Leaf-Spring Decoupling for 3D Vibration Platform Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional vibration sensor calibration methods based on single dimension systems are time-consuming and complex, and struggle to accurately capture cross-axis coupling, requiring high assembly accuracy and increasing mass and stiffness limitations in high-frequency applications.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional standard vibrator utilizing leaf-spring-type decoupling devices with two-stage supporting-spring units and cruciform connectors, which simplifies assembly and enhances vibration transmission stiffness, allowing precise decoupling of vibrations along desired axes while neglecting disturbances from other axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If latch-type decoupling device with two frameworks is used, then motion decoupling is achieved, but assembly accuracy requirement becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion decouplingVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the decoupling mechanism from latch-type to leaf-spring-type, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the coupling device. This enables elastic deformation-based decoupling instead of rigid mechanical engagement, significantly reducing assembly accuracy requirements while maintaining effective motion decoupling between the vibration platform and external structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs leaf springs as flexible elastic elements that can deform under load. These thin, flexible structures provide the necessary compliance for decoupling while being tolerant of assembly variations, replacing the rigid latch-type mechanism that required precise positioning and alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If second framework is added for decoupling, then motion decoupling is improved, but mass of vibration platform increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion decouplingVSAvoidmass of vibration platform
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the redundant second framework from the system. By using leaf-spring-type decoupling devices directly connected to the vibration platform, the design removes the additional mass of the second framework while maintaining the essential motion decoupling function through the elastic deformation of the leaf springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If aerostatic gas film is used for decoupling, then motion decoupling is achieved, but stiffness is insufficient for high frequency vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion decouplingVSAvoidstiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the aerostatic gas film mechanism with a direct mechanical leaf-spring system. The leaf springs provide inherent structural stiffness through their geometric design and material properties, enabling them to effectively transmit and decouple high-frequency vibrations without relying on the limited stiffness of compressed gas films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If complex decoupling structure is used, then decoupling performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the decoupling function into multiple independent leaf-spring-type devices, each handling specific directional decoupling. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall structure by replacing the complex interconnected two-framework system with discrete, easily implementable spring elements that can be independently optimized and assembled.

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 reduces assembly complexity, increases the upper limit operating frequency, and decreases the overall cost by providing higher stiffness and simpler structure for vibration transmission, effectively addressing the limitations of existing three-dimensional vibration sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a shake table 20 is connected with vibrator 30B at Z-axis direction via a leaf-spring coupling 40B which can mainly be elastically deformed in the direction of the X-axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3246687B1Three-component standard shaker based on spring-type decoupling device
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 ZHEJIANG UNIV
  • EP3246687B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246687B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3246687B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The three-dimensional standard vibrator based on leaf-spring-type decoupling device contains a base set with three single-dimensional vibrators (along X, Y and Z axes, respectively) and a three-dimensional vibration platform. The X axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through X axis decoupling device, the Y axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through Y axis decoupling device, and the Z axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through Z axis decoupling device. The properties of the three-dimensional vibrator are as follow. X axis decoupling device, Y axis decoupling device and Z axis decoupling device are all comprised of supporting-spring units. Each of the supporting-spring units contains a pair of leaf springs mounted parallel with each other and the first and second connecting components mounted on the two edges of the leaf springs. The first connecting component is near the vibrator and the second connecting component is near the three-dimensional vibration platform.