Vibration dampener

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vibration dampener for dampening vibrations emanating from a vehicle, the vibration dampener comprising: a lower chassis that is directly or indirectly connectable to a part of the vehicle; an upper chassis spaced apart from the lower chassis; a vibration-damper located between the lower chassis and the upper chassis, the vibration-damper suitable for dampening high-frequency vibrations that emanate from the vehicle and enter the lower chassis; and a damper actuator for selectively placing the vibration-damper into an inactive configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are rigidly connected and the vibration-damper is inactive, and an active configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration damper is active.

Description

VIBRATION DAMPENERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vibration dampeners. More specifically, the present invention relates to vibration dampeners that are utilised with mounting systems that mount electronic devices to external objects.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mounting systems that are used to secure handheld electronic devices (such as smartphones or tablets) to bicycles, motorcycles and the like are known. In some cases, it is useful to incorporate a vibration dampener into the mounting system to protect the electronic device from vibrations. However, existing vibration dampeners are somewhat inflexible in not being able to protect the electronic device across a range of vibrations that are commonly encountered.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vibration dampener for dampening vibrations emanating from a vehicle, the vibration dampener comprising: a lower chassis that is directly or indirectly connectable to a part of the vehicle; an upper chassis spaced apart from the lower chassis; a vibration-damper located between the lower chassis and the upper chassis for dampening high-frequency vibrations that emanate from the vehicle and enter the lower chassis; and a damper actuator for selectively placing the vibration-damper into an inactive configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are rigidly connected and the vibration-damper is inactive, and an active configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration damper is active.

[0004] Vibration dampeners according to aspects of the present invention include a damper actuator that selectively places a vibration-damper into active and inactive configurations. When the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, the lower chassis and upper chassis are rigidly connected to vibrate in unison. This causes the vibration dampener to function as a unitary component in the overall mounting system. In addition, when the vibration-damper in the active configuration, the vibration damper serves todampen high-frequency vibrations that emanate from the vehicle to which the lower chassis of the vibration dampener is directly or indirectly connected and enter the lower chassis. In this specification, the term "high-frequency vibrations" refers to vibrations in the order of 30hz -500hz. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that vibrations of these frequencies are associated with vehicle engines and in particular with motorcycle engines.

[0005] The damper actuator may include a force-applying assembly that applies a connecting force to rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis wherein the vibrationdamper is in the inactive configuration, and a separating force to separate the upper chassis from the lower chassis wherein the upper chassis and lower chassis are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration-damper is in the active configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments, the force-applying assembly comprises a magnet and an attracting plate that apply a magnetic connecting force to rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis wherein the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, and a separating-force-applying assembly that applies a separating force that counteracts the magnetic connecting force to separate the upper chassis and lower chassis wherein the vibration-damper is in the active configuration.

[0007] The magnet may be an electro-permanent magnet comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, wherein in the absence of power to the electromagnet the permanent magnet sources a magnetic field of sufficient strength to connect the permanent magnet and attracting plate and rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis wherein the vibrationdamper is in the inactive configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electro-permanent magnet is configured to transition the vibration-damper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces an opposing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet, the opposing magnetic field being of sufficient magnitude to separate the attracting plate from the magnet and the upper chassis from the lower chassis.

[0009] The electro-permanent magnet may also be configured to transition the vibrationdamper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces a reinforcing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet, the combined magnetic field and reinforcing magnitude field beingof sufficient magnitude to attract the attracting plate into contact with the magnet and rigidly connect the upper chassis and the lower chassis.

[0010] In some embodiments, vibration dampener, further comprises an accelerometer configured to measure vibrational characteristics of vibrations entering the lower chassis.

[0011] In some embodiments, the damper actuator acts in response to the measured vibrational characteristics. This responsive action may comprise transitioning the vibrationdamper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration in the event that one or more of the measured vibrational characteristics exceeds a prescribed threshold.

[0012] The responsive action may also comprise transitioning the vibration-damper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration in the event that one or more of the measured vibrational characteristics is below a prescribed threshold.

