Multi-Direction Anti-Vibration Unit With X-Shaped Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-vibration systems, including traditional linear passive isolators and nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) passive isolators, face challenges in effectively isolating low-frequency vibrations in multiple directions, especially in high-precision equipment where external excitations are multi-directional, and often require complex active actuators or limited degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact anti-vibration units featuring a passive X-shaped mechanism with rotatable support members and resilient members, allowing for flexible vibration suppression in multiple directions without guiding sliders, enabling tunable nonlinear properties and enhanced quasi-zero stiffness characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linear passive vibration isolators are used, then vibration suppression is achieved for excitation frequencies larger than √2 times the natural frequency, but low-frequency vibration isolation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear stiffness characteristic into a nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness characteristic by configuring the X-shaped mechanism with resilient members. This parameter change enables the system to achieve vibration isolation at much lower frequencies while maintaining effectiveness, as the nonlinear stiffness allows the isolation frequency to be decoupled from the natural frequency constraint of linear systems
2Reliability
If active or semi-active isolation elements are used, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but additional active actuators and controllers are needed causing considerable energy inputs and increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The X-shaped mechanism with resilient members is a passive system that automatically provides vibration isolation without requiring external energy input or active control. The nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness characteristic is inherently built into the structure, allowing it to self-adjust and suppress vibrations across multiple directions without actuators or controllers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-degree-of-freedom X-shaped mechanism that simultaneously provides vibration isolation in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, and rotational). This single passive structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate active isolation systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive vibration suppression performance
3Reliability
If typical nonlinear QZS passive isolators are designed, then single vertical vibration attenuation is achieved, but multi-direction low-frequency isolation with high efficiency is needed for attenuating transmission of multi-direction vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the X-shaped mechanism with multiple support members and resilient members arranged to provide simultaneous vibration isolation in vertical, horizontal, and rotational directions. This multi-functional design allows a single passive isolator to handle multi-directional vibrations from high-precision equipment without requiring separate isolation systems for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple structural elements (X-shaped support members, resilient members, and rigid connections) into a composite isolation system. This composite structure integrates multiple degrees of freedom and isolation directions within a unified mechanism, enabling high-efficiency multi-directional vibration attenuation that neither simple springs nor single-direction isolators could achieve alone
4Ease of operation
If guiding sliders are used for motion restriction, then motion control is achieved, but friction generated by motion of such aspects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical guiding slider system with a rotatable support member configuration. Instead of using sliders that generate friction during motion, the system uses rotational joints that allow smooth movement with minimal friction. This substitution maintains motion control capability while significantly reducing energy loss to friction
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
These units achieve efficient multi-directional low-frequency vibration isolation with a compact design, reducing friction and enhancing loading capacity, suitable for applications like remote sensing satellites and high-precision manufacturing, while maintaining stability and effectiveness across a wide frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member connecting the first segment of the first support member to the base member, and a second resilient member connecting the third segment of the second support member to the base member
Implementation Method 2
the first support member is rotatable about a first axis. The second support member includes a third segment at an angle to a fourth segment, and the second support member is rotatable about a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
Anti-vibration units are provided for vibration suppression in multiple directions. The anti-vibration units may have an X-shaped structure as part of its support structure. The anti-vibration units can work for ultra-low frequency vibration isolation in three directions in a passive manner. The anti-vibration units can achieve a flexible nonlinear stiffness, which contains zero or quasi-zero stiffness, negative stiffness and positive stiffness. A smooth multi-equilibria state is also achievable. Compared with traditional spring-mass-damper (SMD) and typical QZS systems, the provided anti-vibration units can have an enhanced QZS range of larger stroke with guaranteed loading capacity, and can also achieve a lower resonant frequency with a lower resonant peak. At least some embodiments of the anti-vibration units may include a new and innovative arrangement of components that enables a more compact design than typical anti-vibration systems.