Vibration Isolation System
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsPaul E. Schlittler, John S. Reed, James A. Pruett, William A. Kastendieck, Zachary A. Zutavern
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Abstract
According to one embodiment, a vibration isolation system includes a heater element thermally coupled to a damping element formed of an elastomeric material having an elasticity that varies as a function of its temperature. The damping element physically couples a first structure to a second structure. The heater element selectively heats the damping element to regulate its temperature for controlling the elasticity of the damping element.
Claims20
A vibration isolation system comprising:
- a damping element having an annular shape with an outer surface and an inner surface physically coupled to a circular outer wall of a isolated structure, the outer surface physically coupled to an inner wall of a hole configured in the support structure, the damping element formed of an elastomeric material having an elasticity that varies as a function of its temperature;
- a heater element thermally coupled to the damping element and embedded in the isolated structure;
- and
- a temperature controller coupled to the heater element operable to:
- receive a signal representing the temperature of the damping element from a thermal sensor and adjust electrical power to the heater element according to the received signal to regulate the temperature of the damping element for controlling its elasticity.
A vibration isolation system comprising:
- a damping element physically coupling a first structure to a second structure, the damping element formed of an elastomeric material having an elasticity that varies as a function of its temperature;
- and
- a heater element thermally coupled to the damping element and operable to:
- selectively heat the damping element to regulate its temperature for controlling the elasticity of the damping element.
A vibration and physical shock isolation method comprising:
- providing a damping element physically coupling a first structure to a second structure, the damping element formed of an elastomeric material having an elasticity that varies as a function of its temperature, the damping element thermally coupled to a heater element;
- and
- selectively heating the damping element using the heater element to regulate its temperature for controlling the elasticity of the damping element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.