Polygonal Isolation Coupler for Structural Shock and Vibration Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock and vibration attenuation methods in the aerospace industry face challenges in effectively reducing mechanical shocks and vibrations transmitted to functional equipment, particularly due to space and weight constraints, and the need for high flexibility and load attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece structural bracket assembly with a polygonal shape and a tongue and groove interface, featuring a series of isolators that separate the brackets to attenuate loads, providing adjustable levels of load attenuation and vibration isolation across a wide frequency spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical shocks and vibrations can be reduced, but space and weight constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation coupler is divided into multiple isolators arranged in a polygonal configuration, where each isolator independently handles portions of the shock and vibration loads. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective attenuation while using lighter individual components compared to a single massive attenuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators are constructed from composite materials that provide high shock attenuation capability with reduced weight. These materials enable the system to meet stringent weight constraints while maintaining effective mechanical shock and vibration reduction performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical shocks and vibrations can be reduced, but space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuation function is segmented into multiple compact isolators arranged in a polygonal pattern, which distributes the space requirement across a compact footprint rather than requiring a single large volume device. This enables effective shock attenuation within tight space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators are arranged in a two-dimensional polygonal configuration rather than a linear or volumetric arrangement, maximizing space utilization efficiency. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve effective attenuation with minimal space occupation.
3Strength
If rigid coupling is used, then structural strength is improved, but shock and vibration transmission to functional equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolators serve as intermediary elements between the functional equipment and the support structure, providing mechanical coupling while simultaneously attenuating shock and vibration transmissions. This intermediary approach maintains structural strength without directly transmitting harmful dynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators change the mechanical parameters of the coupling system by introducing controlled compliance and damping characteristics. This allows the system to maintain overall structural strength while modifying the transmission of dynamic loads to protect sensitive equipment.
4Reliability
If heavy-duty attenuation devices are used, then load attenuation capability is improved, but weight and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuation capability is distributed across multiple isolators rather than concentrated in a single heavy device, enabling the system to achieve high reliability while maintaining design flexibility and meeting weight constraints through modular configuration.
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 effectively attenuates mechanical shocks and vibrations by distributing forces through the isolators, preventing damage to functional equipment and offering a high degree of design flexibility, strength, and load dampening between 3 dB and 20 dB.
Implementation Method 1
the isolators separate each one of the first-bracket sides from a corresponding one of the second-bracket sides to attenuate a load transferred from the first bracket to the second bracket
Implementation Method 2
A vibration isolation module for preventing telecommunication facilities from being damaged by an earthquake... damp external vibration by absorbing the external vibration through viscoelastic deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
An isolation coupler (100) for coupling a functional element (204) to a support structure (202) includes a first bracket (102). The first bracket (102) includes a number of first-bracket sides (106). The number of first-bracket sides (106) forms a closed polygonal shape, in plan view. The isolation coupler (100) further includes a number of isolators (110) coupled to each one of the first-bracket sides (106). The isolation coupler (100) also includes a second bracket (104). The second bracket (104) includes a number of second-bracket sides (108). The second bracket sides (108) are coupled to the isolators (110). The number of second-bracket sides (108) is equal to the number of first-bracket sides (106) and forms the closed polygonal shape, in plan view. The isolators (110) separate each one of the first-bracket sides (106) from a corresponding one of the second-bracket sides (108) to attenuate a load transferred from the first bracket (102) to the second bracket (104).