[0013] Typically, the accelerometer measures vibrational characteristics of vibrations in one or more vibration axes. According to some embodiments, the accelerometer computes a combined vibrational characteristic signal comprising a combination of vibrational characteristics of vibrations in two or more of the vibration axes. For example, the combined vibrational characteristic signal may comprise a mathematical sum of vibrational characteristics of vibrations in one or more of the vibration axes.

[0014] Typically, the vibrational characteristics comprise frequency and amplitude.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the vibration-damper comprises an annular vibrationdamping grommet.

[0016] In another aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a vibration dampener according to the first aspect of the invention, the vibration dampener comprising an accelerometer and an integrated circuit, the method comprising the integrated circuit: receiving a vibrational characteristic signal from the accelerometer; computing a vibrational magnitude parameter from the vibrational characteristic signal; determining whether the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds a vibrational magnitude threshold; and performing a responsive action selected from: in the event that the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds the vibrational magnitude threshold and the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, placing the vibration-damper into the active configuration; and in the event thatthe vibrational magnitude parameter does not exceed the vibrational magnitude threshold and the vibration-damper is in the active configuration, placing the vibration-damper into the active configuration.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vibrational characteristic signal comprises vibrational characteristic from two or more vibration axes and the integrated circuit may compute the vibrational magnitude parameter by combining the vibrational characteristics from each of the two or more vibration axes.

[0018] The integrated circuit may also compute the vibrational magnitude parameter by computing a single scalar value representing the combined contribution of vibrational characteristics measured along each of the two or more vibration axes.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vibration dampener, comprising: a contact component configured to be brought into contact with a vibration-imparting member; a body component spaced apart from the contact component; a vibration-damper located between the contact component and the body component for dampening vibrations emanating from the contact component; and a damper actuator for selectively placing the vibration-damper into an inactive configuration in which the body component and contact component are rigidly connected and the vibration-damper is inactive, and an active configuration in which the body component and contact component are independently movable relative to the other and the vibration damper is active.

[0020] The damper actuator may include a force-applying assembly that selectively applies a connecting force to rigidly connect the body component and contact component and a separating force to separate the body component from the contact component for independent motion to respectively place the vibration-damper into the inactive configuration and the active configuration. In some embodiments, the force-applying assembly comprises a magnet and an attracting plate, wherein the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration when the magnet and the attracting plate are in contact and is in the active configuration when the magnet and the attracting plate are separated.

[0021] Preferably, the magnet is an electro-permanent magnet comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, wherein the permanent magnet sources a magnetic field of sufficient strength to retain contact between the magnet and the attracting plate in theabsence of power to the electromagnet. The electro-permanent magnet may be configured to transition the vibration-damper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces an opposing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet of sufficient magnitude to separate the attracting plate from the magnet.

[0022] The electro-permanent magnet may also be configured to transition the vibrationdamper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces a reinforcing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet of combined magnitude sufficient to attract the attracting plate into contact with the magnet.

[0023] In preferred embodiments, the damper actuator acts in response to a vibrational characteristic signal containing frequency and / or amplitude measurements of vibrations entering the contact component.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the damper actuator may be configured to transition the vibration-damper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration in the event that one or more of the frequency and / or amplitude measurements exceeds a prescribed threshold. The damper actuator may also be configured to transition the vibration-damper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration in the event that one or more of the frequency measurements is below a prescribed frequency threshold.

[0025] In some embodiments, the active configuration includes at least a first active configuration defined by a first distance by which the body component and contact component are separated, and a second active configuration defined by a second distance by which the body component and contact component are separated.

[0026] In some embodiments, the vibration-damper includes a damping chamber, the damper actuator modifying a characteristic of the damping chamber to selectively place the vibration-damper into the inactive configuration and the active configuration. The characteristic of the damping chamber may be the damping chamber's volume, wherein the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration when the volume of the damping chamber is at a minimum and the vibration-damper is in the active configuration when the volume of the damping chamber is at a maximum.

