Multi-Orientation Vibration Isolation for Mobile Event Data Recorders
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation systems for mobile event recorders fail to effectively isolate vibrations in multiple orientations and frequencies within the hard drive operating range, leading to potential data recorder failure during vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile event recorder data pack system with a multiple orientation vibration isolation system, utilizing first and second wire rope vibration isolators positioned between the hard drive housing and the module chassis to achieve triaxial vibration isolation in both vertical and horizontal mounting positions, with a natural resonant frequency below 10 Hz, and a heat dissipation system that transfers heat from the hard drives outside the sealed enclosure without air passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard vibration isolators are used, then vibration isolation is provided in one direction, but multiple orientation vibration isolation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides vibration isolation in vertical, horizontal, and transverse directions simultaneously, and adapts to both vertical and horizontal mounting orientations without requiring system reconfiguration. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single isolator system universally applicable to multiple orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator incorporates dynamic elements including springs for static support and dampers for dynamic vibration attenuation. The spring-damper combination allows the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on operating conditions, providing effective isolation across different orientations and vibration frequencies while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Reliability
If vibration isolators are positioned to achieve low natural resonant frequency, then vibration isolation effectiveness is improved, but system stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges spring elements and damper elements into a unified vibration isolation mechanism. The springs provide the necessary compliance to achieve low natural resonant frequency for effective vibration isolation, while the dampers simultaneously provide stabilization by dissipating vibrational energy. This combination resolves the contradiction by integrating both softening (for isolation) and stabilization functions into a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary element between the spring support system and the hard drive housing. It mediates the interaction by controlling the rate of energy transfer, allowing the system to maintain low resonant frequency while preventing excessive motion that would compromise stability. The damper effectively bridges the gap between isolation and stability requirements.
3Temperature
If heat dissipation is achieved through air passage, then cooling efficiency is improved, but sealed enclosure integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is extracted from the sealed enclosure by routing heat through a thermal conduction path that exits the enclosure at a sealed interface. The heat sink and thermal interface materials conduct heat away from the hard drive through the enclosure wall without creating air passages, thus separating the heat dissipation function from the enclosure sealing function and resolving the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical air-flow cooling system with a thermal conduction-based cooling system. Instead of using fans and air passages to remove heat, the system uses thermal interface materials and heat sink structures to conduct heat through the sealed enclosure wall to the external environment, eliminating the need for air passages while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
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
The system provides robust triaxial vibration isolation and efficient heat dissipation, ensuring the hard drives operate reliably across various vibration frequencies and orientations, meeting SAE standards and reducing the risk of data recorder failure.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple orientation vibration isolation system which is provided between the hard drive housing and the hard drive module chassis to provide triaxial vibration isolation
Implementation Method 2
The multiple orientation vibration isolation system includes first and second vibration isolators connecting the hard drive housing with adjoining walls of the hard drive module chassis
Implementation Method 3
a heat dissipation system that transfers heat from the hard drives outside the sealed enclosure without air passage
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile event data recorder is described providing a contained environmental control system for a hard drive module for use in, or with, a vehicle. A hard drive housing with multiple hard drives and a vibration isolation system are provided within a hard drive module chassis. The vibration isolation system simultaneously provides triaxial isolation in each of two different orientations of the hard drive module. First and second vibration isolators connect the hard drive housing with adjoining walls of the chassis, the first and second vibration isolators positioned to achieve a natural resonant frequency suitable to isolate frequencies in the hard drive operating range, taking into account the forces that will be applied to the vehicle. The natural resonant frequency can be about 10 Hz or less, in order to isolate the hard drives from frequencies of greater than about 10 Hz.