Buckled Beam Isolation with Variable Negative Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-frequency vibration and shock isolation systems are limited by their variable performance, high cost, temperature sensitivity, and the need for sophisticated control algorithms, and they often fail to provide efficient energy storage and release over a wide range of conditions.
Innovation Solution
A continuously variable negative stiffness isolation system using buckled beams with adjustable torsional stiffness, allowing for near constant negative stiffness over large displacements through varying the torsional stiffness at the beam's boundary conditions, enabling efficient vibration and shock isolation across a wide range of conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable damping force is used to achieve variable performance in low-frequency vibration and shock isolation, then isolation performance is improved, but system cost increases and temperature sensitivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the beam from rigid to flexible, allowing it to buckle and exhibit negative stiffness. This parameter change enables variable isolation performance through geometric nonlinearity rather than complex active control systems, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior by allowing the beam to buckle under compressive loads, creating a dynamically adaptable stiffness characteristic. The beam transitions from a rigid static structure to a flexible dynamic structure that can adapt its stiffness based on load conditions, providing variable performance without complex active systems
2Reliability
If active isolation systems are used to store and release energy, then isolation performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to sophisticated control algorithms and actuator limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The buckled beam system is self-regulating and requires no external control. The beam automatically stores energy during compression as it buckles and releases it during rebound, providing self-service energy storage and release functionality without sophisticated control algorithms or external actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the energy storage and release function from complex active control systems and embeds it directly into the passive buckled beam structure itself. The beam's geometric nonlinearity and elastic properties provide inherent energy storage and release capabilities, eliminating the need for separate active control components
3Reliability
If passive negative stiffness isolation systems are used, then vibration and shock isolation is achieved, but adjustability and tuning capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the previously static passive system dynamic by introducing a controllable element that can adjust the beam's boundary conditions. This allows the system to transition between different stiffness states and adapt to varying isolation requirements while maintaining the passive negative stiffness mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the beam's effective length and boundary conditions, changing the geometric parameters that determine negative stiffness. By modifying these parameters, the system can be tuned for different isolation characteristics and adapted to various applications while retaining passive operation
4Reliability
If Euler column isolators with buckled beams are used, then vibration isolation is achieved, but the supported mass configuration is fixed and non-adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the isolation system into independent adjustable components: the buckled beam element, the mass support mechanism, and the boundary condition control. This segmentation allows the mass configuration to be independently adjusted without affecting the fundamental vibration isolation function of the buckled beam
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 system provides improved vibration and shock isolation performance by maintaining constant negative stiffness over large displacements, enhancing the system's ability to handle changing payloads and vibrations, and extending its functionality beyond the limitations of passive systems.
Implementation Method 1
a buckling beam comprising a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
the first restraining mechanism being configured to variably control a first restraining condition of the buckling beam and to thereby affect a negative stiffness of the buckling beam
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation system and method are disclosed. The isolation system includes a beam that includes a first end and a second end. The isolation system may include at least one clamping block comprising first elastomeric material, and the first end may be coupled with the first elastomeric material by the at least one clamping block. An end condition of the buckling beam may be varied based on compression stiffening of the first elastomeric material.