Pivoting Vibration Isolation for Orthogonal Axis Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation systems face challenges in building well-orthogonally-decoupled multi-axis systems, particularly when isolating larger systems with multiple actuators, as cross-talk between axes degrades performance and compromises feedback control loop stability, and reducing vibrations from devices to the floor is equally difficult.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a pivoting member and a friction-free bearing that decouples external forces orthogonal to the principal vibration isolation direction, allowing only forces parallel to the isolation axis to be applied to an internal load support plate, using a pivoting mechanism and feedback loop to optimize vibration isolation and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to compensate for vibrational distortion in multiple axes, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but cross-talk between axes degrades performance and compromises feedback control loop stability
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolation system is segmented into independent single-axis units, each handling one degree of freedom. The pivoting member mechanically separates the axes by allowing rotation about a pivot point, so that forces in orthogonal directions are processed independently. This segmentation eliminates cross-talk between axes while maintaining vibration isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting member acts as an intermediary mechanical element that mediates between orthogonal force components. It receives external forces, separates them into components parallel and perpendicular to the isolation axis, and directs only the parallel component to the internal isolating load support plate, thereby preventing cross-axis interference.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting member with friction-free bearing is used to decouple orthogonal forces, then cross-axis decoupling is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-free bearing is extracted as a specialized component to eliminate frictional effects that would couple orthogonal axes. By removing friction from the pivoting mechanism, the system achieves pure rotational decoupling where orthogonal forces do not interfere with each other, simplifying the control of each axis independently.
3Manufacturing precision
If only forces parallel to the isolation axis are applied to the internal load support plate, then vibration isolation in the principal direction is optimized, but the ability to handle orthogonal forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to apply all forces directly to the load support plate, the system inverts the approach by using the pivoting member to automatically reject orthogonal forces. The pivot geometry ensures that only the parallel force component is transmitted to the isolation mechanism, while orthogonal components are naturally decoupled through the rotational degree of freedom.
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 approach effectively isolates vibrations in the principal direction while optimally decoupling orthogonal vibrations, enhancing the performance of each actively controlled axis and stabilizing the feedback control loop, even in the presence of microvibrational displacements.
Implementation Method 1
a friction-free bearing (for microvibrational displacements) from the other side of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolation device for optimally decoupling shear forces that are orthogonal to the principal direction of isolation from microvibrations. A pivoting load support element is free to pivot about a pivot point in response to shear forces, with optimal isolation from coupling to the principal direction of vibration isolation. A friction free bearing for small motion is provided to respond to the forces perpendicular to the principal direction of vibration isolation. An internal load support plate associated with the pivoting element is supported by equalizing springs and is damped by an active actuator driven according to a sensor on the internal load support plate. Adjustment points, such as screws, adjust the pivoting element with respect to the fixed pivot point.