Buckling Beam Isolation with Adjustable End Restraints
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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 energy dissipation, with fully active systems requiring sophisticated control algorithms and being constrained by actuator power, stroke, and bandwidth, while passive negative stiffness systems lack active tuning.
Innovation Solution
A buckling beam isolation system with a variable torsional stiffness mechanism that adjusts the restraining conditions to continuously vary negative stiffness over large displacements, allowing for efficient vibration and shock isolation across a wide range of conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive negative stiffness systems are used, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but active tuning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the boundary conditions of the buckled beam adjustable rather than fixed. The restraining mechanism allows the system to transition between different restraining conditions (fixed-fixed, fixed-pinned, pinned-pinned), enabling active tuning of negative stiffness while maintaining the passive buckled beam structure. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics in real-time without requiring active components within the beam itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the boundary condition parameters of the buckled beam by varying the restraining conditions at its ends. By adjusting the restraining mechanism, the system can modify the effective length and boundary conditions, thereby continuously varying the negative stiffness parameter. This allows active tuning capability while preserving the passive negative stiffness isolation performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fully active isolation systems are used, then energy storage and release capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active control systems with a passive mechanical buckled beam system that naturally stores and releases energy through buckling and unbuckling cycles. The active tuning is achieved through simple mechanical adjustment of boundary conditions rather than sophisticated control algorithms, thereby maintaining energy storage capability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckled beam system is self-regulating, automatically storing and releasing energy through its buckling behavior without requiring external control systems. The restraining mechanism allows passive adjustment of the beam's boundary conditions to optimize performance for different operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex active control algorithms.
3Force
If variable geometry orifices or viscosity-changing fluids are used, then variable damping force is achieved, but temperature sensitivity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive temperature-sensitive fluids and variable geometry orifices with a simple mechanical buckled beam system that provides variable damping through structural buckling rather than fluid properties. This eliminates temperature sensitivity while achieving variable damping force, and significantly reduces system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the damping function from temperature-sensitive fluid systems and implements it through the structural behavior of the buckled beam. The negative stiffness element provides variable damping force through its buckling characteristics without relying on temperature-sensitive materials or complex fluid mechanisms.
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 continuously variable negative stiffness, maintaining performance over large displacements and varying conditions, enhancing vibration isolation and shock absorption in applications such as transportation systems and car suspensions.
Implementation Method 1
a buckling beam comprising a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
a first restraining mechanism engaged with the buckling beam, 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.