Pneumatic Cable Isolators for Sub-20 Hz Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibration isolation systems for airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys are inadequate for high-precision data acquisition below 20 Hz, as they rely on elastomers with resonant frequencies above the frequencies to be isolated, making it difficult to achieve effective isolation in the sub-20 Hz range due to increased motion requirements and electromagnetic noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A low-friction pneumatic vibration isolation system using air-bearing pneumatic cylinders and cables to isolate vibrations between a carrier and payload, allowing for multi-directional isolation and resonant frequency tuning, which can effectively isolate vibrations down to 3 Hz and minimize electromagnetic noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomers are used for vibration isolation, then the system can provide isolation above certain frequencies, but the resonant frequency is above the frequencies to be isolated (below 20 Hz), making effective isolation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the isolation system by transitioning from elastomeric materials to a pneumatic system with adjustable air pressure. This allows the resonant frequency to be tuned below 20 Hz by adjusting the air pressure and volume in the pneumatic cylinders, enabling effective isolation in the previously inaccessible sub-20 Hz frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces elastomeric vibration isolators with a pneumatic system using air-bearing cylinders. The pneumatic system uses compressed air to provide both the isolating force and the necessary compliance, achieving low resonant frequency operation without the frequency limitations of elastomeric materials.
2Reliability
If traditional vibration isolation systems are used, then they can isolate high-frequency vibrations, but they generate electromagnetic noise that interferes with AEM data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration isolation components (elastomers, springs, dampers) with a pneumatic system. This substitution eliminates the electromagnetic noise generated by mechanical components while maintaining vibration isolation capability, as the pneumatic system uses gas compression rather than electrical or magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electromagnetic noise-generating components from the vibration isolation system. By using purely pneumatic elements (air bearings, compressed air reservoirs) instead of electromechanical components, the harmful electromagnetic emissions are completely eliminated while preserving the isolation function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vibration isolation systems are designed for sub-20 Hz operation, then they can isolate low-frequency vibrations, but they require increased motion space that is not available in towed airborne carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible cables and thin-film pneumatic elements to create a compact isolation system. The flexible cable suspends the payload while the thin-film pneumatic cylinders provide the isolating force, allowing large motion amplitudes to occur within a small physical envelope, thus achieving sub-20 Hz isolation without requiring large motion space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal motion isolation to vertical suspension isolation. By suspending the payload vertically from the carrier and using vertical pneumatic cylinders, the system achieves isolation in the vertical dimension while minimizing lateral space requirements, fitting the compact design needs of towed airborne carriers.
4Reliability
If low-friction pneumatic cylinders are used, then the system achieves effective vibration isolation, but additional components (air bearings, pneumatic system) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pneumatic system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the compressed air reservoir provides both the isolating force and the compliance needed for low-frequency operation, while the air-bearing cylinders provide both low-friction motion and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vibration isolation function with the suspension function into a single integrated pneumatic system. The same pneumatic cylinders that suspend the payload also provide the vibration isolation, eliminating the need for separate isolation components and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced technology used.
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 effective vibration isolation down to 3 Hz, reduces electromagnetic noise, and minimizes structural requirements, enabling high-precision AEM data acquisition while being lightweight, compact, and low-power, suitable for towed airborne platforms.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pneumatic air bearing cylinders comprising piston rods
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic system configured to supply pressurized air to inlet ports of the pneumatic air bearing cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a suspension and vibration isolation system having cable isolators. The cable isolators employ low-friction air-bearing pneumatic cylinders and cables to isolate a suspended payload from vibrations of a carrier or to isolate the carrier from vibrations of the payload. Using such air-lubricated cylinder to piston interfaces virtually eliminates static friction and so improves the effectiveness of the isolation for small forces and displacement. The use of pneumatic cylinders also permits the system to be tuned to the required resonance frequency to isolate the payload from vibrations in a desired frequency band.