TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate, in general, to transporting and storing fragile objects and, more particularly, to an isolation system for transporting and storing fragile objects.

BACKGROUND

Fragile objects may be at risk of becoming damaged when transported from one location to another. To minimize the risks, fragile objects are traditionally transported in wooden crates. The wooden crates are cushioned with foam intended to protect the fragile object in the event that the wooden crate is dropped.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce the risk of a fragile object becoming damaged during transit. For example, disclosed herein is a vibration-isolating system comprising a case, one or more environmental buffers, a platform suspended within the case by a plurality of wire rope isolators, a crumple zone beneath the platform and configured with one or more shock-absorbing structures (such as shock-absorbing structures that comprise polycarbonate, polypropylene, and/or expanded polystyrene), and a container assembly configured on the platform. The container assembly is operable to protect a payload. The payload comprises a flexible panel, such as a painting painted on a stretched canvas, a substantially flat membrane, or any other object for which vibration can cause acute or accumulated deterioration. The container assembly comprises a back panel positioned behind the flexible panel and offset by a first substantially airtight compartment, a front panel positioned in front of the flexible panel and offset by a second substantially airtight compartment, and a stiffener panel positioned in front of the front panel and offset by a third substantially airtight compartment.

In certain embodiments, the wire rope isolators are tuned to yield a tuning ratio greater than or equal to 1.4, the tuning ratio determined by dividing a natural frequency of the flexible panel within the container assembly by a natural frequency of the vibration-isolating system. For example, tuning the wire rope isolators comprises selecting at least one of the following characteristics based at least in part on the weight of the container assembly: wire thickness, number of wires in a rope braid, number of loops in the wire rope isolator, loop diameter, loop spacing, number of wire rope isolators, angle of orientation of wire rope isolators relative to the platform, and/or position of the wire rope isolators relative to the platform.

In certain embodiments, the vibration-isolating system further comprises one or more vibration-damping footings. The vibration-damping footings are coupled proximate an outer bottom surface of the case. Each vibration-damping footing comprises a mounting plate, a first cushion and a second cushion coupled to a bottom side of the mounting plate, and a damping system positioned between the first cushion and the second cushion. The damping system comprises a tray containing a quantity of inelastic particulate. Mechanical continuity exists between the one or more vibration-damping footings outside the case and the platform within the case.

In certain embodiments, the container assembly is tuned to reduce the extent to which the flexible panel experiences excursions greater than 350 microns. For example, the front panel, the back, panel, and the stiffener panel each comprise one or more rigid materials, each rigid material having higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties than the less rigid flexible panel, and the container assembly is tuned using fixed, gas-piston principles to impart the higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties of the rigid materials to the flexible panel such that the extent to which the flexible panel experiences excursions greater than 350 microns is reduced. Certain embodiments may eliminate excursions greater than 350 microns.

In certain embodiments, the front panel of the container assembly comprises an acrylic offset from the flexible panel by an air gap having a depth of approximately 3-10 millimeters, and the stiffener panel of the container assembly comprises a paper honeycomb sheet offset from the front panel by an air gap having a depth of approximately 3-5 millimeters.

In certain embodiments, the environmental buffers comprise silica gel tiles and/or thermal phase change tiles positioned within the case, and microclimate control within the back panel of the container assembly. As an example, the microclimate control within the back panel comprises a back board comprising a foam core board having thermal insulation properties and a vapor-proof seal, a humidity control layer comprising a silica gel felt positioned between the flexible panel and the back board, and zeolite clay and/or activated charcoal embedded paper boards operable to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the flexible panel.

Also disclosed is a vibration-isolating system comprising a platform suspended in a vertical orientation relative to ground. The platform is suspended by a plurality of wire rope isolators. Each wire rope isolator comprises a wire braid arranged into one or more loops and at least one bracket configured to hold the one or more loops in place. At least one of the wire rope isolators is positioned proximate a top side of the platform and at least one of the wire rope isolators is positioned proximate a bottom side of the platform.

In certain embodiments, the wire rope isolators are tuned to yield a tuning ratio greater than or equal to 1.4, the tuning ratio determined by dividing a natural frequency of an object that the vibration-isolating system protects by a natural frequency of the vibration-isolating system. For example, tuning the wire rope isolators comprises selecting at least one of the following characteristics based at least in part on the weight of the load: wire thickness, number of wires in a rope braid, number of loops in the wire rope isolator, loop diameter, loop spacing, number of wire rope isolators, angle of orientation of wire rope isolators relative to the platform, and/or position of the wire rope isolators relative to the platform.

