Bi-Directional Nonlinear Spring for Sensor Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for sensors in vehicles are inadequate in minimizing vibration displacement during high acceleration or deceleration events, as they either result in large displacements or fail to adequately attenuate vibrations due to being either too stiff or not providing sufficient non-linear spring rates.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional nonlinear spring system with a combination of linear and non-linear spring components, where the non-linear spring rate increases symmetrically in compression or tension, effectively constraining multiple degrees of freedom and attenuating low-amplitude vibrations while limiting displacement during high-amplitude events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coil spring suspension system is used to support a sensor, then the sensor is supported and some vibration attenuation is provided, but large displacements of the sensor occur during high acceleration or deceleration events
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system transitions from a static linear spring to a dynamic non-linear spring whose stiffness characteristics change based on displacement magnitude. The non-linear spring provides soft compliance for small vibrations and stiff resistance for large displacements, adapting its mechanical properties to the operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring rate parameter is changed from constant (linear) to variable (non-linear). The non-linear spring exhibits a spring rate that increases with displacement, providing different stiffness levels for different amplitude vibrations, thereby controlling sensor displacement during high-g events while maintaining vibration attenuation during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If a stiff suspension system is used to minimize sensor displacement, then displacement is reduced, but vibration attenuation during operation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its stiffness characteristics through the non-linear spring's displacement-dependent spring rate. During normal operation with low-amplitude vibrations, the spring remains soft for effective attenuation. During high-acceleration events, the spring rate increases automatically to limit sensor displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring rate parameter transitions from low (for vibration attenuation) to high (for displacement control) based on the magnitude of applied force or displacement. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance for different operational regimes without requiring active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If arrangements that are stiff in tension and soft in compression are used to attenuate vibrations, then low-level vibration attenuation is improved, but the system does not provide adequate protection during high-amplitude events in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear spring provides universal protection in both tension and compression directions with symmetric non-linear characteristics. Unlike asymmetric arrangements that are stiff in one direction and soft in another, this spring delivers consistent non-linear behavior in both directions, making it suitable for bi-directional vibration and shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
While the spring is symmetric in its non-linear behavior, the non-linearity itself creates an asymmetric response compared to linear springs. The spring rate changes with displacement magnitude, creating a response that is more effective than linear springs while maintaining symmetry between tension and compression directions.
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 bi-directional spring system provides effective attenuation of both low and high-amplitude vibrations, minimizing sensor displacement and vibration forces, thereby enhancing the stability and performance of sensors in vehicles during various operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional nonlinear spring, comprising: a plurality of convolutions revolved about a longitudinal axis each having an annular region with a first thickness integrally formed in series with cylindrical regions having a second thickness
Implementation Method 2
the effective spring rate of the bi-directional spring device increases symmetrically as it is displaced in either compression or tension
Data Source
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AI summary
A bi-directional nonlinear spring, comprising: a plurality of convolutions revolved about a longitudinal axis each having an annular region with a first thickness connected in series by cylindrical regions having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness. wherein outer portions of adjacent annular regions are coupled together by a first cylindrical region and inner portions of adjacent annular regions are coupled together by a second cylindrical region such that the effective spring rate of the bi-directional spring device increases symmetrically as it is displaced in either compression or tension.