shock absorber or dashpot

[odinengineer]

I am looking for a device to help absorb an impact load. I have a lever that is hand operated that controls an emergency device. Sometimes the unit will see a high impact load and flip the switch on its own. Due to government standards, the lever has to have a pull force of less than 15 pounds. It can also not be locked down in anyway. So I am looking for shock absorber/dashpot/ anything that when pushed or pulled slowly will add minimal extra force to operate the lever, but when moved suddenly with high impact will provide extra force to keep the lever from moving. Any ideas?

 

[drawoh]

odinengineer,

This is more of a mechanical engineering question than a Gear and Pulley one. The vibrations section might be helpful.

A damper (dashpot) attached to your shaft will generate force proportional to the velocity the shaft is travelling at. Once a damper starts doing stuff, I think you are in trouble.

My first strategy for your problem would be to somehow manage the impact loads on your system. My next strategy would be to investigate the orientation of your lever. Reducing the mass of your lever might help!

JHG