Pneumatically Tuned Elastomeric Damper Spring Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft dampers are unable to selectively adjust their spring rate in response to temperature changes and other flight conditions, leading to reduced efficiency and potential harm to flight characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable damper system that regulates the spring rate by controlling gas or fluid pressure within chambers associated with the elastomeric material, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain optimal flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dampers use fixed elastomeric material without adjustment mechanism, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the spring rate cannot be adjusted in response to temperature changes and flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the static elastomeric material into a dynamic, adjustable component. Gas or fluid pressure is introduced into chambers formed within the elastomeric material, allowing the spring rate to be modified in real-time based on flight conditions and temperature changes, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the Pneumatics and hydraulics principle by using gas or fluid pressure applied to chambers within the elastomeric material to adjust the spring rate. This external pressure mechanism enables dynamic tuning of the damper's mechanical properties without requiring complex internal restructuring of the elastomeric material itself
2Productivity
If gas or fluid pressure is applied to chambers in elastomeric material to adjust spring rate, then the spring rate can be dynamically tuned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies theUniversality (Multi-functionality) principle by designing the elastomeric material with integrated chambers that serve dual purposes: maintaining the structural integrity of the damper and enabling spring rate adjustment through pressure application. This multi-functional design improves damper efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs theParameter changes principle by modifying the physical state (pressure) of the gas or fluid within the chambers to dynamically adjust the spring rate. This allows the damper to adapt its mechanical properties in response to changing flight conditions, thereby improving productivity and efficiency
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 ensures optimal flight conditions by dynamically adjusting the damper spring rate in response to changing conditions, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
regulates the spring rate by controlling gas or fluid pressure within chambers associated with the elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable aircraft damper comprises a housing having a cavity with an elastomeric material disposed therein
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to change a spring rate of a damper in real time. The damper includes a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity. An elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity and fixedly attached to the inner surface of the housing. A first chamber is formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing. The method includes restricting movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure within the first chamber, which in turn changes the spring rate of the damper.