Carrier Platform Suspension for Six-Axis Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems fail to effectively mitigate vibrations in both vertical and horizontal directions for vibration-sensitive loads, particularly for reclined or cargo loads, due to backlash issues in scissor-type mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A carrier platform with a suspension mechanism that includes linkage elements, pneumatic springs, and an active damping device with motors, along with passive vibration isolators and a passive vibration isolation bar, to accommodate linear and rotational motions in all six degrees of freedom, minimizing backlash and attenuating vibrations across multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scissor-type mechanisms are used to accommodate vertical motion in secondary suspension, then compliance in horizontal directions is provided, but considerable backlash occurs in horizontal vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary suspension system is divided into separate functional components: linkage elements for vertical motion accommodation and distinct horizontal vibration mitigation mechanisms (friction dampers and pneumatic springs). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without the backlash problems of integrated scissor mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scissor-type linkage with a hybrid system combining friction-based dampers and pneumatic springs for horizontal vibration control. This substitution eliminates backlash by using continuous contact friction and elastic pneumatic elements instead of mechanical joints with clearance.
2Ease of operation
If secondary suspension is designed for seated passengers, then driver and passenger comfort is improved, but it is not suitable for recumbent passengers or vibration-sensitive cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary suspension platform is designed with universal applicability through adjustable support surfaces and configurable damping characteristics. The system can accommodate various load types (seated passengers, recumbent passengers, or vibration-sensitive cargo) by modifying the platform configuration and control parameters, making it versatile across different use cases.
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 solution provides comprehensive vibration attenuation and damping across all six degrees of freedom, significantly reducing the impact of vibrations on vibration-sensitive loads, enhancing comfort and safety for passengers and cargo during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
a set of springs attached to the carrier platform for biasing it along the vertical linear degree of freedom
Implementation Method 2
an active damping device with a set of motors attached to the carrier platform for dampening vibrations experienced by the carrier platform in at least one translational degree of freedom
Implementation Method 3
vibration isolators incorporated in the set of linkage elements and tuned mechanically to attenuate vibrations experienced by the carrier platform in at least the two horizontal linear degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier platform with a suspension mechanism and suspension methods for supporting a vibration-sensitive load including humans and sensitive objects or cargo in a vehicle such as a terrestrial vehicle, a marine vehicle or aircraft. The suspension mechanism deploys a set of linkage elements for accommodating linear motion of the carrier platform in a vertical linear degree of freedom (Z-axis) and in two horizontal linear degrees of freedom (X- and Y-axes). The suspension mechanism uses springs attached to the carrier platform for biasing it along the vertical linear degree of freedom. The suspension mechanism also has an active damping device with a set of motors to dampen vibrations experienced by the carrier platform in at least one translational degree of freedom.