In certain embodiments, the wire rope isolator(s) positioned proximate the bottom side of the platform are supported by one or more chevron-shaped structures. In certain embodiments, the plurality of wire rope isolators comprises a first pair of wire rope isolators coupled proximate the top side of the platform toward the left, a second pair of wire rope isolators coupled proximate the top side of the platform toward the right, a third pair of wire rope isolators coupled proximate the bottom side of the platform toward the left, and a fourth pair of wire rope isolators coupled proximate the bottom side of the platform toward the right. Each pair of wire rope isolators comprises one wire rope isolator that generally faces toward the front surface of the platform and one wire rope isolator that generally faces toward the back surface of the platform. The system can also include at least one wire rope isolator coupled proximate the right side of the platform toward the middle of the right side and at least one wire rope isolator coupled proximate the left side of the platform toward the middle of the left side.

In certain embodiments, the platform comprises a first shelf portion extending from the front side of the platform and a second shelf portion extending from the back side of the platform, each shelf portion operable to carry a load.

In certain embodiments, wire rope isolator(s) positioned proximate the bottom side of the platform have a different wire thickness, number of wires in a rope braid, number of loops in the wire rope isolator, and/or loop diameter than wire rope isolator(s) positioned proximate the top side of the platform.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the wire rope isolators comprises a first bracket coupled to the platform and a second bracket coupled to a brace operable to mount the platform within a case. Certain embodiments position an impact-responsive, variable stiffness foam structure through a space formed by the loops of said at least one of the wire rope isolators such that the foam structure is an impact attenuation material between the first bracket and the second bracket. The system can further include a vibration-damping footing outside the case. The vibration-damping footing comprises a mounting plate and at least one cushion coupled to the mounting plate. Mechanical continuity exists between the vibration-damping footing and the platform via the brace and the at least one wire rope isolator coupled to the brace.

In certain embodiments, the platform comprises a thermal phase change material encased within one or more aluminum honeycomb panels.

Also disclosed is a vibration-isolating system for protecting an object during transit. The vibration-isolating system comprises a platform and a container assembly configured on the platform. The container assembly comprises a back panel positioned behind the object and offset by a first substantially airtight compartment, a front panel positioned in front of the stretched canvas and offset by a second substantially airtight compartment, and a stiffener panel positioned in front of the front panel and offset by a third substantially airtight compartment. The front panel, the back, panel, and the stiffener panel each comprise one or more rigid materials, each rigid material having higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties than the less rigid object. The container assembly is tuned using fixed, gas-piston principles to impart the higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties of the rigid materials to the object such that the extent to which the object experiences excursions greater than 350 microns is reduced. A plurality of isolators suspend the platform in a vertical orientation relative to ground and are tuned to yield a tuning ratio greater than or equal to 1.4, the tuning ratio determined by dividing a natural frequency of the object that the vibration-isolating system protects by a natural frequency of the vibration-isolating system.

Also disclosed is a vibration-isolating case comprising a case, a first vibration-damping footing located at the bottom side of the case and toward the left, and a second vibration-damping footing located at the bottom side of the case and toward the right. The case is a resilient, plastic-composite walled case. Each vibration-damping footing comprises a mounting plate, first and second cushions, and a damping system. The mounting plate comprises a flat surface and side surfaces extending from the flat surface to form a channel-shaped structure. The mounting plate is coupled to the case such that the flat surface is positioned proximate a bottom outer surface of the case with the channel-shaped structure facing away from the case and extending in the front-to-back direction of the case. The flat surface couples to at least one brace within the case (the at least one brace is positioned proximate a bottom inner surface of the case). The first and second cushions are positioned within the channel-shaped structure such that the first cushion is located toward the front of the case and the second cushion is located toward the back of the case. The side surfaces of the mounting plate protect at least a top portion of each cushion. The damping system comprises a tray positioned between the first cushion and the second cushion. The tray contains a quantity of inelastic particulate. The platform is mounted within the case such that a mechanical path exists between the platform, the at least one brace, and the first and second vibration-damping footing.

Also disclosed is a vibration-damping footing. The vibration-damping footing comprises a mounting plate, a damping system coupled to the mounting plate, and at least one cushion coupled to a bottom side of the mounting plate. In certain embodiments, the mounting plate further comprises side portions adjacent to the cushion and operable to protect the cushion. In certain embodiments, the damping system comprises a tray. The tray can contain a quantity of inelastic particulate, such as lead shot. In certain embodiments, the depth of the tray, the diameter of the inelastic particulate, and/or the amount of inelastic particulate in the tray is selected to optimize damping performance. In certain embodiments, the inelastic particulate is suspended in a gel. Alternatively, the inelastic particulate may be surrounded by air. In certain embodiments, the cushion is an air cushion comprising an air-release hole diameter selected to optimize damping performance.

In certain embodiments, the mounting plate comprises a flat surface and side surfaces extending from the flat surface to form a channel-shaped structure, the at least one cushion comprises a first air cushion and a second air cushion positioned within the channel-shaped structure such that the side surfaces of the mounting plate protect at least a top portion of each air cushion, and the damping system is positioned between the first air cushion and the second air cushion. The damping system comprises a tray containing a quantity of inelastic particulate.

