Flexure Shock Isolator for Ballistic Protection of Optical Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical instruments and devices on military platforms are unable to withstand high-level ballistic shock events such as large caliber projectiles and mine blasts without sustaining damage, compromising their operational integrity.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing apparatus comprising a baseplate, a flexure member, and a mounting plate that moves between neutral and translated positions to absorb ballistic shock forces, utilizing a flexure member that rotates in both directions to dampen the impact and retaining members to maintain the mounting plate in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical instruments are mounted directly on military platforms, then they can be easily installed and operated, but they cannot withstand ballistic shock forces and sustain damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexure member as an intermediary element between the mounting plate and the platform. This flexure member acts as a mediator that absorbs ballistic shock forces through elastic deformation, protecting the optical instrument while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The flexure member includes arms with curved portions that flex elastically during shock events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the flexure member with curved portions in the arms that are pre-configured to flex elastically during ballistic shock events. This pre-designed elastic deformation capability cushions the optical instrument from shock forces before damage can occur, allowing the instrument to withstand high-level shocks while maintaining operational integrity.
2Reliability
If a rigid mounting structure is used, then the optical instrument is stable during normal operation, but it cannot absorb ballistic shock forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a rigid mounting structure to a dynamic flexure member that can adapt its stiffness characteristics. The flexure member includes arms with curved portions that remain relatively rigid during normal operation for stability, but flex elastically during ballistic shock events to absorb forces. This dynamic behavior allows the mounting structure to provide both stability and shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by designing the flexure member with curved portions in the arms that change their effective stiffness parameter based on loading conditions. During normal operation, the curved portions maintain a stable configuration providing rigidity. During ballistic shock, the curved portions undergo elastic deformation changing their stiffness parameter to absorb shock forces, thus adapting the mechanical properties of the mounting structure.
3Reliability
If the mounting plate is directly engaged with the baseplate, then the structure is simple, but ballistic shock forces are transmitted directly to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexure member as an intermediary element between the mounting plate and the baseplate. This flexure member absorbs ballistic shock forces through elastic deformation of its arms with curved portions, preventing direct transmission of shock forces to the optical instrument while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of flexible structures by designing the flexure member with arms that contain curved portions capable of elastic deformation. These flexible arms replace rigid direct engagement, allowing the mounting structure to absorb ballistic shock forces through controlled flexing while protecting the optical instrument from damage.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the impact of ballistic shock on optical instruments, ensuring their continued operation and protection from damage during military operations.
Implementation Method 1
The curved portion rotatably flexes between the neutral position and the transition position to absorb ballistic shock forces applied on the mounting plate and the device caused by the ballistic shock event
Implementation Method 2
a spring plunger that interfaces with the ball detent and operably engages with the baseplate; wherein ball detent is moveable relative to the spring plunger between a first position and a second position for enabling the mounting plate to move between the neutral position and the translated position
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing apparatus that includes a baseplate adapted to be mounted on a platform, a flexure member that operably engages with the baseplate, and a mounting plate that operably engages with the flexure member. The mounting plate is free from direct engagement with the baseplate and is moveable between a neutral position and a translated position with respect to the baseplate. The mounting plate is also adapted to hold a device. The flexure member is adapted to absorb shock forces caused by a ballistic shock event or a projectile motion event in proximity to or applied on the platform.