Semi-active isolator

Abstract

A shock and vibration isolator that includes a double acting mechanical spring assembly that is mounted to act in parallel with a fluid or liquid spring assembly. The mechanical spring is arranged to provide a first spring rate over a first displacement range and a second spring rate over a further second displacement range. The liquid spring is connected to an accumulator by control circuitry that is under the control of a microprocessor to release stored energy which combines with that of the mechanical spring to rapidly dissipate the input G forces to a level sufficient to protect a substructure.