Adjustable-Preload Isolator Assembly for Deployed Aircraft Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft sensors deployed in the airstream experience oscillating deflections due to vortex shedding, leading to performance issues and unreliable damping of air loads, particularly in cantilevered lift systems lacking sufficient space for large Z-axis loads.
Innovation Solution
An isolator assembly with a structural pin and adjustable preload mechanism, where the pin is inserted into a vibration-isolating mount to transfer X-, Y-, and Z-axis forces as compressive loads, providing a consistent damping response through adjustable preload and vibration-damping materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a cantilevered lift system is used to deploy sensors, then the sensor can be extended into the airstream, but the system lacks sufficient space for large Z-axis loads resulting in unreliable damping of air loads
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is divided into modular components: a structural pin attached to the platform, and a separate isolator mount with vibration-damping material. This segmentation allows the damping function to be independently optimized and adjusted without redesigning the entire lift mechanism, thereby improving damping reliability while maintaining sensor extension capability
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator mount incorporates adjustable preload capability, allowing the damping characteristics to be dynamically tuned based on specific sensor weight and air load conditions. This dynamic adjustability ensures reliable damping across varying operational parameters without requiring a completely different system design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration-damping material is added to the isolator mount, then oscillating air loads are mitigated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-damping material is integrated directly into the isolator mount structure, merging the damping function with the existing mechanical mounting component. This combination eliminates the need for separate damping elements and reduces overall assembly complexity while still effectively mitigating oscillating air loads
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator mount acts as an intermediary element between the structural pin and the aircraft structure, absorbing and dampening oscillating air loads through its vibration-damping material. This intermediary approach protects the sensor system from harmful vibrations without requiring complex modifications to either the sensor or the aircraft structure
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 isolator assembly effectively mitigates oscillating air loads, enhancing sensor performance and lifespan by maintaining a constant damping response despite variations in rigging and load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator mount including: a vibration-damping material; a slot configured to receive the pin; and upon lowering the platform downwards, the pin is inserted into the isolator mount such that vibrational motion from the platform is damped via the isolator mount
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator assembly is configured for damping vibrations of a sensor deployed outside of an aircraft. The isolator assembly includes a platform configured for mechanically supporting the sensor, a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform for stowing the sensor inside the aircraft and deploying the sensor outside the aircraft, and a plate secured inside the aircraft beneath the platform. The plate includes a through-hole for the sensor to extend through. A pin extends below the platform and an isolator mount is disposed on a top side of the plate. The isolator mount includes a slot configured to receive the pin upon deploying the sensor outside the aircraft. The platform and the plate are configured to stabilize the sensor and the isolator assembly is configured to damp vibrations imparted on the sensor by the airstream during flight.