Isolator mount for shock and vibration

Abstract

An isolator mount for the active dissipation of shocks and vibrations is presented. The invention includes at least one energy dissipating layer and deflectable elements so as to provide soft damping for small disturbance excitations, yet remaining sufficiently stiff to mitigate large shocks. The mount transfers mechanical energy to the dissipating layers via the device structure. Dissipating layers convert shock and vibration energies to either heat or magnetic energy.

1 . A passive isolator for shock and vibration isolation comprising: 
 (a) a mount capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains; and    (b) at least one coated layer composed of an energy damping material attached to said mount, said coated layer minimizing stiffness change to said mount.    
   
   
       2 . The passive isolator of  claim 1 , further comprising an element attached to said mount and capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains.  
   
   
       3 . The passive isolator of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein said mount is c-shaped.  
   
   
       4 . The passive isolator of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein at least one said coated layer is attached to both sides of said mount.  
   
   
       5 . The passive isolator of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein at least two said coated layers form a multi-laminate structure.  
   
   
       6 . The passive isolator of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein said mount having short fiber inclusions.  
   
   
       7 . The passive isolator of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein said coated layer having short fiber inclusions.  
   
   
       8 . A passive isolator for shock and vibration isolation comprising: 
 (a) a first half capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains;    (b) a second half capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains;    (c) a plurality of coatings disposed along one surface of said first half and said second half; and    (d) a bonding layer disposed between said coatings of said first half and said second half.    
   
   
       9 . The passive isolator of  claim 8 , wherein said passive isolator is c-shaped.  
   
   
       10 . The passive isolator of  claim 8 , wherein said coatings are composed of alternating layers of Dysporsium and Terbium.  
   
   
       11 . A passive isolator for shock and vibration isolation comprising: 
 (a) a rigid element capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains;    (b) at least two damping elements composed of an energy damping material, said damping elements disposed about said rigid element; and    (c) a composite shell encapsulating said rigid element and said damping elements, said composite shell capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains.    
   
   
       12 . The passive isolator of  claim 11 , wherein said passive isolator mount is c-shaped.  
   
   
       13 . The passive isolator of  claim 11 , wherein said damping elements dissipate mechanical energy as heat.  
   
   
       14 . The passive isolator of  claim 11 , wherein said damping elements dissipate mechanical energy as magnetic energy.  
   
   
       15 . The passive isolator of  claim 11 , wherein said damping elements are segmented.