Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses anti-vibration mountings of machines and instruments in which vibration is set up by more or less rapidly moving parts.

<CIT> discloses a vibration control device which inhibits interference between a vibration stopper part and a peripheral member of the vibration control device in a more secure manner, and to provide a refrigeration cycle device including the vibration control device.

<CIT> discloses a vibration control mount which is downsized, lightweight and inexpensive but well absorbs horizontal and twisted displacement, further, is structured to be immune to overturn or the like, reduces cost and improves riding comfort.

Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein,.

Reference will now be made to the examples illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same.

An initial overview of the inventive concepts is provided below, and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one example, disclosed is a low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly. The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly comprises a first mount, a second mount, and an isolator. The second mount is movable relative to the first mount and comprises at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface. The isolator comprises an inner frame and an outer frame. The inner frame is configured to couple to the first mount and comprises a platform and at least one isolator support leg extending from the platform. The at least one isolator support leg is inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one inclined surface of the second mount. The outer frame is configured to couple to the second mount and comprises an opening configured to facilitate access to the platform of the inner frame, and at least one rail being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one isolator support leg. The outer frame operates to capture the at least one isolator support leg between the at least one rail of the outer frame and the at least one inclined surface of the second mount. Upon at least one of the first mount and the second mount being subjected to vibrations and shocks, the isolator operates to dampen vibrations and shocks propagating between the first and second mounts.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the at least one riser can comprise a plurality of inclined surfaces, the inner frame can comprise a plurality of isolator support legs extending from the platform, and the outer frame can comprise a plurality of rails.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the isolator can further comprise at least one inner isolator pad situated between an inclined surface of the at least one inclined surface of the second mount and an isolator support leg of the at least one isolator support leg, and at least one outer isolator pad situated between a rail of the at least one rail of the outer frame and the isolator support leg.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, at least one of the inner isolator pad and the outer isolator pad can comprise, or in other words can be formed of, an elastomeric material.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the inner frame can be configured to nest within the outer frame, or in other words, the inner and outer frames can comprise respective structural configurations that facilitate these being able to nest with one another.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, one of the first mount and the second mount can be operable to mount to a payload support surface and the other of the first mount and the second mount can be operable to mount a payload to be supported by the payload support surface.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the first mount can be secured to the inner frame by one or more (e.g., a first plurality of) fasteners and the second mount can be secured to the outer frame by one or more (e.g., a second plurality of) fasteners.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the at least one isolator support leg can comprise a frustoconical shape.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the at least one isolator support leg can comprise a plurality of support legs.

Also disclosed is a payload system. The payload system comprises a body, a payload, and a low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly. The body has a payload support surface. The body and the payload support surface can be subject to vibration and shock type of loads. The payload is supported by the payload support surface. The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly couples the payload to the payload support surface. The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly comprises a first mount and a second mount. The first mount is coupled to one of the body and the payload. The second mount is movable relative to the first mount and coupled to the other of the body and the payload. The second mount comprises at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface. The isolator comprises an inner frame and an outer frame. The inner frame is configured to couple to the first mount. The inner frame comprises a platform and at least one isolator support leg extending from the platform. The at least one isolator support leg is inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one inclined surface of the second mount. The outer frame is configured to couple to the second mount and comprises an opening configured to facilitate access to the platform of the inner frame and at least one rail being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one isolator support leg. The outer frame operates to capture the at least one isolator support leg between the at least one rail of the outer frame and the at least one inclined surface of the second mount. When at least one of the body and the payload are subjected to vibrations and shocks, the isolator is operable to dampen vibrations and shocks propagating between the body and the payload.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the body can comprise an elongate cylindrical body and the payload support surface can comprise an interior cylindrical surface of the elongate cylindrical body. The body can comprise other shapes or configurations other than cylindrical.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the isolator can further comprise at least one inner isolator pad situated between an inclined surface of the at least one inclined surface of the second mount and an isolator support leg of the at least one isolator support leg and at least one outer pad situated between a rail of the at least one rail of the outer frame and the isolator support leg.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the at least one isolator support leg can comprise an inner isolator pad and an outer isolator pad.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the inner frame can nest within the outer frame.

