Shape-morphing apparatus for shock and vibration protection

A shape-morphing apparatus for reducing the transmission of vibrational forces between a vibration source and an at least one object, the apparatus comprising:

• an at least one unit cell comprising:
• a first composite layer providing an upper plate and an at least one protrusion extending perpendicularly from a lower surface of the upper plate;
• a second composite layer providing a lower plate;
• an upper surface of the upper plate positionable in direct or indirect abutting contact with the at least one object;
• a lower surface of the lower plate positionable in direct or indirect abutting contact with the vibration source;
• the at least one protrusion of the upper plate in direct or indirect sliding abutting contact with an upper surface of the lower plate, such that the upper plate is vertically spaced apart from the lower plate, the first composite layer is capable of selectively sliding laterally in an at least one direction relative to and parallel with the second composite layer, and the second composite layer is likewise capable of selectively sliding laterally in an at least one direction relative to and parallel with the first composite layer;
• the at least one protrusion of the upper plate and the upper surface of the lower plate held in direct or indirect sliding abutting contact by at least two laterally opposing and laterally oriented clips, an arm of each clip slidably positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate along a lateral edge of the first and second composite layers;
• and
• the at least two clips interconnected with one another by an at least one resilient retainer positioned and configured for biasing the clips—and, in turn, the first composite layer and second composite layer—into a neutral position.