Latticed Support Structure for Passive Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration control systems for spacecraft and other dynamic environments are costly, complex, and add unnecessary mass, often requiring multiple isolators, mounting hardware, and additional components that increase parasitic mass and manufacturing costs, while active control devices are inefficient and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A latticed support structure that integrates vibration attenuation characteristics into existing components, acting as a drop-in replacement, eliminating the need for separate isolators and reducing parasitic mass, and allowing for simplified design and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vibration isolation systems with multiple isolators and mounting hardware are used, then vibration control performance is achieved, but parasitic mass increases and payload capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vibration isolation functionality with the structural support function into a single integrated lattice component. The lattice structure serves both as the load-bearing support and as the vibration isolator, eliminating the need for separate isolators and mounting hardware. This merging of functions directly reduces parasitic mass while maintaining vibration control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, vibration isolation, and structural integrity. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components (support structure plus vibration isolators plus mounting hardware), thereby reducing overall system mass.
2Reliability
If active vibration control devices are used, then vibration control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure provides passive vibration isolation through its inherent structural design and material properties. The system does not require external power sources, control systems, or active components to function. The vibration isolation emerges naturally from the lattice's mechanical properties, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the complexity associated with active control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, manufacturable lattice structures that can be produced cost-effectively using additive manufacturing or other fabrication methods. The design prioritizes simplicity and manufacturability over complex active control mechanisms, resulting in a more economical and maintainable solution.
3Reliability
If separate isolators and mounting hardware are added, then vibration isolation is improved, but manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating vibration isolation functionality into the support structure itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for isolators and mounting hardware. The single integrated component can be manufactured as one piece, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional lattice component serves as both the support structure and the vibration isolator, meaning a single manufacturing process produces a component that performs multiple functions. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate components, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production time.
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
Reduces parasitic mass, lowers costs, and enhances payload capacity by up to 13%, shortens manufacturing schedules, and improves performance by integrating vibration control directly into structural components without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
the latticed portions are configured to attenuate a transfer of vibrations through the sidewall between the first and second support structures
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a vibration control system and a vibration control device for structurally isolating a load from a vibration source. In various embodiments a vibration isolation device includes a first and support structure and a sidewall extending between and defining a body of the vibration isolation component. In embodiments the sidewall is configured to structurally support the load. In embodiments the sidewall includes one or more lattice portions occupying at least part of a total area of the sidewall, the lattice portions configured to attenuate a transfer of vibrations through the sidewall between the first and second support structures for reducing vibration transfer from the spacecraft vibration source and the load. In embodiments the body of the vibration isolation device is approximately the same as a component without one or more lattice portions such that the payload interface cone is a drop-in replacement.