Also is disclosed is a method for configuring a low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly. The method includes forming a first mount to be operable to couple to a support surface, forming a second mount to be operable to couple to a payload and to have at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface, forming a second mount movable relative to the first mount, the second mount comprising at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface, forming an inner frame to have a platform operable to couple to the first mount and at least one isolator support leg extending from the platform, the at least one isolator support leg being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one incline surface of the second mount, and forming an outer frame operable to couple to the second mount and to have an opening configured to facilitate access to the platform of the inner frame to be operable to couple to the first mount and to have at least one rail inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one isolator support leg.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the method can further comprise forming the at least one isolator support leg to have a frustoconical shape.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the method can further comprise forming the at least one isolator support leg to comprise a plurality of support legs.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect, the method can further comprise attaching at least one isolator support pad to the at least one isolator support leg.

To further describe the present technology, examples are now provided with reference to the figures. <FIG> illustrates an example payload system <NUM> comprising a body <NUM>, a payload <NUM>, and a low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the example payload system <NUM> of <FIG> in an exploded view. The body <NUM> can be any body to which a payload <NUM> is mounted. In the example of <FIG>, the body <NUM> is a tubular structure such as a missile segment. The body <NUM> can comprise a payload support surface <NUM> for supporting the payload <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the payload support surface <NUM> is a cylindrical interior surface of the body <NUM>. In other examples, payload support surfaces can be irregular or a flat mounting surface. The payload <NUM> can be any payload requiring mounting to the body <NUM> and that would benefit from being vibrationally isolated from the body <NUM>. For example, the payload <NUM> can be electronics equipment that is sensitive to vibration and shock loads, such as a servo motor assembly. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the body <NUM> can comprise other shapes or configurations other than cylindrical. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the payload <NUM> can comprise a variety of different types of payloads. As such, those illustrated in the drawings and discussed herein are not intended to be limiting in any way.

<FIG> illustrates the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> of <FIG> separated from the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> reversed from the view of <FIG>. With reference to <FIG>, the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> comprises a first mount <NUM>, a second mount <NUM>, and an isolator <NUM> (see <FIG>). Each of the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to mount to either the body <NUM> or the payload <NUM>. The first mount <NUM> is configured to mount to the body <NUM> at the payload support surface <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> is configured to mount to the payload <NUM>. However, in other examples the roles can be reversed, with the first mount <NUM> configured to mount to the payload <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> configured to mount to the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The first mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the body <NUM> using conventional means such as threaded fasteners, weldments, adhesives, and rivets. Although not intended to be limiting in any way, the first mount <NUM> can be mounted to the body <NUM> using threaded fasteners (not shown). The first mount <NUM> can have threaded sockets <NUM> and the body <NUM> can have corresponding apertures <NUM> for receiving a shaft of a threaded fastener. Thus, the first mount <NUM> can be secured to the body <NUM> by passing a shaft of a threaded fastener through an aperture <NUM> of the body <NUM> and into a corresponding threaded socket <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> and tightening the fastener. The first mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> by suitably configuring the shape of the first mount <NUM>. In this example, the first mount <NUM> can have at least one curved surface <NUM> that complements the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As used herein, with respect to two complementary surfaces, the term "complement" is intended to mean that the surfaces are designed and configured to work together to perform an intended function. In one aspect, the complementary surfaces can be configured to directly interface with one another, such as in the example of the curved surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> interfacing directly with (i.e., mounting to) the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In another aspect, the complementary surfaces can be configured to indirectly interface with one another, such as in the example of the inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> indirectly interfacing with the isolator support leg <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> by way of the inner isolator pad <NUM> situated between them. Those skilled in the art will recognize that complementary surfaces can comprise two surfaces that are oriented along parallel planes, two surfaces that have the same or similar curvature, two surfaces that are non-parallel to one another, and others. Additionally, the threaded sockets <NUM> can be angled relative to one another to account for the curvature of the body <NUM> and the distance between the apertures <NUM>. In other examples, the first mount <NUM> can be modified as necessary to conform to the shape of the payload support surface <NUM> to which the first mount <NUM> is being secured.