[0027] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features in and described with reference to the accompanying drawing are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, of which:Figures 1 -5 illustrate a vibration dampener in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vibration-damping grommet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration-damping grommet through the plane B-B in Figure 6.Figure 8 is a perspective view of a further vibration-damping grommet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Figures 9-13 are cross-sectional views of the vibration dampener through the plane A-A in Figure 4 illustrating various vibration-damping configurations.Figure 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for controlling a vibration dampener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments, although not the only possible embodiments, of the invention are shown. The invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Figures 1 -4 illustrate an embodiment of a vibration dampener 10 according to the present disclosure. Dampener 10 is used with a mounting system for mounting electronic devices (such as smart phones and tablets) to an external object. An example of a mountingsystem is Applicant's Quad Lock® system, examples of which are exemplified in US Patent Nos. 10,569,717 and 11,873,047. Other examples of mounting systems are exemplified in Applicant's Australian provisional patent application no. 2024902965 and in applications related thereto. The contents of the co-pending applications claiming priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2024902965 are each incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] Vibration dampeners find utility when the electronic device is mounted to an object that is a source of vibrations, such as a pushbike or (more critically) a motorbike. It is particularly important to utilise a vibration dampener when an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet is mounted to a motorbike, seeing that the high frequency vibrations that emanate from the motorbike's engine can damage the device's optical components and / or image stabilization electronics.

[0032] Dampener 10 is composed of a plurality of components that are spaced axially along a central axis 13 and extend generally radially therefrom. An upwards-facing engaging structure 15 projects from the upper face of the dampener 10 at the location of the upper pole of axis 13. Upwards-facing engaging structure 15 is configured to engage with another component in the mounting system, such as a mount head (not shown). To this end, engaging structure 15 includes a plurality of projections 17 that extend radially from a central boss plate 19. The plurality of projections 17 are configured to matingly engage with a corresponding structure on the other component of the mounting structure with which the engaging structure 15 engages. Typically, the corresponding structure is provided in a case that contains the relevant mobile device.

[0033] A downwards-facing engaging structure 20 projects from the lower face of the dampener 10 at the location of the lower pole of axis 13. Downwards-facing engaging structure 20 is configured to engage with a corresponding structure provided on a further component of the mounting system, such as a handle-bar mount. To this end, engaging structure 20 includes an annular protrusion 21 that includes a plurality of radially-inwardly extending teeth 22. Radially-inwardly extending teeth 22 are configured to engage a complementary structure (such as complementary-shaped grooves) provided on the further component of the mounting system to which engaging structure 20 attaches. Engaging structure 20 also includes a threaded bolt 24 that extends coaxially with central axis 13.Threaded bolt 24 allows the entire vibration dampener 10 to be screwed into a corresponding bolt hole provided in the further component of the mounting system to which vibration dampener 10 is attached.

[0034] First 34 and second 36 spaced apart annular retaining structures are disposed along axis 17 above the engaging structure 20 to form a lower chassis 32 therewith. An upper chassis 38 is located axially below the upwards-facing engaging structure 15. Upper chassis 38 takes the form of a cage that is formed by first 40 and second 42 axially spaced circular flanges. The first and second circular flanges 40 and 42 are connected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced joining members 44 that are located radially outward from central axis 13. As described below, upper chassis 38 serves as a component of the vibration-damping mechanism that vibration dampener 10 provides. In addition, upper chassis 38 serves as a housing for the electronic components of the vibration dampener 10, which include a printed circuit board 46 and wireless charging coil 48.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present dampener 10 is not limited to any particular construction for securing the dampener to other components in a mounting system. In this regard, the form and construction of the engaging structures will tend to be dictated by the form and construction of the corresponding engaging structures provided on the particular components of the mounting system to which the dampener 10 attaches.

[0036] The vibration-damping mechanism of the vibration dampener 10 in preferred embodiments is provided by an annular vibration-damping grommet 30. Vibration-damping grommet 30 encircles the central axis 13 and is located along central axis 13 between the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38.

