Hybrid Vibration Isolator with Elastomeric Hexapod Pivots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibration isolation devices for satellites face challenges in effectively isolating low-frequency vibrations and achieving mechanical isostaticity, as passive insulators are ineffective for low-frequency disturbances and active systems are limited in frequency range, while combined passive-active systems struggle with integrated design and production of flexible pivots.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vibration isolation device combining passive and active elements, featuring a trellis structure with elastomeric end pieces that provide both passive filtering and isostaticity, along with active control using piezoelectric actuators and sensors for wideband or narrowband control, allowing for effective isolation across multiple degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If active control systems are used for vibration isolation, then a limited frequency range is covered, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active control system is integrated with the passive elastomeric insulator structure, sharing common components such as mounting points and force measurement capabilities. This merger reduces overall system complexity compared to separate active and passive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric insulator is designed to serve both passive isolation and active control functions, including providing structural support, enabling force measurement, and facilitating flexible pivot operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible pivots are used to achieve isostatic conditions in active hexapod, then mechanical paths for vibration transmission are eliminated, but the pivots cannot resist high launch stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric insulator is designed to simultaneously provide flexible pivot functionality for isostatic conditions and sufficient strength to resist launch stresses. The material properties and geometric design enable it to perform both the mechanical compliance needed for vibration isolation and the structural strength needed for launch phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric materials combines the flexibility needed for pivot operation with the durability required to withstand launch stresses. The composite nature of the elastomeric material provides both the compliance for eliminating rigid mechanical transmission paths and the strength to resist high mechanical loads during launch.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If passive and active elements are combined in parallel or series, then isolation functions are separated, but optimized integration of elements is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates passive elastomeric insulators and active control elements into a unified hybrid structure where both isolation functions work together rather than being physically separated. The elastomeric material itself becomes part of the active control system architecture, enabling coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric insulator is designed to perform multiple isolation functions simultaneously: passive high-frequency attenuation, low-frequency compliance, force measurement support, and flexible pivot operation. This consolidates multiple isolation functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate dedicated elements.
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 achieves optimized integration of isolation functions, improved high-frequency rejection, and simplified production of flexible pivots, with significant attenuation of vibrations across a broad frequency range, enhancing the isolation of both disturbing and sensitive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one end piece of each bar is constituted by an element made of elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
each bar comprising at least one axial actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibration isolating device that can be positioned between a structure (10) and a mounting plate (11) carrying equipment, said device comprising a lattice made up of bars, each bar comprising at least one axial actuator (25), the lattice being an active hexapod comprising six identical bars (12) arranged with a regular geometry, the six bars (12) being arranged in such a way that control over the tension-compression forces in each of the six bars (12) provides control over six independent degrees of freedom in terms of forces and moments at the interface between the structure and the equipment so as to achieve effective isolation in all the degrees of freedom of the system. At least one end-fitting of each bar consists of an element (16) made of an elastomeric material (and called an elastomeric element).