How to Build Industrial Computers that Resist Vibration and Shock

WHITE PAPERVibration and ShockAsymmetrical Balance: Most computers are fairly symmetrical,simply because symmetrical systems are easier for engineers todesign and develop. However, symmetrical systems also tend to bemore resonant in severe conditions, and particularly in movingvehicles. An asymmetrical design is an effective way to reducesystem resonance and minimize vibrations and shock. A systemthat is asymmetrically balanced can disrupt energy wavetransmissions and reduce vibrations. This concept can be appliedto off-the-shelf hard disks to create a cost-effective yet reliablestorage solution for moving vehicles.Asymmetry helps fragile components, such as hard disks, avoid resonanceSystem-wide Design PerspectiveAn effective industrial computing system needs to approach antivibrationand anti-shock from a comprehensive system-wideperspective. A thorough understanding of the narrow componentperspective is important, but it is also important to understandhow each component fits together into the big picture of a broaderanti-vibration and anti-shock technology. This means thathardware, thermal design, and component engineers need tocollaborate to create the optimal, integrated system solution.Mortise and Tenon JointsThe constant movement of high vibration environments causesconstant stress on the mechanical joints in a device. Rigid screws,joints, and bindings perform poorly in these environments. Incontrast, a mortise and tenon joint is simple, strong, and flexible.Tenon joints are a unique strategy that bestow greater vibrationand shock resilience on computing systems.A mortise and tenon joint is a simple, strong, and flexible way to create a mechanical jointCopyright © 2010 Moxa Inc.3