[0037] Other types of vibration-damping mechanisms may be suitably utilised in vibration dampeners 10 according to the invention. For example, vibration-dampeners that employ magnetic dampening (such as electromagnet-based dampeners) can be utilised as vibrationdamping mechanisms.

[0038] Vibration-damping grommet 30 is described in greater detail by reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7. Vibration-damping grommet 30 is composed of materials having suitable viscoelastic properties and hardness to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy that enters the vibration dampener 10 through the lower chassis 32. In addition, as discussed below,grommet 30 is capable of being mechanically transitioned into an inactive and one or more active configurations. The viscoelastic properties and hardness characteristics of the vibrationdamping grommet 30 are selected to accommodate the plurality of vibration-damping configurations.

[0039] Vibration-damping grommet 30 is generally disc-shaped with a central void 50 provided in the upper face 52 of the grommet 30. An annular rim 56 extends between the upper 52 and lower 54 faces of vibration-damping grommet 30. Being annular shaped, vibration-damping grommet 30 and annular retaining structure 36 are in mutual contact over their entire 360° facial circumferences. This continuous contact between the lower face 54 of vibration-damping grommet 30 and the annular retaining structure 36 (which is in the vicinity of where vibrational energy enters the vibration-dampening device 10) may improve vibration-damping performance.

[0040] A plurality of helical grooves 53 are defined in the surface of annular rim 56. Helical grooves reduce the overall weight of the vibration-damping grommet 30 while also physically assisting the grommet 30 to both resist shear flow and strains and undergo elastic deformation. The helical grooves 53 may control predetermined deformation of the grommet 30 when undergoing elastic deformation.

[0041] The vibration damping characteristic of the grommet 30 is determined primarily by the configuration of the rim 56. Factors that will affect vibration dampening characteristics are dimensions of the grommet, the type of material used, for example, if a rubber grommet is used, the Shore hardness of the grommet will impact dampening characteristics.

[0042] An alternative embodiment of a vibration-damping grommet 33 is illustrated in Figure 8. In grommet 33, a significantly greater proportion of the upper face 55 is taken up with a central void 57 in comparison with grommet 30. The lower face 59 of grommet 33 also contains a central void 61 of the same dimension as central void 57. Vibration-damping grommet 33 is similarly provided with a plurality of helical grooves 63.

[0043] In some embodiments, upper face 52, lower face 54 and rim 56 may define an interior damping chamber 58. Damping chamber 58, in combination with rim 56, provides the vibration-damping capabilities of the grommet 30.

[0044] As described below, vibration-damping grommet 30 or 33 can be selectively placed into an inactive configuration through locking the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 together such that they are rigidly connected. Vibration-damping grommets 30 or 33 can also be selectively placed into an active configuration through unlocking and separating the lower chassis 32 from the upper chassis 38 so that they are independently movable relative to the other. In the active configuration, the vibration-damping grommet 30 or 33 is configured to damp vibrations that enter the lower chassis 32 and thus prevent them from reaching the upper chassis 38.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the vibration-damping grommet 30 or 33 is in the active configuration, the grommet 30 or 33 can be compressed and the distance between upper face 52 and lower face 54 varied. In this regard, the vibration-damping grommet 30 or 33 can be placed into a plurality of active damping configurations, each corresponding to a different damping chamber volume and having distinct damping properties. Compressing the grommet 30 or 33 will impact material characteristics of the grommet 30, such as the hardness of the grommet, in turn, affecting the amount of dampening provided by the grommet 30 or 33.

[0046] When the vibration-damping grommet 30 or 33 is in the inactive configuration, lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 are locked together such that the two components are rigidly connected and vibrate in unison. In this configuration, the mounting system of which the vibration dampener 10 is a part, functions as a unitary component with respect to responding to vibrational energy that enters the dampener 10 through engaging structure 20.