The second mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the payload <NUM> using conventional means such as threaded fasteners, weldments, adhesives, and rivets. Again, not intending to be limiting in any way, the second mount <NUM> can be mounted to the body <NUM> using threaded fasteners (not shown). For example, the payload <NUM> can have threaded sockets for receiving a threaded end of a fastener and the second mount <NUM> can have apertures <NUM> that correspond to the threaded sockets of the payload <NUM>. Thus, the second mount <NUM> can be secured to the payload <NUM> by passing a threaded fastener through an aperture <NUM> and into a corresponding threaded socket of the payload <NUM> and tightening the threaded fastener.

The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> comprises the first mount <NUM>, the second mount <NUM>, and an isolator <NUM>. The first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> are movable relative to one another and are connected by the isolator <NUM>. The isolator <NUM> operates to dampen vibration and shock propagating between the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM>.

As described previously, the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to be secured to one of the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM> using conventional means. The second mount <NUM> can comprise a first side <NUM> configured to couple to one of the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposing the first side <NUM>. At least one riser <NUM> can extend from the second side <NUM> and is offset axially from the second side <NUM>. The at least one riser <NUM> can have at least one inclined surface <NUM> extending to the second side <NUM>. The isolator <NUM> can comprise an inner frame <NUM> and an outer frame <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> can comprise a platform <NUM> and at least one isolator support leg <NUM> extending from the platform <NUM>. The at least one isolator support leg <NUM> can be inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM>. For example, if the at least one inclined surface <NUM> had an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM> of <FIG> the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> can also have an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM> of <FIG>. The at least one isolator support leg can have a planar shape that is substantially flat. In other examples, such as that of <FIG> described below, an isolator support leg can have a curved shape, or any other shape or configuration as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In some examples, the isolator support legs <NUM> can be configured to as to flex about and relative to the platform <NUM>, thus the isolator support legs <NUM> can be considered as compliant isolator support legs <NUM> capable of flexing under an applied load. The amount of flex can be tuned by configuring various properties of the isolator support legs <NUM>, such as their length and thickness, and the way they attach or are formed with the platform <NUM>.

The example platform <NUM> comprises four isolator support legs <NUM>, but in other examples, more or less isolator support legs are contemplated. In some examples a platform <NUM> can have three isolator support legs arranged in a triangular shape. In other examples, a platform can have greater than four isolator support legs <NUM> arranged in a regular pattern.

The inner frame <NUM> can be configured to couple to the first mount <NUM> using conventional means. In some examples, the inner frame <NUM> can couple to the first mount <NUM> by way of threaded fasteners <NUM> (see <FIG>) that thread into corresponding threaded sockets <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The threaded fasteners <NUM> pass through apertures of the first mount <NUM> and are secured within the the threaded sockets <NUM> of the platform <NUM> to secure the first mount <NUM> to the inner frame <NUM>.

The isolator <NUM> can further comprises an inner isolator pad <NUM>, an outer isolator pad <NUM>, or both. The inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can each fasten or otherwise secure to the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> using conventional means such as an adhesives, rivets, other fasteners, or in some examples they can be separate from the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>. Each isolator support leg of the at least one isolator support legs <NUM> can have a corresponding inner and outer isolator pad <NUM>, <NUM>. When assembled (see <FIG>), the inner isolator pad <NUM> can be situated between at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and at least one isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator support pad <NUM> can be situated between a at least one rail <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the outer frame <NUM> and the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>. In some examples, the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise an elastomeric material such as rubber, polyurethane, nitrile, and silicone. In some examples, each of the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise the same material, while in other examples different materials or durometers may be used. It is contemplated that the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed of any material or combination of materials capable of attenuating and absorbing shock loads propagating between the first and second mounts and within the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> that could cause damage, malfunction or undesirable performance in or to the payload <NUM>. In addition, different sizes, shapes, configurations, types and makeup of the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can be used to tune the isolator <NUM> to sufficiently attenuate shock loads in different applications or under different operating conditions.

