Disc Spring Shock Isolator With Constant-Load Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock isolation systems face challenges in minimizing acceleration transmission while maintaining low deflection, as they often require significant deflection to effectively absorb shock energy, which is impractical in many applications due to geometric limitations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a shock isolator comprising a combination of disc springs with non-linear and linear load-deflection responses, where the non-linear disc springs exhibit a meta-stable region for 'snap-through' behavior and the linear disc springs provide a stable load-deflection curve, allowing for efficient energy absorption and release over a longer period with minimal deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a stiff spring is used to minimize deflection, then the deflection of the isolator is kept low, but the acceleration transmitted from the base to the mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into multiple disc springs arranged in a stack, where each spring contributes to the overall load-deflection response. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a tailored non-linear response that combines low deflection with reduced acceleration transmission, as each spring segment can be optimized for specific performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the non-linear load-deflection characteristics of disc springs, where the stiffness parameter changes with deflection. By selecting disc springs with appropriate geometric parameters (thickness, radius, curvature), the system achieves a load-deflection curve that provides both low deflection and reduced acceleration transmission, effectively changing the stiffness parameter dynamically with load
2Object-affected harmful factors
If significant deflection is used to absorb shock energy, then shock isolation is improved, but the geometric limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The disc springs exhibit non-linear load-deflection behavior where the stiffness parameter changes with deflection. This allows the isolator to provide effective shock energy absorption through controlled non-linear deformation, achieving significant energy absorption capability while maintaining deflection within geometric limits by optimizing the spring parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator employs a composite structure of multiple disc springs with different properties (varying thicknesses, radii, and curvatures) stacked together. This composite arrangement creates a synergistic effect where the combination of springs provides superior shock energy absorption compared to individual springs, while maintaining compact dimensions
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
This configuration achieves a constant load over a specific range of deflection, effectively mitigating shock impulses and reducing acceleration transmission to structures, thereby improving shock isolation while minimizing deflection.
Implementation Method 1
the subsequent release of the energy over a longer period of time by physical deflection of the isolator
Implementation Method 2
The first disc spring has a non-linear load-deflection response
Data Source
AI summary
A first shock isolator is provided that includes an axial compression element, a first disc spring, a disc spring system, and an annular stand-off. The first disc spring has a non-linear load-deflection response. The disc spring system is configured to be deflected by the first disc spring and has a linear load-deflection response. A second shock isolator is provided that includes an axial compression element, first and second disc springs and corresponding first and second annular stand-offs. The first and second disc springs have non-linear load-deflection responses. The first and second annular stand-offs hold the first disc and second disc springs in a spaced apart parallel configuration. The second disc spring is configured to be deflected by the first disc spring. The first and second shock isolators exhibit first and second combined load-deflection curves that include a constant load region.