[0047] Turning to Figure 9, additional components of the vibration-damping mechanism of the vibration dampener 10 are illustrated in greater detail. In this regard, the vibrationdamping mechanism includes an electro-permanent magnet 60 located in the region between the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 and radially inward of the vibration-damping grommet 30. A metallic attracting plate 62 is located above the electro-permanent magnet 60. As described below, the combination of the electro-permanent magnet 60 and metallic attracting plate 62 serves as an actuator for the vibration-damping grommet 30 to selectively transition the vibration-damping grommet 30 between the active and inactive configurations and between the different active configurations.

[0048] Figure 9 illustrates the state of the vibration dampener 10 when no power is supplied to the electro-permanent magnet 60. In this state, the electro-permanent magnet 60 acts solely as a permanent magnet that sources a magnetic field that attracts the metallic attracting plate 62 to the permanent magnet. The attraction between the electro permanent magnet 60 and attracting plate 62 causes the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 to lock together, bypassing the dampening effect of the grommet 30 and causing the lower chassis 32 and the upper chassis 38 to vibrate together. In some embodiments, instead of bypassing the grommet 30, the metallic attracting plate 62, electro-permanent magnet holds the vibrationdamping grommet 30 in a compressed state where the volume of the damping chamber 58 is at a minimum.

[0049] As discussed above, the state illustrated in Figure 9 (namely the inactive configuration) is useful for when low-frequency vibrations (typically in the order of 0-60hz) enter the vibration dampener 10. For example, low-frequency vibrations generated by an idling motorcycle engine enter mounting systems and cause the connected mobile device to bounce around. While vibrations of such frequency do not tend to damage the device's optical components or image stabilization electronics, they can be unpleasant for the rider in preventing them, for example, from viewing a map or other indicator on the mobile device while stopped at traffic lights when the motor is idling.

[0050] The inactive configuration (namely when the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 are locked together though the action of the electro permanent magnet 60 and attracting plate 62) causes the device to function as a directly-connected device.

[0051] Figure 10 illustrates the state of the vibration dampener 10 when power is supplied to the dampener's components, including electro-permanent magnet 60 and wireless charging coil 48. Energizing the wireless charging coil 48 allows it to charge a mobile device that is connected to the upwards-facing engaging structure 15. In terms of damping, in the state illustrated in Figure 10, the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 are locked together through the magnetic connection between electro-permanent magnet 30 and metallic attracting plate 62. The vibration-damping grommet 30 is thus in the inactive configuration, with any damping of low-frequency vibrations being affected by components other than the vibration-damping grommet 10.

[0052] Figure 11 illustrates the state of the vibration dampener 10 when an electric current is applied to the electromagnet component of the electro-permanent magnet 60. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the electric current applied to the electro-permanent magnet 60 is such that it opposes the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet component of the electro-permanent magnet 60 and overcomes the magnetic connection between the electro-permanent magnet 60 and metallic attracting plate 62. Once the magnetic connection is overcome, the inherent elastic properties of the vibration-damping grommet 30 cause it to return to its natural shape.

[0053] In terms of the damping-configuration, in the state illustrated in Figure 11, the lower chassis 32 and upper chassis 38 are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration-damping grommet 30 has returned to its natural shape to function as an active vibration dampener. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that applying a suitable electric current to the electro-permanent magnet 60 serves as an actuator to selectively place the vibration dampener 10 into the active damping configuration.

[0054] When the vibration dampener 10 is in the active damping configuration, the vibrationdamping grommet 30 is configured to act as a vibration dampener and damp high-frequency vibrations (in the order of 30-500 hz) that have the potential to damage the optical components and / or image stabilization electronics of a mobile device attached to the upwards-facing engaging structure 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration dampener 10 is configured, through suitable firmware that an integrated circuit mounted on the printed circuit board 46 executes, to automatically place the vibration-damping grommet 30 into the active damping configuration. In this regard, the vibration dampener 10 includes an accelerometer 64, which in the illustrated embodiment is incorporated into the lower chassis 32. Accelerometer 64 may be of any suitable type including mechanical, piezoelectric, capacitive and MEMS. The accelerometer 64 is also communicatively coupled to the integrated circuit that is mounted on the printed circuit board 46.

