Flexure Shock Isolator With Stops to Prevent Over-Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock isolation devices, particularly those using elastomeric materials, face challenges due to changes in mechanical properties over time, leading to misalignments and ineffectiveness in attenuating shock and vibration energy.
Innovation Solution
A shock isolator is designed with flexures defined by slots in both inner and outer parts, and a stop mechanism to limit deflection of the flexures, preventing plastic bending and fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used as isolators, then shock and vibration energy attenuation is achieved, but mechanical properties change over time causing misalignments and ineffectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from elastomeric materials with time-varying mechanical properties to flexures with geometrically-defined elastic deformation. The isolation mechanism changes from material-property-dependent to geometry-dependent, where the flexures' slot dimensions and configurations provide stable, predictable elastic deformation characteristics that do not degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastomeric material-based shock isolation mechanism with a flexure-based mechanical system. The flexures use precisely engineered slot geometries to provide controlled elastic deformation, substituting material elasticity with geometric elasticity, thereby eliminating the time-dependent property changes inherent in elastomeric materials.
2Reliability
If flexures are used without stop mechanism, then shock isolation is provided, but plastic bending and fracture may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is pre-configured within the flexure assembly to engage before the flexures can undergo excessive deformation. The stops are positioned to limit the maximum deflection of the flexures, preventing plastic bending and fracture by providing a mechanical barrier that activates when the flexures approach their elastic limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the flexures and the extreme deformation conditions. It mediates the deformation process by providing a mechanical constraint that prevents the flexures from exceeding their elastic deformation capacity, thereby protecting them from plastic bending and fracture.
3Strength
If stops are added to limit flexure deflection, then plastic bending and fracture are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism is integrated with the flexure assembly as a unified structure rather than being added as separate components. The stops are formed as part of the same manufacturing process and structural assembly, merging the isolation function with the limiting function into a single integrated device, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 attenuates shock and vibration energy by utilizing flexures with controlled deflection, enhancing the durability and survivability of the isolator components.
Implementation Method 1
flexures between and defined by the outer slots and the inner slots
Implementation Method 2
stops limiting movement of respective of the flexures by making contact between the inner part and the outer part
Data Source
AI summary
A shock isolator includes slots in inner and outer parts that define flexures between the parts. The slots may include inner slots and outer slots that are offset from each other around a perimeter of the inner part. The shock isolator also includes stops that provide a mechanical limit on the movement of the flexures. The stops may be posts that extend from one of the parts into holes in the other of the parts. In another embodiment that stops may be extensions from one of the parts over portions of the other of the parts. The stops help in preventing plastic bending and/or fracture of the flexures due to stress.