Actuatable Snubber for Vibration-Isolated Gimbal Shock Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-resisting devices for vibration-isolated components, such as those in unmanned aerial vehicles, face challenges in withstanding severe shocks without causing undesirable movement or forces, particularly during power loss scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A rapidly deployable shock-resisting device with an actuatable snubber that moves from a retracted to an engaged position in response to power loss, creating a stiff attachment between the vibration-isolated gimbal and the outer shell using a potential-energy-storing reservoir and a retainer mechanism, ensuring relative movement is limited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a vibration-isolated gimbal is used to protect sensitive payloads, then the payload is protected from vibration, but the gimbal becomes vulnerable to severe shocks causing undesirable movement or forces
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber system dynamically transitions between two states: retracted during normal operation to allow vibration isolation, and extended during severe shocks to provide rigid support. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by having the system automatically adjust its mechanical properties based on operational conditions, protecting against both vibration and shock without compromising either function
Solution Approach 2:
The snubbers are pre-positioned in a retracted state during normal operation, ready to extend rapidly when shock is detected. This preliminary positioning allows the system to maintain vibration isolation while being prepared to provide immediate shock protection, resolving the contradiction between vibration protection and shock resistance by having protective measures ready in advance
2Reliability
If electromechanical or hydraulically driven snubbers are used to create stiff attachment, then shock resistance is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber system uses passive mechanical mechanisms including spring-loaded dogs, cam actuators, and gravity-assisted deployment that require minimal or no external power. The system self-activates during shock events through mechanical triggers, eliminating the need for complex electromechanical or hydraulic control systems while maintaining reliable shock protection
Solution Approach 2:
The snubber employs simple, robust mechanical components such as spring-loaded dogs and cam mechanisms that are inherently fail-safe and require minimal maintenance. These simple mechanical elements replace complex powered systems, reducing device complexity while providing reliable shock resistance through inherently simple mechanical means
3Reliability
If snubbers remain extended to provide stiff attachment, then shock resistance is improved, but the gimbal loses ability to move relative to the outer shell
Solution Approach 1:
The snubber system dynamically transitions between retracted and extended states based on operational needs. During normal operation, snubbers remain retracted to allow full gimbal mobility for vibration isolation. During severe shocks, they rapidly extend to provide rigid support, then retract afterward to restore mobility, thus resolving the contradiction between shock resistance and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The snubbers operate in periodic cycles: remaining retracted during normal operation to allow gimbal movement, extending rapidly when shock is detected, maintaining extended position during the shock event, then retracting afterward to restore normal operation. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by having the system alternate between mobility and rigidity based on operational conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects sensitive payloads from shock damage by providing a stiff attachment between the inner gimbal and outer shell, acting as a failsafe during power loss and ensuring the device remains operational during critical events like landing, thereby preventing misalignment or damage.
Implementation Method 1
The actuatable snubber may include a spring that is compressed when the actuatable snubber is in the retracted position and that moves the actuatable snubber from the retracted position to the engaged position in response to loss of power to the retainer.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shock-resisting device includes a snubber that may be selectively moved from a retracted position to an engaged position to selectively create a stiff attachment between a vibration-isolated gimbal of the device, and an outer shell of the device. The gimbal is movable relative to the outer shell. The snubber includes a retainer maintaining the snubber in the retracted position, wherein the snubber is configured to move from the retracted position to the engaged position in response to loss of power to the retainer.