[0055] Utilizing an integrated accelerometer to measure vibrational characteristics, rather than switching the vibration dampener between active and inactive configurations depending on the rotational frequency of the vehicle engine has advantages in terms of more precise measurements of the vibrational forces entering the lower chassis 32 from the vehicle.

[0056] In preferred embodiments, the accelerometer 64 measures vibrational characteristics of vibrations in at least two and preferably three vibration axes. The vibration axes (for example x, y and z axes) are typically orthogonal to each other, with the accelerometer 64 measuring characteristics of vibrations in a longitudinal axis (x-axis) aligned with the forward motion of the motorcycle, a lateral axis (y-axis) aligned side-to-side across the motorcycle and a vertical axis (z axis) aligned up-and-down perpendicular to the ground. Measuring vibrational characteristics in multiple axes is preferred in light of the fact that motorcycle engines are typically mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle. It is also relevant that the electronic device may be mounted at an angle to the mounting system.

[0057] As discussed further below, the integrated circuit executes software routines that compute a combined vibrational characteristic signal that is a combination of vibrational characteristics of vibrations in two or more of the vibration axes. For example, the combined vibrational characteristic signal comprises a mathematical summation of vibrational characteristics of vibrations in one or more of the vibration axes.

[0058] In this regard, accelerometer 64 is configured to measure, in each vibrational axis, the frequency and amplitude of vibrational energy entering the vibration dampener 10 through the lower chassis 32. As noted above, the vibrational energy can be characterized by reference to its frequency, with higher frequency vibrations damped by the vibration damping grommet 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the firmware executing on the integrated circuit includes instructions that continuously receive vibrational frequency measurements from the accelerometer 64. In the event that the firmware instructions determine that the measured frequency or combined vibrational characteristic signal exceeds a predetermined frequency threshold, the firmware instructions signal the electro-permanent magnet 60 to apply a suitable electric current to actuate the vibration-damping grommet 30 in the manner described above.

[0059] In practice, the accelerometer 64 will often detect a change in vibrational frequency from a low frequency to a high frequency when the motorcycle's engine transitions from an idling state (such as when the motorcycle is stopped at lights) to a loaded state. In this scenario, the firmware instructions automatically actuate the vibration dampener 10 to place it in the active configuration in accordance with its external environment.

[0060] Figure 12 illustrates the state of the vibration dampener 10 in the event that power to the electro-permanent magnet 60 is ceased when the vibration dampener 10 is in the state illustrated in Figure 11. As noted above, the vibration dampener 10 is in the active configuration when in this state. In the event that power to the electro-permanent magnet 60 is ceased, the vibration dampener 10 remains in the active damping state. This is due to the magnitude of the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet component of the electropermanent magnet 60 being insufficient to overcome the inherent stiffness or elasticity of the vibration-damping grommet 30 and attract the metallic attracting plate 62.

[0061] When the vibration dampener 10 is in the state illustrated in Figure 12, wireless charging of the connected device still occurs through the wireless charging coil 48.

[0062] Figure 13 illustrates the state of the vibration dampener 10 immediately prior to transitioning the vibration dampener 10 from the active damping configuration to the inactive damping configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the firmware instructions signal the electro-permanent magnet 60 to apply an electric current to the electromagnet component of the electro-permanent magnet 60. In contrast to the electric current discussed above in relation to Figure 11, the applied electric current is such that the induced magnetic field is in the same direction and reinforces the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet component of the electro-permanent magnet 60.

[0063] The resulting strength of the combined magnetic field is sufficient to overcome the inherent elasticity of the vibration-damping grommet 30 and bring the metallic attracting plate 62 back into contact with the electro-permanent magnet 60. This has the corresponding result of placing the vibration-damping grommet 30 into the inactive damping configuration (as illustrated in Figure 10). Once in the inactive configuration, power to the electropermanent magnet 60 can optionally be ceased, seeing that (as discussed above) the strength of the magnetic attraction sourced by the permanent magnet's magnetic field is sufficient to retain the connection between the electro-permanent magnet 60 and metallic attracting plate 62.

