Tri-Adaptive Isolation Cell for Shock and Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock and vibration protection systems, such as hardening structures and absorptive materials, often increase weight, volume, and cost, and are inadequate for protecting heavy equipment from severe vibrations and shocks, especially in transportation and impact sports.
Innovation Solution
A tri-adaptive apparatus comprising nonlinear springs and restrainers that form a dynamic force isolation and dampening metamaterial, reducing the transmission of vibrational and impact forces through frictional sliding contact and energy dissipation, allowing for adaptable protection without significant weight or volume addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardening structures and reinforcements are added to protect objects from shock and vibration, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid protection approach into a dynamic system by changing the stiffness parameter of the protective element. The protective element exhibits nonlinear force-displacement characteristics, being stiff during compression to resist impact forces, but flexible during extension to minimize weight and allow motion. This parameter transformation enables effective protection without the continuous weight penalty of hardening structures.
2Reliability
If absorptive and dampening materials are used to reduce vibration effects, then vibration protection is improved, but volume consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element dynamically changes its damping characteristics based on the direction and magnitude of applied forces. During impact events, the element stiffens to provide vibration protection. During normal operation, it remains flexible, requiring minimal volume. This eliminates the need for bulky absorptive materials that must maintain high damping properties in all conditions.
3Reliability
If active and passive vibration control devices are deployed to reduce severe shocks and vibration, then protection level is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is a self-adaptive system that automatically adjusts its mechanical properties in response to applied loads without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The nonlinear elastic material inherently stiffens under compression and relaxes during extension, providing active vibration protection when needed while maintaining lightweight characteristics during normal operation. This self-service capability eliminates the weight and complexity of active control devices.
4Weight of moving object
If traditional cushioning materials are used to protect equipment, then lightweight protection is achieved, but protection effectiveness against severe shocks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element utilizes nonlinear force-displacement characteristics that traditional linear cushioning materials lack. During severe impacts, the element's stiffness increases dramatically, providing protection effectiveness comparable to heavy materials. During normal operation, it remains lightweight and flexible. This parameter transformation enables traditional lightweight materials to achieve severe shock protection capabilities.
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 dynamic forces transmitted to objects, providing controlled vibration protection across a wide range of excitations while maintaining a lightweight and compact design, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spring configured for expanding and contracting laterally in the direction of the at least one restrainer upon being subjected to dynamic forces from the dynamic force source, thereby bringing the at least one spring into frictional sliding contact with the at least one restrainer and forming an at least one energy dissipative dashpot therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The at least one nonlinear spring extends between an inner surface of each of the first and second cell plates along a substantially nonlinear path and configured for biasing the unit cell into a neutral state
Data Source
AI summary
A tri-adaptive apparatus is disclosed and configured for functioning as a dynamic force isolation and dampening metamaterial that reduces the transmission of dynamic forces between a dynamic force source and an object. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least one cell unit that provides a pair of opposing first and second cell plates, between which is positioned at least one spring, restrainer and dashpot. An outer surface of the first cell plate is positioned in contact with the dynamic force source. An outer surface of the second cell plate is positioned in contact with the object. The at least one spring, restrainer and dashpot are configured for transferring dynamic force energy mutually between one another while deforming mechanically in response to the dynamic forces transmitted by the dynamic force source.