolator of claim 8 or 9, wherein the intermediate actuator (54) comprises a cylinder (66) slidably disposed within the isolator and configured to surround at least a portion of the first spring (50) and slidably move past the bearing block (60) to compress the second spring (52).

11. 11. The isolator of claim 10, wherein the bearing block (60) is coupled to the isolator housing (10) at one or more points (62), and the cylinder (66) of the intermediate actuator defines one or more slots (74) along a length of the cylinder to receive attachment points of the bearing block to allow the cylinder to slidably move past the bearing block.

12. A shock absorber (5), A cylindrical housing (10), a fluid spring assembly (12) disposed in the first end (14) of the cylindrical housing, the fluid spring assembly (12) including a bore (32) filled with fluid and a piston (34) slidably mounted within the bore; and a mechanical spring assembly (16) disposed in series with the fluid spring assembly (12) at the second end (18) of the cylindrical housing; Equipped with The mechanical spring assembly (16) includes a first coil spring (50) and a second coil spring (52) arranged in series and aligned inside the cylindrical housing, and a compressive force applied to the mechanical spring assembly by the fluid spring assembly results in the first coil spring being compressed against a bearing block (60) fixed to the cylindrical housing, and the fluid spring assembly simultaneously acts on the second coil spring via an intermediate actuator (54) that compresses the second coil spring against the second end (64) of the cylindrical housing, thereby applying the compressive force to the first coil spring (50) and the second coil spring (52) in parallel.

13. 13. The shock absorber of claim 12, wherein the bearing block (60) is coupled to the cylindrical housing (10) and the intermediate actuator (54) includes a sliding cylinder (66) concentrically mounted within the cylindrical housing, the sliding cylinder (66) configured to slidably move along the bearing block (60) and compress the second coil spring (52).

14. 1. A method for isolating a load from vibration and shock, comprising the steps of: Coupling (82) one or more isolators (5) to the load (20); 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. Including, Each isolator includes 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) such that an impulse transmitted from the load environment (22) to the isolator acts sequentially on the fluid spring assembly (12) and the mechanical spring assembly (16), the fluid spring assembly including a bore (32) filled with fluid and a piston (34) slidably mounted within the bore; the mechanical spring assembly (16) includes a first coil spring (50) and a second coil spring (52), the first coil spring (50) and the second coil spring (52) being arranged such that movement of the fluid spring assembly (12) relative to the mechanical spring assembly (16) compresses the first coil spring (50) between the fluid spring assembly and a bearing block (60) while simultaneously compressing the second coil spring (52) between an intermediate actuator (54) and the second end (64) of the isolator; whereby the first coil spring (50) is compressed in parallel with the second coil spring (52) while the fluid spring assembly (12) is compressed sequentially with the mechanical spring assembly (16).

Images