Shock Mount Assembly for Inertial Sensor Vibration Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inertial sensor systems face performance degradation and component damage due to exposure to vibrations and shocks, and typical isolation systems can amplify these effects, leading to system failures and errors, while also complicating heat dissipation across the device.
Innovation Solution
A shock mount assembly with a geometrically configured support structure and a shock absorber, such as an elastomer material, is used to protect inertial sensors from vibrations and shocks without the need for an isolation system, allowing for improved environmental protection and reduced temperature delta across the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an isolation system is used to protect sensors from vibration and shock, then sensor protection is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to amplification of input events and potential bottoming out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the isolation system entirely from the sensor mounting structure, directly coupling the sensor to the support structure. This extraction eliminates the harmful amplification effects and bottoming out issues while maintaining sensor protection through alternative means such as optimized mounting geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an isolation system to protect the sensor (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a rigid connection with optimized geometric configuration and material properties to achieve protection. The support structure itself, rather than an intermediate isolation element, provides the protection through its design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an isolation system is used to protect sensors, then vibration protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system components are completely removed from the design. The sensor is directly mounted to the support structure using simplified mounting surfaces and fasteners, eliminating the need for separate isolation elements, adjustment mechanisms, and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, vibration protection through its geometric configuration, and a mounting platform for the sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate isolation components and reduces overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an isolation system is used, then sensor protection is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates due to temperature delta across the isolation interface
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation interface that created the thermal barrier is removed. The direct coupling between the sensor and support structure provides a continuous thermal path, allowing heat to dissipate efficiently from the sensor to the support structure without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure and thermal path are merged into a single continuous connection. The support structure with its mounting surfaces directly connects the sensor to the heat sink, combining mechanical support and thermal conduction functions into one integrated path.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an isolation system is used, then vibration protection is improved, but sensor positioning accuracy deteriorates due to independent sensor movement
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system that allowed independent sensor movement is removed. The direct rigid connection ensures the sensor moves with the support structure, maintaining accurate positioning relative to the device while still providing vibration protection through the overall structural design.
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 shock mount assembly effectively protects inertial sensors from vibrations and shocks, maintaining performance and preventing system failures, while minimizing temperature differences and allowing for higher bandwidth sensor performance without the need for additional clearance or isolation systems.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber is mounted to at least a portion of the outer edge section, with the shock absorber substantially surrounding the periphery of the support structure
Implementation Method 2
A shock mount assembly with a geometrically configured support structure and a shock absorber, such as an elastomer material
Data Source
AI summary
A shock mount assembly for a sensor protector apparatus is provided. The shock mount assembly comprises a support structure having a geometric configuration, with the support structure including at least one side wall having an outer edge section that defines a periphery of the support structure, and at least one mounting surface substantially perpendicular to the side wall. The mounting surface is configured for coupling at least one electronic device to the support structure. A shock absorber is mounted to at least a portion of the outer edge section, with the shock absorber substantially surrounding the periphery of the support structure. The shock mount assembly is configured for a non-isolated system, and is configured to protect the electronic device during vibration or shock events.