Motion damper for floating structures

US11623715B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey L. Lindner · Madison, US
• Robert E. Berry · Marion, US
• Frederick Scott Gant · Huntsville, US
• John S. Townsend · Union Grove, US
• Rebecca L. Williams · Fort Myers, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2022
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 27, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B39/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A motion damper for structures includes a housing coupled to a structure such that the housing moves in correspondence with the structure. The housing includes a wall with a vent, and has an air chamber therein in fluid communication with the vent. A piston is sealed within the housing for one-dimensional motion therein. A rigid plate is disposed within the housing's air chamber. The plate is disposed between the piston and the vent, and is spaced apart from and fixedly coupled to the piston such that the plate moves in correspondence with the one-dimensional motion of the piston. At least one spring is mounted in the housing and is coupled to the plate for applying a force thereto that is in opposition to the one-dimensional motion of the piston.