Soft-to-Hard Goods Connector With Viscoelastic Shock Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connections between inflatable and rigid structures face challenges in energy dissipation and peak reaction force mitigation under dynamic loading conditions, such as sea-state motions and mechanical shock, due to insufficient damping capabilities of polymer skin materials.
Innovation Solution
A structurally robust and deployable connection system using viscoelastic receivers with nested designs and chorded elements, featuring a preform elastomeric bladder and textile layers, which includes a mounting track for chord rotation and interference fit, providing additional damping and shock isolation through viscoelastic materials and friction dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If polymer skin materials are used for inflatable structures, then the structure achieves lightweight and flexible properties, but the energy dissipation capacity is insufficient under dynamic loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining polymer skin materials with viscoelastic damping layers and friction dissipation mechanisms. The viscoelastic receiver incorporates multiple material layers including damping materials that complement the polymer skin, creating a composite system that maintains lightweight properties while significantly enhancing energy dissipation capacity under dynamic loading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by introducing viscoelastic damping layers and friction dissipation mechanisms specifically at the connection points between inflatable and rigid structures. This localized approach targets the areas of highest stress and energy transfer, providing enhanced energy dissipation where needed most without adding unnecessary weight to the entire structure
2Strength
If rigid components are used for structural connections, then bending moments can be transferred effectively, but peak dynamic reaction forces increase under sea-state motions and shock loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces viscoelastic receivers as intermediary elements between rigid structural components. These receivers act as mediators that maintain the rigid connection's ability to transfer bending moments while simultaneously absorbing and dissipating peak dynamic reaction forces through viscoelastic deformation and friction mechanisms, protecting the connection from excessive loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating viscoelastic damping layers and friction dissipation mechanisms into the connection design before dynamic loading events occur. This pre-configured cushioning capability allows the connection to withstand sea-state motions and shock loading by dissipating energy before peak forces can cause damage
3Loss of energy
If additional localized devices are added to enhance energy dissipation, then dynamic energy attenuation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The viscoelastic receiver combines damping layer, friction dissipation mechanism, and structural connection elements into a single integrated device. This merging approach provides enhanced energy dissipation through multiple mechanisms while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate localized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the viscoelastic receiver to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, dissipating energy through viscoelastic deformation, generating friction dissipation, and accommodating relative motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 connection system effectively mitigates reaction forces from dynamic and cyclic loading events, enhances stiffness and load transfer, and allows for the removal and compact stowage of inflatable structures, while providing improved energy dissipation and shock mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes the shock isolation, damping, and friction dissipation performances of the viscoelastic receivers for mitigating reaction forces from dynamic and cyclic loading events
Implementation Method 2
The present invention utilizes the shock isolation, damping, and friction dissipation performances of the viscoelastic receivers
Data Source
AI summary
A soft-to-hard goods connector is provided which includes an elastomeric bladder having a preform layer and an outer textile layer enclosing the preform layer. The outer textile layer has at least one skin extension layer extending beyond a periphery of the elastomeric bladder. The skin extension layer has a chord attached at a distal end with the chord being perpendicular to the skin extension layer. The connector includes a host rigid structure with a receiving component. The receiving component has a mounting track with the chord mounted in the mounting track. The receiving component permits the chord to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the chord with a limited range of motion.