Back to results
US 10,422,397 B1Granted
Methods to dynamically alter the stiffness of nonlinear structures
AssigneeHRL Laboratories, LLC
InventorsGeoffrey P. McKnight, Christopher B. Churchill, Christopher P. Henry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable stiffness structure configured to isolate a mass from unwanted vibrations includes a negative stiffness element and an actuator operatively coupled to the negative stiffness element. The actuator is configured to be actuated to control a stiffness of the negative stiffness element. The variable stiffness structure may also include a positive stiffness element coupled to the negative stiffness element.
Claims22
A vehicle, comprising:
- a vibration isolation system comprising:
- at least one variable stiffness structure, the at least one variable stiffness structure comprising:
- a negative stiffness element;
- and
- an actuator operatively coupled to the negative stiffness element to control a stiffness of the negative stiffness element;
- and
- a payload supported on the negative stiffness element;
- and
- a first sensor coupled to the actuator, the first sensor configured to measure one or more dynamic conditions of the vehicle external to the vibration isolation system, the one or more dynamic conditions of the vehicle measured by the first sensor is selected from the group consisting of engine rpms, velocity of the vehicle, braking input, and steering input, and wherein the actuator is configured to make an adjustment to the stiffness of the negative stiffness element based on the one or more dynamic conditions of the vehicle measured by the first sensor, the adjustment isolating the payload from unwanted vibrations.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.