Isoelastic Magneto-Rheological Elastomer Isolator for Broad Frequency Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inertial sensor assemblies require customized isolation systems to handle a wide range of frequencies, leading to compromised frequency protection and increased complexity, as passive systems have fixed frequency bands and active systems are complex and limited to single-axis responses.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical isolator with a conically-shaped magneto-rheological elastomer component, responsive to both isoelastic and magneto-rheological stimuli, providing broad frequency isolation across any axis and functioning passively without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive elastomeric isolation systems are used, then the isolator can be made to act isoelastically with identical response in all three axes, but the frequency band in which they provide isolation is fixed and requires customization to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magneto-rheological fluid technology to enable dynamic adjustment of the isolator's stiffness characteristics. By applying a magnetic field, the fluid's viscosity and damping properties change, allowing the isolator to adapt its frequency response characteristics to match different environmental conditions while preserving the isoelastic cone geometry for multi-axis protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the isolation material by using magneto-rheological fluid whose properties can be modified through magnetic field application. This allows continuous adjustment of stiffness and damping parameters to optimize isolation performance across different frequency ranges without changing the isolator's physical geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active magneto-rheological isolation systems are used, then the system can respond to varying frequency by changing stiffness, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magneto-rheological fluid only in the critical damping regions where adjustment is most beneficial, rather than throughout the entire isolator structure. This localized application reduces material costs and system complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt stiffness characteristics for frequency optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal isolator platform with cone geometry that provides isoelastic response in all three axes, combined with magneto-rheological fluid capability for active adjustment. This single design can serve multiple applications across different frequency environments, eliminating the need for custom-designed isolators for each specific environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If soft elastomeric material is used, then protection is provided over a wider frequency range, but mechanical displacement of the ISA increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magneto-rheological fluid with elastomeric material to create a composite isolation system. The elastomer provides the base frequency range protection, while the magneto-rheological component allows active adjustment of stiffness to reduce displacement without sacrificing the wide frequency range coverage provided by the soft elastomeric base material.
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
Enables efficient mechanical isolation across a wide range of frequencies with identical response in all axes, reducing the need for customization and system complexity, while maintaining functionality even without power.
Implementation Method 1
A magneto-rheological component is attached to opposing faces of a first and second mounting plate. Within the magneto-rheological component is a magneto-rheologically responsive fluid contained within an elastomer jacket. A magnetic field source is located within the vicinity of the magneto-rheological component.
Implementation Method 2
As is conventional in the art, modulation of electrical power to the magnetic field source provides active control of the vibratory and shock response of the isolator.
Implementation Method 3
A significant benefit of elastomeric systems is that for certain isolator geometries, the isolator can be made to act isoelastically, meaning that for a given input the isolator can provide the same frequency response, and range of frequency response, in all three axes. An isolator geometry that offers isoelastic response is a cone-like shape.
Implementation Method 4
Passive systems are generally composed of an elastomeric material. An elastomeric material and geometry is selected based on the frequency range of the shock or vibration that the system must insulate against.
Data Source
AI summary
A conically-shaped, magneto-rheologically responsive shock and vibratory isolator. The isolator includes a conically-shaped magneto-rheological elastomer component attached to opposing faces of a first and second mounting plate. Within the magneto-rheological elastomer component is a magneto-rheologically responsive fluid contained within an elastomer jacket. By its conical shape and magneto-rheological elastomeric composition, the isolator is capable of both adjusting its response to shock and vibratory disturbances of varying frequency, while maintaining an identical response along any axis (isoelasticity).