Shock and vibration mitigation baseplate and method of manufacturing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing console operator chairs in naval ships are inadequately designed to absorb shock and isolate vibration, posing safety hazards and operability limitations for operators, particularly in combat environments.
Innovation Solution
A shock and vibration mitigation baseplate is designed with a mounting frame and viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads, such as SORBOTHANE™ pads, to absorb and dissipate shock and vibration forces, thereby reducing the transfer of physical forces to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel center-post pedestal is used to support console operator chair, then structural strength is improved, but shock loads are transferred directly to operator's spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a baseplate as an intermediary component between the chair pedestal and the floor. This baseplate includes shock-absorbing elements (such as elastomeric materials, springs, or dampers) that act as mediators to decouple the direct transmission path of shock loads from the operator's spine to the floor structure, thereby reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate may utilize composite material structures combining rigid support elements with flexible shock-absorbing materials. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously provide the structural strength needed for support while incorporating materials with damping properties that dissipate shock energy, resolving the contradiction between strength and shock isolation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid-based shock absorbers or mechanical springs are used, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate incorporates simple, passive shock-absorbing elements that can be easily replaced if needed. These elements are designed to be straightforward in construction with no complex internal mechanisms, making them inexpensive and simple to manufacture and replace, thereby reducing overall system complexity and maintenance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the shock absorption function from complex, active systems (such as fluid-based shock absorbers with valves and pistons) and implements it through simpler passive elements embedded in the baseplate structure. This separation allows the shock absorption capability to be provided by simple, maintenance-free components rather than complex mechanical systems
3Ease of manufacture
If typical console operator chair pedestal is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but safety standards and operator protection are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the chair support system into two distinct functional components: the existing simple pedestal structure and the new baseplate with shock-absorbing elements. This segmentation allows the pedestal to remain simple and easy to manufacture while the baseplate independently provides the safety and shock protection functions required by standards, combining simplicity with reliability
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 baseplate effectively mitigates shock and vibration, enhancing operator survivability, visibility, and operability of combat system instrumentation, displays, and controls, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
one or more viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads
Data Source
AI summary
Shock and vibration mitigation baseplates and related manufacturing methods. A shock and vibration mitigation baseplate includes a mounting frame configured for placement between a console operator chair and a rigid floor surface, and one or more viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads. The mounting frame houses the one or more viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads therein.