Patent classifications
F16F2234/04
Isolator assembly with adjustable preload for damping air load forces
An isolator assembly is configured for damping vibrations of a sensor deployed outside of an aircraft. The isolator assembly includes a platform configured for mechanically supporting the sensor, a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform for stowing the sensor inside the aircraft and deploying the sensor outside the aircraft, and a plate secured inside the aircraft beneath the platform. The plate includes a through-hole for the sensor to extend through. A pin extends below the platform and an isolator mount is disposed on a top side of the plate. The isolator mount includes a slot configured to receive the pin upon deploying the sensor outside the aircraft. The platform and the plate are configured to stabilize the sensor and the isolator assembly is configured to damp vibrations imparted on the sensor by the airstream during flight.