The outer frame <NUM> can be configured to couple to the second mount <NUM> using conventional means. In some examples, the outer frame <NUM> couples to the second mount <NUM> by way of threaded fasteners <NUM> that thread into corresponding threaded sockets of the second mount <NUM>. The threaded fasteners <NUM> pass through apertures of the outer frame <NUM> and are secured within the threaded sockets of the second mount <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> comprises at least one rail <NUM> that is complementary to the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>. For example, if the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> comprises three isolator support legs, then the outer frame can comprise three rails <NUM> that are each complementary to an isolator support leg, and if an angle of the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> is orientated at an angle of <NUM> degrees from axis <NUM>, then the at least one rail <NUM> can similarly be inclined at <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM>. As will be shown in <FIG>, when assembled, the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> is captured between the at least one rail <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> and the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> can further comprise an opening <NUM> to facilitate access to the platform of the inner frame <NUM>. For example, when assembling the low profile isolating payload mounting assembly, the outer frame <NUM> can be placed over the inner frame <NUM> and the threaded fasteners <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> can be accessed and manipulated to secure the inner frame <NUM> to the second mount <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> can be secured by the interaction of the second mount <NUM> and the outer frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). When assembled (see <FIG>), the inner frame <NUM> can nest within the opening of the outer frame <NUM> to reduce the axial profile of the isolator <NUM>. When the outer frame <NUM> is secured to the second mount <NUM>, a gap <NUM> is created between the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and the at least one rail <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). The at least one isolator support leg <NUM> extends from the platform <NUM> and into the gap <NUM>. Together, the inner isolator pad <NUM>, the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator pad <NUM> can have a thickness that is slightly greater than a width of the gap <NUM>. Thus, when the outer frame <NUM> is secured to the second mount <NUM>, the inner isolator pad <NUM>, the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator pad <NUM> can be compressed between the at least one rail <NUM> and the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM>. Thus, the inner frame <NUM> is secured by the outer frame <NUM> being coupled to the second mount <NUM>. Additionally, the inner frame <NUM> is moveable relative to the outer frame <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> which operates to deform the isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM>, This deformation acts to isolate relative movement between the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM>. A low frequency vibration or large displacement can transfer between the second mount <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM>, while the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can dampen relative movement between the second mount <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> at higher frequencies.

The relative amount of dampening provided by the isolator <NUM> can be tuned by varying one or more of the geometry of the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>, the geometry, configuration, type and/or durometer of the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM>, the thickness of the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the material used to make the inner frame. For example, if a greater degree of isolation is required the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be increased in thickness or a more suitable durometer may be used. If lesser degree of isolation is required, the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be reduced in thickness, a harder material used, or these may be eliminated altogether relying on the compliance of the at least one isolator support leg <NUM> to provide isolation.

The flat design of the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> reduces the axial height compared to a conventional mount while providing isolation between the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM>. Additionally, the design does not rely on the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> being bonded to a structure to handle the load. Indeed, since the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> are captured by the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and the rail <NUM>, the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> do not need to be bonded to the at least one isolator support leg <NUM>. Furthermore, the inner frame <NUM> can be completely captured by the outer frame <NUM> such that the inner frame <NUM> cannot be displaced from the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> without the outer frame <NUM> being removed.

<FIG> illustrate another example payload system <NUM> comprising a body <NUM>, a payload <NUM>, and a low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM>. In contrast to the cylindrical body of <FIG>, the body <NUM> of <FIG> is a generic panel generally representing a different body configuration than the one discussed above. For example, the body <NUM> could be the side, top, or bottom of a vehicle or other structure. Additionally, in this example, a first mount <NUM> (see <FIG>) is configured to couple to the payload <NUM> and a second mount <NUM> (see <FIG>) is configured to couple to the body <NUM>.

The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> comprises a first mount <NUM>, a second mount <NUM>, and an isolator <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Each of the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to mount to either the body <NUM> or the payload <NUM>. In the example shown, the first mount <NUM> is configured to mount to the payload <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> is configured to mount the body <NUM> at a payload support surface <NUM>. However, in other examples the roles can be reversed, with the first mount <NUM> configured to mount to the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> configured to mount to the payload <NUM>.

