Coaxial Spring-Damper Layout for Resonance Control in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring mass damper systems face challenges in effectively damping vibrations and resonances, particularly in applications like projectile firing systems where underdamped conditions can affect performance, and traditional damping methods either compromise spring rate or require cumbersome components.
Innovation Solution
A spring damper device comprising a directional spring with a viscoelastic damper situated within its inner diameter region, which compresses to absorb shock and dampen vibrations without affecting the spring rate, utilizing a viscoelastic polymer that combines shock absorption, vibration isolation, and damping characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a fluid damper mechanism is used as a secondary spring to the primary coil spring, then the spring rate of the primary spring is modified, but this dual spring configuration is not useful in applications requiring shock impulse attenuation with damping effect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the shock absorption function and vibration damping function into two distinct components: a coil spring for shock absorption and a separate viscoelastic damper for vibration damping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining spring rate and providing effective damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic damper acts as an intermediary element positioned between the coil spring and the mounting structure. It mediates the vibration energy by absorbing and dissipating it through hysteresis, while allowing the coil spring to maintain its original spring rate for shock absorption. This intermediary approach enables both shock impulse attenuation and vibration damping without the need for dual spring configuration.
2Loss of energy
If foam or rubber crash pads are used to stop spring movement at maximum working range, then energy from impulse shock is absorbed through deformation, but they do not dampen resonant vibration between two structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from conventional foam or rubber to a specifically formulated viscoelastic polymer with optimized damping characteristics. This parameter change enables the material to exhibit both shock absorption and resonant vibration damping properties simultaneously, unlike traditional foam or rubber crash pads that only provide shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic damper utilizes composite material properties combining viscous and elastic characteristics. This composite behavior allows the material to dissipate energy through hysteresis while maintaining structural integrity, effectively damping resonant vibrations between structures while still absorbing shock energy, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of resonant vibration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If directional springs are preloaded between two structures to attenuate shock, then shock from impulse events is absorbed, but the system becomes underdamped causing resonations to transfer to the optics device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the shock attenuation system into two functional parts: a directional coil spring for shock attenuation and a viscoelastic damper for vibration damping. The coil spring handles the impulse shock by compressing in the directional axis, while the viscoelastic damper separately handles the vibration damping through hysteresis, preventing resonations from transferring to the optics device.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic damper serves as an intermediary element that mediates the vibration energy between the directional spring and the optics device. It absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy through its viscoelastic properties, preventing resonations from the underdamped spring system from reaching and affecting the optics device.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a complex or cumbersome damping system is included to attenuate vibration, then vibration from the firearm is reduced, but there is very little room or space in micro adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The viscoelastic damper is designed to be nested within the inner diameter region of the directional spring, creating a compact integrated assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the damping function to be incorporated within the existing spring structure, significantly reducing the overall space requirement and eliminating the need for separate cumbersome damping components in micro adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the shock absorption function of the directional spring with the vibration damping function of the viscoelastic damper into a single integrated device. This combination provides both shock attenuation and vibration damping in one compact unit, reducing the total volume required compared to separate damping systems and making it suitable for space-restricted micro adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution provides effective shock absorption and vibration damping in a compact, low-profile design that maintains the spring rate of the directional spring, preventing resonance transfer and enhancing system performance in space-restricted environments.
Implementation Method 1
a damper comprising an element of elasticity, and configured to be situated within the inner diameter region of the directional spring
Implementation Method 2
the damper operates to dampen vibration associated with the load
Implementation Method 3
the directional spring operates to compress to absorb the load and any impact shock associated with the load
Data Source
AI summary
A spring damper device comprising a directional spring (e.g., coil) having first and second ends, and defining an inner diameter region. A damper (e.g., viscoelastic polymer slug) comprising an element of elasticity configured to be situated within the inner diameter region of the directional spring. In response to a load on the spring damper device, the directional spring operates to compress, and the damper operates to dampen vibration associated with the load. The damper can comprise a viscoelastic damper comprising both an element of viscosity and the element of elasticity. The damper can be substantially coaxially aligned with the directional spring. Spring damper device(s) can be preloaded in a micro adjustment mechanism to account for positional adjustments between two structures (e.g., between a scope and a firearm), such that the spring(s) attenuate a shock impulse event (e.g., when firing), while the damper(s) attenuate vibration (e.g., to prevent damage the scope).