Dual-Stiffness Vibration Isolator for Launch Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibratory isolation devices for satellites are either too flexible to support launch and qualification loads or require additional complex and heavy components like pyrotechnic elements, which increase mass, complexity, and risk, while active solutions add weight and complexity, and all have single failure points.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory isolation device with a combination of two elastic elements of different stiffness, where the first element's stiffness increases with deformation and the second has constant stiffness, allowing for flexible micro-vibration filtering and high-load support without additional devices, using materials like elastomers or metallic springs, and a passive design that eliminates the need for electrical power or remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible suspension is used to isolate micro-vibrations, then vibration attenuation performance is improved, but the device cannot support launch and qualification loads
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent elastic elements (springs) with different stiffness characteristics. Each element contributes to both vibration isolation and load support, eliminating the need for separate protective structures during launch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastic elements with composite mechanical properties - combining soft elasticity for vibration isolation with inherent strength to withstand launch loads. The elastic elements are designed to exhibit non-linear stiffness characteristics that adapt to different operating conditions.
2Strength
If rigid links or stacking systems are added to support launch loads, then load support capability is improved, but device mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic suspension elements perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide vibration isolation during normal operation and serve as structural load-bearing components during launch and qualification. This eliminates the need for separate rigid links or stacking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vibration isolation function and load support function into a single integrated elastic element structure. The same elastic elements that isolate micro-vibrations also withstand launch loads, reducing overall system complexity and mass.
3Strength
If pyrotechnic elements or active actuators are used to protect against launch loads, then load support capability is improved, but device mass, complexity, and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are designed to automatically withstand launch loads through their inherent non-linear mechanical properties. The system requires no external activation, control systems, or additional power sources - the elastic elements self-adjust to protect the instrument during high-g events.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a single flexible elastic element is used, then vibration isolation is achieved, but the system has a single failure point
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses multiple independent elastic elements (at least two springs) instead of a single element. This segmentation provides redundancy - if one element fails, the other elements continue to support the instrument and provide vibration isolation.
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 device effectively isolates micro-vibrations in orbit while supporting launch and qualification loads, reducing mass and complexity, and eliminating single failure points, with a compact and reliable passive design that simplifies integration and operation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the elements of said group of elastic elements having different stiffness, a first element being fixed at the first rigid part and a second element being attached to the second rigid portion, there is a range of deformity values on which the first elastic element has a growing stiffness with its deformation whatever the direction of solicitation and the second elastic element has a stiffness substantially constant according to the applied deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibration insulating device of at least one apparatus on board a supporting structure including first and second rigid portions (11, 12) and at least two resilient elements connected in series, each of the resilient elements having different stiffnesses, one of the rigid portions being intended for being attached to the apparatus and the other to the supporting structure, a first element (13) being attached to the first rigid portion and a second element (14) being attached to the second rigid portion (12); there is a range of deformation values in which the first resilient element (13) has a rising stiffness and the second resilient element (14) has a stiffness which is substantially constant in accordance with the deformation applied, said stiffness of the first resilient element being lower than that of the second resilient element in a lower portion of said range and higher in an upper portion of said range.