Although not intending to be limiting in any way, the second mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the body <NUM> using conventional means such as threaded fasteners, weldments, adhesives, and rivets. In the example shown, the second mount <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM> using threaded fasteners <NUM>. The body <NUM> can have threaded sockets <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> can have corresponding apertures <NUM> for receiving a shaft of a threaded fastener <NUM>. Thus, the second mount <NUM> can be secured to the body <NUM> by passing a shaft of the threaded fastener <NUM> through the aperture <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and into a corresponding threaded socket <NUM> of the body <NUM> and tightening the threaded fastener <NUM>. The second mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> by suitably configuring the shape of the second mount <NUM>. Thus, the second mount <NUM> can have at least one surface <NUM> (e.g., a flat surface) that complements the payload support surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The first mount <NUM> can be configured to mount to the payload <NUM> using conventional means such as threaded fasteners, weldments, adhesives, and rivets. Again, not intending to be limiting in any way, the first mount <NUM> can be mounted to the payload <NUM> using threaded fasteners (not shown). For example, the payload <NUM> can have threaded sockets (not shown) for receiving a threaded end of a fastener and the first mount <NUM> can have apertures <NUM> that correspond to the threaded sockets of the payload <NUM>. Thus, the first mount <NUM> can be secured to the payload <NUM> by passing a threaded fastener through an aperture <NUM> and into a corresponding threaded socket of the payload <NUM> and tightening the threaded fastener.

The low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> comprises the second mount <NUM>, the first mount <NUM>, and an isolator <NUM>. The first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> are movable relative to one another and are connected by the isolator <NUM>. The isolator <NUM> operates to dampen vibrations and shocks propagating between the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM>.

As described previously, the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to be secured to one of the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM> using conventional means. The second mount <NUM> can comprise a first side <NUM> configured to couple to one of the body <NUM> and the payload <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposing the first side <NUM>. A riser <NUM> can extend from the second side <NUM> and is offset axially from the second side <NUM>. The riser <NUM> can have a frustoconical shape having an inclined surface <NUM> extending to the second side <NUM>. Tile isolator <NUM> can comprise an inner frame <NUM> and an outer frame <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> can comprise a platform <NUM> and an isolator support leg <NUM> extending from the platform <NUM>. In the example shown, the isolator support leg <NUM> is a conical leg. The isolator support leg <NUM> can be inclined so as to be complementary to the inclined surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM>. For example, if the inclined surface <NUM> had an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM> of <FIG>, the isolator support leg <NUM> can also have an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM> of <FIG>.

The inner frame <NUM> can be configured to couple to the first mount <NUM> using conventional means. In some examples, the inner frame <NUM> can couple to the first mount <NUM> by way of threaded fasteners <NUM> (see <FIG>) that thread into corresponding threaded sockets <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The threaded fasteners <NUM> pass through apertures of the first mount and are secured within the threaded sockets <NUM> of the platform <NUM> to secure the first mount <NUM> to the inner frame <NUM>.

The isolator <NUM> can further comprises an inner isolator pad <NUM>, (see <FIG>) an outer isolator pad <NUM>, or both. The inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can each fastened to the isolator support leg <NUM> using conventional means such as an adhesives, rivets, other fasteners, or in some examples they may not be fastened to the isolator support leg <NUM>. When assembled, as shown in <FIG>, the inner isolator pad <NUM> can be situated between an inclined surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> and an isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator pad <NUM> can be situated between a rail <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the outer frame <NUM> and the isolator support leg <NUM>. In some examples, the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise an elastomeric material such as rubber, polyurethane, nitrile, and silicone. In some examples, each of the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise the same material, while in other examples different materials or durometers may be used. As discussed above, the isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> are intended to be formed of any material capable of absorbing and attenuating shock loads propagating between the first and second mounts and through the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM> and the isolator <NUM>.

