Modular Space Shuttle Vibration Isolation Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation and damping systems for space shuttles are not modular, requiring redesign for each specific application, limiting flexibility and compatibility with composite materials, and cannot effectively isolate high loads and vibrations across different payloads and space shuttles.
Innovation Solution
A modular device composed of identical elementary unit elements, each featuring a spring component and a damping component joined by preloaded bolts, allowing for customizable stiffness and damping properties, manufactured from composite materials to accommodate various payloads and space shuttle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-modular vibration isolation system is designed for each specific application, then the isolation performance is optimized for that application, but the design complexity and costs increase for every new payload
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple identical elementary unit elements that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each element provides a standardized isolation performance, and multiple elements are assembled together to meet different payload requirements. This segmentation allows the same basic design to be scaled and adapted without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The elementary unit elements are designed to be universal and interchangeable, capable of being used in various configurations for different payloads and space shuttle applications. The same element design can serve multiple functions and applications by simply changing the number and arrangement of elements, rather than designing a unique system for each application.
2Reliability
If a customized vibration isolation system is designed for each payload, then the isolation performance is optimized, but the manufacturing costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the isolation system into identical elementary unit elements, the manufacturing process can be standardized and optimized for mass production of these elements. Once the element design is finalized, multiple units can be manufactured efficiently using the same processes, significantly reducing per-unit costs and manufacturing time compared to customizing entire systems for each payload.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular element design allows for easy replacement and reconfiguration of isolation elements between different payloads. Elements that have completed their service life can be replaced with new identical elements, and the replaced elements can potentially be refurbished or reused in less demanding applications, extending their service life and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If the isolation system uses fixed configuration elements, then the design is simplified, but the adaptability to different payloads and space shuttles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system is segmented into standardized elementary unit elements with fixed, simplified internal designs. These identical elements can be easily assembled in different quantities and configurations to adapt to various payload sizes and space shuttle applications. The simplicity of each individual element is maintained while the overall system achieves versatility through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
While each elementary unit element has a fixed configuration, the overall isolation system becomes dynamically adaptable through the flexible arrangement and number of elements. The system can be configured to match different stiffness, damping, and isolation requirements by adjusting the quantity and arrangement of identical elements, providing adaptability without increasing the complexity of individual elements.
4Strength
If traditional metallic structures are used for vibration isolation, then the strength is sufficient, but the compatibility with composite material structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The elementary unit elements are designed to be manufactured from composite materials that are compatible with the composite structures commonly used in modern space shuttles and payloads. This material compatibility improves the overall structural integration and performance while maintaining the necessary strength and vibration isolation properties. The composite elements can be directly integrated with composite structures without the interface issues that arise with metallic components.
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 dynamic isolation and damping of vibrations across a wide range of payloads and space shuttles, providing adaptable and cost-effective solutions while supporting composite structures, with adjustable stiffness and damping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the elementary unit elements comprises a spring component and a damping component
Implementation Method 2
Each of the elementary unit elements comprises a spring component and a damping component
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3a~4a
AI summary
The present invention discloses a device (10) used for providing dynamic isolation and damping of dynamic vibrations, in a passive way, originated in the launch vehicle of a space shuttle and reaching the payload or satellite. The device (10) comprises a plurality of identical elementary unit elements (20), such that the device (10) is designed in a modular way, allowing the individual modularity of each one of the elementary unit elements (20): therefore, each of the elementary unit elements (20) is tailored and designed individually, and the complete device(10) can be designed for each particular application and payload needed as a function of each of the elementary unit elements (20) allowing an easy design and lower costs, for a wide range of payload applications. Each of the elementary unit element (20) comprises a spring component (11) and a damping component (12), such that the functionalities provided for each component are separate and can be individually tailored, thus providing a device (10) having a wider range of adaptation capabilities.