Fluid Plate Force Limiter for High-Frequency Oscillation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorbing devices are ineffective in efficiently dissipating high frequency, high force, and low amplitude oscillations of short duration, and have a limited range of applicability.
Innovation Solution
A force limiting device comprising a set of parallel plates floating in a chamber filled with a working fluid, where each plate is axially movable and spaced from adjacent plates by a gap occupied by the fluid, allowing the fluid to be squeezed out under compressive load, effectively dissipating energy through molecular friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional energy absorbing devices are used, then they can absorb energy, but they are ineffective in efficiently dissipating high frequency, high force and low amplitude oscillations of short duration
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the energy dissipation function into multiple parallel plates (at least three) spaced apart to form multiple independent fluid chambers. Each plate assembly acts as an independent energy dissipation element, collectively providing enhanced efficiency for high frequency oscillations while maintaining individual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a viscous fluid medium contained between parallel plates to dissipate energy. The fluid's viscosity creates resistance to plate movement, converting mechanical energy from high frequency oscillations into thermal energy through molecular friction, thereby efficiently dissipating energy that conventional devices cannot handle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available energy absorbing devices are used, then they can provide basic cushioning, but they have a relatively limited range of applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel plate viscous fluid device serves multiple functions: it absorbs energy from high frequency oscillations, provides cushioning for impact loads, and dissipates energy through viscous friction. This multi-functionality enables the same device structure to be applied across diverse applications including vibration isolation, impact protection, and energy absorption scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of energy dissipation characteristics by changing fluid viscosity, plate spacing, plate area, and number of plates. These parameter variations enable the device to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining reliable performance across a wide range of conditions.
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 provides efficient damping of high frequency, high force oscillations by converting input energy into heat through molecular friction, offering a wider range of applicability and self-compensating characteristics that reduce the impact of transient force peaks.
Implementation Method 1
efficiently dissipating high frequency, high force and low amplitude oscillations of short duration
Implementation Method 2
the viscous fluid to be at least partly squeezed out from between the plates
Data Source
AI summary
A force limiting device comprises a housing defining an axially extending chamber containing a working fluid. A force transmitting member may be mounted for linear reciprocable movement inside the chamber under the action of external loads. An axial array of plates is floatingly disposed in the chamber between the force transmitting member and an end wall of the chamber. At rest, each plate is spaced from an adjacent plate by a gap occupied by the working fluid. When the force transmitting member is displaced towards the array of plates, the fluid in the chamber causes the plates to be successively pushed against each other, thereby causing some of the fluid to be squeezed out from between the plates.