Helical Coil Isolator Structure for High-Stiffness Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment malfunctions and fatigues rapidly due to excessive shock and vibration in harsh environments such as aerospace, naval, transportation, and industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
The use of isolator devices comprising a coil with first and second bars and optional intermediary bars, arranged to isolate equipment from shock and vibration, providing increased stiffness and damping effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional isolator devices are used, then equipment can be isolated from vibration and shock, but the stiffness is insufficient leading to equipment malfunction and fatigue in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator device is segmented into multiple bars (first bar, second bar, and intermediary bars) that are distributed around the coil at specific intervals (e.g., ninety degree intervals). This segmentation allows each bar to independently support loads in different directions, collectively providing enhanced multi-axial stiffness while maintaining vibration isolation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-bar or two-bar configuration to a multi-bar configuration distributed in three-dimensional space around the coil. The bars are positioned at specific angular intervals (e.g., ninety degree intervals) and extend along the longitudinal axis, creating a multi-dimensional structural framework that resists loads from multiple directions simultaneously, thereby dramatically increasing overall stiffness
2Strength
If more bars are added to increase stiffness, then the structural complexity increases, but the vibration isolation capability is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Each bar in the configuration serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for stiffness, acts as a mounting point for the coil, and contributes to vibration damping. The bars are identically structured and distributed symmetrically, allowing the system to handle various types of loads (compressive, shear, roll) uniformly, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple support elements into a unified bar-and-coil structure where the bars and coil work together as an integrated system. The bars are coupled to the coil at multiple points along their length, creating a combined structure where the flexibility of the coil and the rigidity of the bars complement each other, achieving both vibration isolation and high stiffness without requiring separate components
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 isolator devices significantly reduce equipment malfunctions and fatigue by enhancing stiffness under compressive, roll, and shear loads, with a 30-100% increase in stiffness compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
The coil can dampen vibration and/or shock experienced by the supporting surface that is passed to the equipment. Isolation by the coil can refer to damping vibration and/or shock.
Implementation Method 2
Equipment, such as electronic equipment, may be sensitive to shock and/or vibration. The coil can isolate (e.g., reduce, greatly reduce) the vibration and/or shock passed from the supporting surface to the equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Isolator devices to isolate equipment from vibration and/or shock. The isolator devices may include a helical coil with circumferentially distributed bars disposed thereon. The bars may include a first bar that couples to equipment to be isolated from vibration and/or shock, a second bar that couples to a support surface that experiences vibration and/or shock, and intermediary bars. The intermediary bars may be disposed circumferentially between the first and second bars to add increased stiffness to the helical coil.