Automated Coupler Shock Isolator for Decoupling Impact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration testing units fail to prevent shock transfer between coupler parts during decoupling, leading to potential damage of test components due to excess shock energy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shock isolator system with a bushing and a compressive fit rod made of elastomeric material, which is disabled during coupling and activated during decoupling to absorb excess shock energy, preventing shock transfer between coupler parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional couplers are used for automated coupling and decoupling, then the coupling operation can be automated, but shock transfer occurs during decoupling that may damage test components
Solution Approach 1:
The shock isolator is pre-installed between the upper and lower coupler parts, positioned to remain inactive during coupling but automatically activate during decoupling to cushion the shock before it reaches the test component. The elastomeric material is pre-compressed during coupling and then expands to absorb shock energy during decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock isolator acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower coupler parts. During decoupling, when the coupler parts separate, the shock isolator mediates the interaction by absorbing shock energy through elastomeric deformation, preventing direct shock transfer between the rigid coupler parts.
2Reliability
If a shock isolator is added to prevent shock transfer, then component protection is improved, but the overall vibration performance during testing may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The shock isolator transitions between two dynamic states: during coupling, the elastomeric material is compressed and the isolator is effectively disabled, allowing full vibration transmission; during decoupling, the isolator expands and activates to absorb shock energy. This dynamic adaptation ensures the isolator only engages when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock isolator provides localized shock absorption specifically at the coupling interface between upper and lower coupler parts, while leaving the rest of the vibration testing system unchanged. The elastomeric material is positioned only where shock occurs during decoupling, maintaining vibration performance elsewhere.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the compressive fit rod is made fully compressible, then shock absorption is improved, but the compression profile becomes non-linear affecting vibration performance
Solution Approach 1:
Only a specific portion of the compressive fit rod (the upper portion) is made compressible with elastomeric material, while the lower portion remains rigid for structural support. The compressible portion is positioned to absorb shock during decoupling, while the non-compressible lower portion maintains alignment and provides a linear compression profile during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressive fit rod is segmented into two functional portions: an upper compressible portion made of elastomeric material for shock absorption, and a lower non-compressible portion for structural support and alignment. This segmentation allows the rod to provide both shock absorption and maintain compression profile linearity during vibration testing.
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 shock isolator effectively absorbs excess shock energy during decoupling, preventing damage to test components without affecting the overall vibration performance during testing.
Implementation Method 1
The compressive fit rod is formed of an elastomeric material that is able to be repeatedly compressed and expanded without permanent deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A shock isolator is arranged between two automated coupler parts in a vibration testing unit. When the coupler parts are engaged and coupled during vibration testing of a component, the shock isolator is disabled, and when the coupler parts are disengaged and decoupled after vibration testing, the shock isolator is activated to absorb excess shock energy and prevent shock transfer between the coupler parts that would damage the test component. The shock isolator includes a bushing that is inserted in a lower part of the two automated coupler parts and a compressive fit rod that is press-fit into the bushing. The bushing has a chamfered volume and the compressive fit rod has a corresponding compressible volume that is displaced into the chamfered volume to disable the shock isolator. After vibration testing, the compressive fit rod is expandable to a regular shape to activate the shock isolator.