The outer frame <NUM> can be configured to couple to the second mount <NUM> using conventional means. In some examples, the outer frame <NUM> couples to the second mount <NUM> by way of threaded fasteners <NUM> that thread into corresponding threaded sockets of the second mount <NUM>. The threaded fasteners <NUM> pass through apertures <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> and are secured within the threaded sockets of the second mount <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> comprises a rail <NUM> that can be inclined to be complementary to the isolator support leg <NUM>. For example, if the isolator support leg <NUM> is orientated at an angle of <NUM> degrees from axis <NUM>, then the rail <NUM> can similarly be inclined at <NUM> degrees relative to axis <NUM>. As will be shown in <FIG>, when assembled, the isolator support leg <NUM> is captured between the rail <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM> and the inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> can further comprise an opening <NUM> to facilitate access to the platform <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. For example, when assembling the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly <NUM>, the outer frame <NUM> can be placed over the inner frame <NUM> and the threaded apertures <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> can accessed and manipulated to secure the inner frame <NUM> to the first mount <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> being secured by the interaction of the second mount <NUM> and the outer frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). When assembled (see <FIG>), the inner frame <NUM> can nest within the opening of the outer frame <NUM> to reduce the axial profile of the isolator <NUM>. When the outer frame <NUM> is secured to the second mount <NUM>, a gap <NUM> is created between the at least one inclined surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and the rail <NUM> of the outer frame <NUM>. The isolator support leg <NUM> extends from the platform <NUM> and into the gap <NUM>. Together, the inner isolator pad <NUM>, the isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator pad <NUM> can have a thickness that is slightly greater than a width of the gap <NUM>. Thus, when the outer frame <NUM> is secured to the second mount <NUM>, the inner isolator pad <NUM>, the isolator support leg <NUM>, and the outer isolator pad <NUM> can be compressed between the rail <NUM> and the inclined surface <NUM>. Thus, the inner frame <NUM> is secured by the outer frame <NUM> being coupled to the second mount <NUM>. Additionally, the inner frame <NUM> remains moveable relative to the outer frame <NUM> and the second mount <NUM> which operates to deform the isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM>. This deformation acts to isolate relative movement between the first and second mounts <NUM>, <NUM>. A low frequency vibration or large displacement can transfer between the second mount <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM>, while the inner and outer isolator pads <NUM>, <NUM> can dampen relative movement between the second mount <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> at higher frequencies.

A low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly can be configured using conventional techniques such as machining, casting, additive manufacturing, etc. A low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly can be configured by forming a first mount to be operable to couple to a support surface, forming a second mount to be operable to couple to a payload and to have at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface, forming a second mount movable relative to the first mount, the second mount comprising at least one riser comprising at least one inclined surface, forming an inner frame to have a platform operable to couple to the first mount and at least one isolator support leg extending from the platform, the at least one isolator support leg being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one incline surface of the second mount, and forming an outer frame operable to couple to the second mount and to have an opening for facilitating access to the platform of the inner frame to be operable to couple to the first mount and to have at least one rail inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one isolator support leg.

In some examples, the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly can be further configured by forming the at least one isolator support leg to have a frustoconical shape. In another example, the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly can be further configured by forming the at least one isolator support leg to comprise a plurality of support legs. In some examples, the low-profile shock isolating payload mounting assembly can be further configured by attaching at least one isolator support pad to the at least one isolator support leg.

It is to be understood that the examples set forth herein are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the technology being described.

Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The use of "or" in this disclosure should be understood to mean non-exclusive or, i.e., "and/or," unless otherwise indicated herein.

Claim 1:
A payload mounting assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a first mount (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>) movable relative to the first mount (<NUM>, <NUM>),
the second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least one riser (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least one inclined surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an isolator (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an inner frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to couple to the first mount (<NUM>, <NUM>), the inner frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a platform (<NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one isolator support leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the platform (<NUM>, <NUM>), the at least one isolator support leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one inclined surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
an outer frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to couple to the second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising an opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to facilitate access to the platform (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the inner frame (<NUM>, <NUM>), and at least one rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) being inclined so as to be complementary to the at least one isolator support leg (<NUM>, <NUM>), the outer frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) operating to capture the at least one isolator support leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the at least one rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the outer frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the at least one inclined surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein, upon at least one of the first mount (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second mount (<NUM>, <NUM>) being subjected to vibrations and shocks, the isolator operates to dampen vibrations and shocks propagating between the first (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second mounts (<NUM>, <NUM>).