Closed-Loop Spring Isolator for Compact Shock Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock and vibration isolators face challenges such as requiring significant height and sway space, experiencing violent resonances due to lack of damping, and limited load capacity and durability, especially in high-shock applications.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop resilient element, such as a canted coil spring or garter spring, is used within a housing and piston system that allows radial contraction and extension, providing efficient energy absorption and dissipation while minimizing the need for additional damping and reducing structural length and sway space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal spring isolators are used, then shock and vibration isolation is achieved, but significant height and sway space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear spring deflection to radial spring contraction. The closed-loop spring element contracts radially in the loop plane while simultaneously moving normal to the loop plane, effectively utilizing dimensional transformation to reduce the space required in the primary isolation direction while maintaining isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop spring element is positioned within a spring guiding body that constrains its motion. The spring element is essentially nested within the guiding body structure, allowing the spring to contract radially within the confined space of the guiding body rather than requiring external sway space.
2Reliability
If conventional metal spring isolators are used, then shock and vibration isolation is achieved, but violent resonances occur due to lack of damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolation function and damping function into a single integrated system. The closed-loop spring element provides isolation while its interaction with the spring guiding body and floating piston creates inherent damping effects, eliminating the need for separate damping mechanisms and preventing violent resonances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-damping through the interaction between the closed-loop spring element and the spring guiding body. As the spring contracts and expands, it naturally interacts with the guiding body surfaces, creating friction-based damping that automatically controls resonances without requiring additional active or passive damping components.
3Length of stationary object
If elastomeric isolators are used, then compact size is achieved, but they cannot be constantly subjected to large strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric to metallic for the spring element, enabling the material to withstand continuous large strains without degradation. The metal closed-loop spring can be constantly strained at levels that would cause elastomeric drift or creep, while maintaining the compact size advantage through radial contraction rather than linear deflection.
4Ease of operation
If conventional isolators are used in constrained spaces, then installation is attempted, but ergonomic and structural challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the spring motion from linear to radial, the patent enables the isolator to fit within constrained vertical spaces while maintaining adequate sway space through radial contraction. This dimensional change allows installation in locations where conventional isolators would interfere with surrounding equipment or structures.
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 effectively absorbs kinetic energy with reduced deflection and speed, acceleration, and external loads, enhancing performance under continuous large strains and minimizing ergonomic and structural challenges in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a closed loop resilient element or a plurality of such elements, using compression and/or extension... The spring is able to freely contract or extend radially in the loop plane and simultaneously move normal to the loop plane when under contact pressure applied to it... while returning to its original configuration by expending or contracting back
Implementation Method 2
The spring can be further in a contact with an internal floating piston... when under contact pressure applied to it by the spring guiding body and/or floating piston... The spring guiding body and the floating piston may optionally further have means for attachment to supporting structures
Data Source
AI summary
A shock or vibration absorption device, comprising: (1) a housing comprising a spring-guiding surface; (2) a piston positioned within the housing and comprising a spring-engagement surface, wherein the piston is configured to move relative to the housing in response to an applied force; and (3) a closed-loop resilient element positioned between the spring-engagement surface of the piston and the spring-guiding surface of the housing such that a ring axis of the resilient element is substantially parallel to a direction of the applied force; wherein the resilient element is configured to absorb kinetic energy as the piston moves relative to the housing in response to the applied force.