Buckling Beam Isolation with Variable Negative Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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, 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 the system becomes expensive and temperature sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fluid from liquid to supercritical state by adjusting temperature and pressure parameters. This transforms the damping mechanism from variable viscosity liquid damping to supercritical fluid damping, achieving variable performance without temperature sensitivity and reduced system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of CO2 from supercritical state to gaseous state. By controlling the phase transition, the system achieves variable damping performance through the expansion and compression characteristics of the phase-changing fluid, eliminating the need for complex temperature control systems
2Reliability
If fully active isolation systems are used to store and release energy, then isolation performance is improved, but the system requires sophisticated control algorithms and is limited by actuator power, stroke, and bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-regulating isolation system where the supercritical CO2 automatically adjusts its damping characteristics based on the vibration and shock conditions. The system uses the inherent properties of supercritical fluid and phase transition to provide adaptive isolation without requiring external control algorithms or complex sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the use of supercritical CO2 whose density and compressibility can be dynamically adjusted by changing pressure and temperature. This allows the system to automatically adapt to varying vibration and shock conditions without complex control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If passive negative stiffness systems are used, then the system is simple, but it lacks active tuning or adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains system simplicity by using a passive structure filled with supercritical CO2, but achieves tuning capability by changing the physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the CO2. This allows the same simple structure to provide different damping characteristics based on the operating 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 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 payload protection.
Implementation Method 1
a buckling beam comprising a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
The isolation system comprises: a buckling beam comprising a first end and a second end; and a first restraining mechanism engaged with 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.