Scissor Linkage Shock Mitigator with Horizontal Damper
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock-absorbing systems in vehicles and ships fail to adequately minimize dynamic response index (DRI) and equivalent static compressive stress (Se) for human occupants when traveling over rough terrain, leading to inadequate isolation from vibrational shocks.
Innovation Solution
A compact shock-mitigating apparatus featuring a scissors support with a parallel arrangement of a damper and spring, connected to an accumulator, providing adjustable preload for static loads, and a rocker arm assembly that maintains the spring/damper assembly horizontally within the base footprint, effectively absorbing shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock-absorbing system is interposed between base structure and mounted equipment, then isolation from vibrational shocks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shock-mitigating components (damper, spring, accumulator) into a single integrated assembly that works together to reduce vibrational shocks. The damper and spring are connected in parallel between the same mounting points, creating a unified shock-absorbing system that provides both viscous damping and elastic support without requiring separate isolated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the damper provides viscous damping to reduce oscillations, the spring provides elastic support to maintain static load bearing capacity, and the accumulator compensates for pressure variations. This multi-functional approach achieves comprehensive shock isolation while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a compact shock-mitigating apparatus is designed, then ease of retrofitting is improved, but shock absorption effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes horizontal arrangement of the spring and damper within the vertical footprint of the base structure. By positioning these components horizontally between mounting points on the base rather than vertically extending outward, the system achieves compact dimensions that facilitate retrofitting while maintaining adequate shock absorption capability through proper component selection and arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of the accumulator preload to optimize performance for different static loads (such as different seat and occupant weights). This parameter adjustability enables the compact apparatus to maintain effective shock absorption across various loading conditions, compensating for the size constraints through optimized parameter selection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If parallel arrangement of damper and spring is used, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel arrangement of damper and spring is integrated into a unified assembly where both components share common mounting points on the base structure and connect to the same load support mechanism. This merging approach allows the parallel configuration to provide enhanced shock absorption through combined viscous and elastic effects while avoiding the complexity of separate, independently mounted systems.
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 reduces DRI and Se, providing enhanced isolation and comfort for occupants by efficiently dissipating vibrational shocks, while being easily retrofittable into existing systems without repositioning the load.
Implementation Method 1
shock-absorption is provided by the parallel arrangement of a damper and spring
Implementation Method 2
shock-absorption is provided by the parallel arrangement of a damper and spring
Implementation Method 3
the damper being connected to an accumulator having an adjustability feature to allow the damper to be preloaded
Data Source
AI summary
A shock-mitigating damper apparatus for vertical shocks has a scissor linkage extending vertically between a base and an object. A damper is also connected between the base, the object, and is mounted to the base for substantially horizontal reciprocating damper motion. An articulated arm assembly connects one end of the damper to the object at a point substantially in vertical alignment with an intermediate pivot point for the scissors.