Multi-Disc Shock Isolator for Low-Deflection Constant-Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock isolation systems face challenges in minimizing acceleration transmission while maintaining low deflection, as they often require significant deflection to effectively isolate shock, which is impractical in many applications.
Innovation Solution
A shock isolator design utilizing a combination of disc springs with non-linear and linear load-deflection responses, where the non-linear disc spring exhibits a meta-stable region for 'snap-through' behavior and the linear disc spring system provides a constant load over a specific deflection range, effectively absorbing and releasing shock energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a stiff spring is used to minimize deflection, then the deflection of the isolator is kept low, but the acceleration transmitted from the base to the mass is high
Solution Approach 1:
The shock isolator is divided into multiple disc springs arranged in a series configuration. Each disc spring segment contributes to the overall deflection while maintaining a relatively stiff individual structure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve low total deflection while still providing adequate shock isolation through the cumulative effect of multiple segments working together
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite arrangement of multiple disc springs with different properties (varying thicknesses, materials, or geometries) in series. This composite structure enables the isolator to exhibit non-linear load-deflection behavior that provides both low deflection capability and effective acceleration transmission protection, combining the advantages of stiff and compliant elements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If significant deflection is used to isolate shock, then acceleration transmission is reduced, but the deflection required is impractical for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The disc spring system exhibits dynamic, non-linear load-deflection characteristics that change during the shock event. As load increases, the stiffness of the system changes, allowing it to provide greater deflection during high-shock events while maintaining low deflection during normal operation. This dynamic behavior enables effective shock isolation without requiring permanently large deflection spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the mechanical parameters of the disc springs (such as thickness, material properties, or geometric dimensions) to achieve varying stiffness characteristics throughout the deflection range. By carefully selecting parameters for each disc spring in the series arrangement, the system can provide appropriate deflection for shock isolation while maintaining compact overall dimensions suitable for practical applications
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 design achieves efficient shock isolation by maintaining a constant load over a chosen deflection range, reducing acceleration transmission and enhancing the absorption and release of shock energy, thereby improving the isolation of structures from detrimental shock impulses.
Implementation Method 1
The reduction of shock may be achieved by the use of isolators which results in the storage of the transient shock energy within the isolator and the subsequent release of the energy over a longer period of time by physical deflection of the isolator
Implementation Method 2
the non-linear disc spring exhibits a meta-stable region for 'snap-through' behavior
Data Source
AI summary
A first shock isolator is provided that includes an axial compression element, a first disc spring, a disc spring system, and an annular stand-off. The first disc spring has a non-linear load-deflection response. The disc spring system is configured to be deflected by the first disc spring and has a linear load-deflection response. A second shock isolator is provided that includes an axial compression element, first and second disc springs and corresponding first and second annular stand-offs. The first and second disc springs have non-linear load-deflection responses. The first and second annular stand-offs hold the first disc and second disc springs in a spaced apart parallel configuration. The second disc spring is configured to be deflected by the first disc spring. The first and second shock isolators exhibit first and second combined load-deflection curves that include a constant load region.