Sensor Assembly Vibration Damping with Piezoelectric Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems in aircraft face challenges in line-of-sight stabilization due to vibrations caused by environmental and operational factors, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly incorporating a frame with a suspended mass and a piezoelectric material layer, specifically macro-fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric material, is used to damp vibrations, connected to the frame through composite layers and supports, enabling active or proactive control to stabilize the sensor axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vibration damping methods are used in sensor systems, then vibration reduction can be achieved, but the system becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating piezoelectric material layers within FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) composite layers of the frame structure. This composite approach provides vibration damping functionality while maintaining lightweight characteristics, as the piezoelectric layers are thin and the FRP material itself is lightweight yet strong. The piezoelectric layers are bonded to or embedded in the frame members, creating a multi-functional composite structure that dampens vibrations without significantly increasing overall weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vibration damping methods are used in sensor systems, then vibration reduction can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration damping function with the existing frame structure by integrating piezoelectric material layers directly into the frame members. Instead of adding separate damping components, the piezoelectric layers are incorporated into the frame itself, combining structural support and vibration damping into a single integrated system. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate damping mechanisms while maintaining structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If passive damping materials are used, then vibration reduction is achieved, but active counteraction of vibrational strains is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by connecting the piezoelectric material layers to a controller that receives vibration sensor signals. The controller processes these signals and applies feedback control to actively adjust the piezoelectric actuators, enabling them to counteract detected vibrations in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system enhances line-of-sight stabilization by dynamically responding to vibrational disturbances rather than relying solely on passive damping properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical damping systems with an active piezoelectric-based system. Instead of relying on viscous or friction-based mechanical dampers, the invention uses piezoelectric materials that can actively generate counter-vibrations through electro-mechanical coupling. This substitution enables proactive vibration counteraction, improving reliability of line-of-sight stabilization by allowing the system to adaptively respond to varying vibration conditions.
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 vibrations, enhancing image quality and data collection by providing a lightweight and durable damping system that actively counteracts unwanted vibrational strains.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material layer operatively connected to the frame to damp vibrations of the suspended mass
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a frame defining a sensor axis having opposing endplates with axially extending supports. The opposing endplates are connected by a pair of axially extending side beams. A suspended mass is within an interior of the frame suspended from the supports of the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric material layers are operatively connected to sides of respective spacers opposite the frame to damp vibrations of the suspended mass.