Zero-Stiffness Impact Isolation Structure Without Parallel Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zero-stiffness impact isolation devices require additional sensing and feedback control, increasing complexity and cost, and have reduced engineering reliability due to precise installation position requirements, especially in passive devices that use parallel connection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A passive zero-stiffness impact isolation device is designed using a pure mechanical transmission method without parallel mechanisms, incorporating half-hourglass-shaped bosses with thickness gradients to achieve zero stiffness, considering friction factors, and featuring a simple structure with transverse and longitudinal motion guide assemblies to ensure reliable and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional sensing and feedback control equipment is added to active zero-stiffness devices, then the device can achieve active control of impact loads, but the complexity and cost of the device are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact load control capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces active sensing and feedback control systems with a passive mechanical system. The half-hourglass-shaped boss structure with thickness gradient creates a mechanical force balance that automatically achieves zero-stiffness characteristics without requiring sensors, controllers, or power sources. This substitution eliminates complex electronic systems while maintaining impact load control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device achieves self-regulation through its mechanical structure. The thickness gradient of the half-hourglass-shaped boss automatically adjusts the force distribution based on the impact conditions, with no external control needed. The system serves itself by using the impact energy to maintain the zero-stiffness state through inherent mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If passive zero-stiffness devices use parallel connection mechanisms to achieve zero stiffness, then the device can passively isolate impacts, but the installation position accuracy requirement increases and engineering reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact isolation performanceVSAvoidinstallation position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric half-hourglass-shaped bosses with thickness gradients that are not uniform. This asymmetric geometry creates specific force distribution characteristics that achieve zero-stiffness without requiring precise parallel alignment. The asymmetric shape inherently compensates for installation variations, reducing the stringency of position accuracy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the boss structure by introducing a thickness gradient. This parameter variation allows the structure to achieve zero-stiffness characteristics through its geometry alone, rather than relying on precise parallel connection of multiple components. The gradient thickness profile adjusts the mechanical properties to achieve the desired isolation performance with relaxed installation tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively isolates high-energy impacts with improved reliability and engineering applicability, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining zero-stiffness characteristics, and is suitable for various impact directions with adjustable bearing capacity and stroke.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring (7) and a second spring (8)... two ends of the first spring are respectively in contact with the first sliding block and the left side wall of the inner core, two ends of the second spring are respectively in contact with the second sliding block and the right side wall of the inner core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The transverse motion guide assemblies comprise a first linear bearing (9), a first sliding rod (10) matched with the first linear bearing (9), a second linear bearing (11) and a second sliding rod (12) matched with the second linear bearing (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11815155B2Zero-stiffness impact isolation device
Publication Date: 2023.11.14 HANGZHOU DETI CIVIL AIR DEFENSE EQUIP CO LTD
  • US11815155B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A zero-stiffness impact isolation device includes a shell, a half-hourglass-shaped boss, a sliding block, a spring, a motion guide assembly, and an inner core. Where the motion guide assembly includes a linear bearing fixed to the shell and the inner core and a corresponding sliding rod, and is divided into a transverse guide assembly and a longitudinal guide assembly. The spring is sleeved outside the sliding rod of the transverse motion guide assembly, and two ends of the spring are in contact with the sliding block and the inner core, respectively. When the device suffers from external impact load, the inner core and the separated object carry out a reciprocating motion, the sliding block is extruded by the half-hourglass-shaped boss to move side to side with respect to the inner core, and the spring provides elastic force to the sliding block in the process.