Restraint and protection of delicate systems subjected to potentially destructive forces
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Systems Corporation
InventorJonathan W. Arenberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An exemplary method protects a delicate device from potential damage from shock or vibration. A material in a liquid state is placed in contact with the delicate device. The liquid material is cooled causing it to transition to a solid state which stabilizes the delicate device in contact with the solid material against shock and vibration. The solid state material is heated causing it to sublimate into a gas thus releasing the delicate device for operation.
Claims7
An apparatus that provides protection for a micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device that is susceptible to damage from shock or vibration comprising:
- a MEMS device;
- a container in which the MEMS device, that is susceptible to damage from shock or vibration, is mounted;
- a liquid material that sublimates on transitioning from a solid state to a gaseous state;
- a fill controller that controls filling the container with the liquid material where the liquid material contacts and surrounds the MEMS device;
- a cooling system that cools the liquid material causing the liquid material to transition to a solid state;
- the solid state material stabilizes the MEMS device in the container against shock and vibration due to movement of the MEMS device relative to movement of the container;
- a heating system that heats the solid state material causing the solid state material to sublimate into a gas thus releasing the MEMS device for operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.