Inertial Sensor Isolation with Progressive Impact Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inertial sensor systems face performance degradation and component damage due to extreme acceleration events, as existing isolation systems are insufficient in mitigating amplified shock inputs during high G environments, limiting their effectiveness both in operation and non-operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a progressive impact interface with elastomer material applied to the periphery of the inertial sensor assembly, which extends outward and progressively increases contact area upon impact with the housing, providing enhanced damping and counterforce to absorb and distribute impact forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional isolation systems are used to protect inertial sensors, then sensors are protected during normal operation, but sensors still impact housing during extreme acceleration events causing performance degradation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidimpact shock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning compliant elements (elastomeric material) at expected contact points and planes before impact occurs. These elements are pre-positioned to engage when the sensor assembly impacts the housing during extreme acceleration, cushioning the impact before it reaches the sensor components and preventing both damage and performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses compliant elements as intermediaries between the inertial sensor assembly and the housing. These elastomeric elements act as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates impact energy, preventing direct contact between the sensor assembly and the rigid housing, thereby protecting the sensors while still allowing the isolation system to function during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If pliable materials are added at contact points to reduce impact magnitude, then damage mitigation is improved, but sensor performance protection during operation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage mitigationVSAvoidsensor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing compliant elements only at specific contact points and planes where impact is expected to occur, rather than throughout the entire isolation system. This localized application provides damage mitigation at critical impact zones while maintaining the rigid structural properties needed for sensor performance protection during normal operation in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If elastomeric materials are used for impact protection, then damage mitigation is improved, but the system is limited to non-operating environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage mitigationVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protection system into two distinct functional components: a rigid isolation structure that provides environmental adaptability and operational reliability in harsh conditions, and localized elastomeric elements that provide impact damage mitigation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the system to operate effectively in both operating and non-operating environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution effectively protects inertial sensors from damage and maintains performance by dampening shock inputs below damaging thresholds, allowing the system to operate in harsher environments and reducing the risk of system failure.

Implementation Method 1

at least one progressive impact interface applied to a periphery of the inertial sensor assembly, wherein the at least one progressive impact interface extends outward from the inertial sensor assembly towards the inner surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

dampening shock inputs below damaging thresholds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3009846B1Isolated sensor device comprising an isolator and an impact interface

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~3

AI summary

An isolated sensor device comprises: a housing having an isolation chamber; an isolator sealed within the isolation chamber; an inertial sensor assembly sealed within the isolation chamber, the inertial sensor assembly coupled to an inner surface of the isolation chamber by the isolator; and at least one progressive impact interface applied to a periphery of the inertial sensor assembly, wherein the at least one progressive impact interface extends outward from the inertial sensor assembly towards the inner surface.