Shape-Morphing Isolator Structure for Stable Vibration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock and vibration protection systems are cumbersome, heavy, and voluminous, and fail to maintain stability under compressive and tensile loads during large deformations, leading to instability and increased weight/volume, which is a challenge for sensitive equipment in severe dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A shape-morphing apparatus with composite layers connected by resilient clips and retainers that allow lateral sliding, maintaining load-bearing capability and stability through shape transformations, providing tunable stiffness and energy damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dampening materials (foam, rubber, steel) are used for shock and vibration protection, then protection capability is improved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the protection mechanism from relying on material properties (conventional dampening materials) to relying on structural geometry (origami-inspired deployable structures). By changing the protective parameter from material-based to structure-based, the system achieves equivalent or superior protection with significantly reduced mass and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining rigid panels with flexible connecting elements (springs, dampers) to create a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both rigid and flexible components, achieving effective vibration isolation without the excessive weight of conventional homogeneous dampening materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the height of elastomeric isolators is increased to enable large lateral displacement, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but stability and stiffness in the vertical direction are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the isolator into distinct functional segments: rigid panels that maintain structural integrity and vertical stiffness, and flexible connecting elements (springs, dampers) that enable lateral displacement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (springs and dampers) that adapt their stiffness characteristics based on the direction and magnitude of applied loads, providing soft lateral response for vibration isolation while maintaining rigid vertical support for stability.
3Loss of energy
If passive vibration isolators are designed for large deformations, then vibration energy dissipation is improved, but structural instability occurs under compressive and tensile loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate elements (springs and dampers) that mediate between the rigid panels, absorbing and dissipating vibration energy while transferring loads through controlled deformation. These intermediaries protect the overall structure from instability by providing gradual, controlled energy dissipation rather than sudden failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter from solid continuous material to a deployable mechanism with controlled clearances and flexible connections. This allows the structure to undergo large deformations through geometric transformation rather than material strain, maintaining stability throughout the deformation range.
4Extent of automation
If active vibration control techniques with actuators and sensors are implemented, then real-time vibration adjustment is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-regulating passive vibration isolator that automatically adapts to vibration inputs through its inherent mechanical properties (nonlinear stiffness, damping). The structure self-adjusts its response characteristics based on the amplitude and frequency of applied vibrations without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources.
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 apparatus effectively reduces vibration transmission while maintaining continuous load-bearing capacity, even under large deformations, offering a lightweight, compact, and cost-effective solution for vibration protection.
Implementation Method 1
an at least one resilient retainer positioned and configured for biasing the clips—and, in turn, the first composite layer and second composite layer—into a neutral position
Implementation Method 2
providing tunable stiffness and energy damping
Data Source
AI summary
A shape-morphing apparatus is disclosed for reducing the transmission of vibrational forces between a vibration source and an object. In at least one embodiment, a first composite layer provides an upper plate and at least one protrusion extending perpendicularly from a lower surface of the upper plate. A second composite layer provides a lower plate. An upper surface of the lower plate is in lateral sliding abutting contact with the at least one protrusion of the upper plate. The first and second composite layers are held in sliding abutting contact by at least two clips. The clips are interconnected with one another by at least one resilient retainer positioned and configured for biasing the clips—and, in turn, the first and second composite layers—into a neutral position.