Also disclosed is a vibration-isolating case comprising a case and at least one vibration-damping footing coupled to a bottom side of the case. Examples of the vibration-damping footing were described in the previous paragraphs.

Also disclosed is a container assembly for protecting a flexible panel, such as a stretched canvas or other flexible membrane or panel structure. The container assembly comprises a back panel, a front panel, and a stiffener panel. The back panel is positioned behind the flexible panel and offset by a first substantially airtight compartment. The back panel comprises a back board, a decontamination layer, and a humidity control layer. The decontamination layer and the humidity control layer are positioned between the flexible panel and the back board. The front panel comprises an acrylic material. The front panel is positioned in front of the flexible panel and offset by a first gasket resulting in a second substantially airtight compartment. The second substantially airtight compartment has a depth in the range of 3-10 millimeters. The stiffener panel is positioned in front of the front panel. The stiffener panel is offset by a second gasket resulting in a third substantially airtight compartment. The third substantially airtight compartment has a depth in the range of 3-5 millimeters. A frame surrounds the periphery of the flexible panel. A third gasket seals between the back panel and the frame, a fourth gasket seals between the flexible panel and the frame, and a fifth gasket seals between the front panel and the frame. The front panel, the back, panel, and the stiffener panel each comprise one or more rigid material. Each rigid material has higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties than the flexible panel. The container assembly is tuned using fixed, gas-piston principles to impart the higher natural frequency and lower excursion properties of the rigid materials to the flexible panel such that the natural frequency of the flexible panel increases and the extent to which the flexible panel experiences excursions greater than 350 microns is reduced.

Also disclosed is a container assembly comprising a back panel and a front panel. The container assembly may be configured to protect a substantially flat object. The back panel is positioned behind the object and offset by a first sealed air compartment. The front panel is positioned in front of the object and offset by a second sealed air compartment. In certain embodiments, the second sealed air compartment is dimensioned so as to tune the natural frequency of the object against vibrations. For example, the offset of the second sealed air compartment is dimensioned so that the object and the front panel are in close proximity. In certain embodiments, each of the first and second sealed air compartments is substantially airtight. In certain embodiments, the object comprises a stretched canvas within a frame and the container assembly further comprises a first gasket between the back panel and the frame, a second gasket between the object and the front panel, and a third gasket between the front panel and the frame.

Also disclosed is a container assembly comprising a back panel, a front panel, and a stiffener panel. The container assembly may be configured to protect a substantially flat object. The back panel is positioned behind the object and offset by a first sealed air compartment. The front panel is positioned in front of the object and offset by a second sealed air compartment. The stiffener panel is positioned in front of the front panel and offset by a third sealed air compartment.

In certain embodiments, the offset between the object and the front panel is within the range of approximately 3-10 millimeters and the offset between the front panel and the stiffener panel is within the range of approximately 3-5 millimeters. In certain embodiments, the front panel comprises an acrylic material, the stiffener panel comprises a paper honeycomb sheet, and/or the back panel comprises a foam core board. The back panel can further comprise a decontamination layer and a humidity control layer positioned between the foam core board and the object.

In certain embodiments, the container assembly further comprises a first gasket positioned between the object and the front panel and a second gasket positioned between the front panel and the stiffener panel. The gasket positioned between the front panel and the stiffener panel can have a non-rectangular geometry. The stiffener panel can have a non-uniform thickness such that a volume of a corner portion of the third sealed air compartment is reduced as compared to the volume of a middle portion of the third sealed air compartment.

In certain embodiments, the object has a natural frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 20 Hz and the first sealed air compartment is dimensioned so as to increase the natural frequency of the object by at least 20%, the second sealed air compartment is dimensioned so as to increase the natural frequency of the object by at least 20%, and the third sealed air compartment is dimensioned so as to increase the natural frequency of the object by at least 20%. In certain embodiments, the combination of the first, second, and third sealed air compartments increase the natural frequency of the object to at least 40 Hertz.

In certain embodiments, each of the first, second, and third sealed air compartments are substantially airtight.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. Certain embodiments may protect a canvas painting, art, or other fragile object from vibration and/or shock that can occur during transit. As an example, certain embodiments may provide a vibration-isolating case that dampens vibrations and/or shock experienced by the object in transit. The case can be configured to isolate damaging frequencies and/or to absorb shock in the event that the case is dropped. As another example, certain embodiments may raise the natural frequency of the object. For example, the object may be arranged within a panel system that raises the natural frequency of the object well above its fundamental damage frequency. Raising the natural frequency may prevent resonance that would otherwise amplify vibrations across the object. Certain embodiments may tune or customize protection based on the particular object being transported, for example, depending on the fundamental damage frequency of the object. Certain embodiments may have all, some, or none of these advantages. Other advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