[0064] The firmware instructions and accelerometer 64 are also configured to automatically transition the vibration-damping grommet 30 into the active damping configuration. As discussed above, the accelerometer 64 is configured to measure the frequency and amplitudeof vibrational energy entering the vibration dampener 10 through the lower chassis 32. In the event that the firmware instructions determine that the measured frequency falls below the predetermined frequency threshold, the firmware instructions signal the electro-permanent magnet 60 to connect the electro-permanent magnet 60 to metallic attracting plate 62 and thus place the vibration-damping grommet 30 into the inactive configuration.

[0065] Figure 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 70 for controlling a vibration dampener 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Process 70 commences at step 72, at which the integrated circuit receives a vibrational characteristic signal from the accelerometer 32.

[0067] As discussed above, the accelerometer 34 measures vibrational characteristics in three separate axes. At step 74, software routines executing on the integrated circuit compute a vibrational magnitude parameter from the vibrational characteristic signal by combining the vibrational characteristic signals from the 3 axes. In the exemplified embodiment, the vibrational magnitude parameter is a single scalar value representing the combined contribution of vibrational characteristics measured along each of the orthogonal axes of the accelerometer. In this embodiment, the vibrational magnitude parameter is computed as the vector magnitude (root-sum-of-squares) of the three axis signals, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mathematical combinations of the three axis signals may be used.

[0068] The vibrational magnitude parameter provides a scalar measure of the overall vibrational intensity detected by the accelerometer. Because it is derived from the squared contributions of the accelerations along the three orthogonal axes, the parameter is representative of the instantaneous vibrational energy irrespective of direction. In some embodiments, the vibrational magnitude parameter may be further processed, for example by calculating a root-mean-square value over time, to obtain a measure that is directly proportional to the vibrational energy. Other mathematical formulations may also be employed to characterise vibrational energy in a direction-independent manner.

[0069] At step 76, software routines executing on the integrated circuit perform a comparison operation by comparing the value of the vibrational magnitude parameter against a predetermined t. In the event that the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds the vibrational magnitude threshold, processing proceeds to step 78 at which software routinesexecuting on the integrated circuit determine whether the vibration-damping grommet 30 is locked as a result of the attracting plate 62 and electro-permanent magnet 60 being in contact with each other. As described above, when the vibration-damping grommet 30 is locked, the vibration dampener 10 is in the inactive configuration.

[0070] In the event that the integrated circuit determines that the vibration damping grommet is locked, processing proceeds to step 80, at which the integrated circuit signals the electro-permanent magnet 60 to unlock the vibration-damping grommet 30 and thus place the vibration dampener 10 into the active configuration. In practice, determining that the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds the vibrational magnitude threshold is indicative of vibrational energies entering the lower chassis 32 that require dampening. If the vibration damping grommet 30 is in the inactive configuration in this scenario, it requires switching into the active configuration.

[0071] In the event that the integrated circuit determines that the vibration damping grommet is not locked, processing proceeds to step 90 with no changes made to the configuration of the vibration damping grommet 30. In this regard, the vibration damping grommet 30 is in the active configuration and performing damping of the vibrational energies entering the lower chassis 32.

[0072] Returning to step 76, in the event that the vibrational magnitude parameter does not exceed the vibrational magnitude threshold, processing proceeds to step 82 at which software routines executing on the integrated circuit determine whether the vibration-damping grommet 30 is unlocked; namely when the attracting plate 62 and electro-permanent magnet 60 are separated from each other. As described above, when the vibration-damping grommet 30 is unlocked, the vibration dampener 10 is in the active configuration.

[0073] In the event that the integrated circuit determines that the vibration damping grommet is unlocked, processing proceeds to step 84, at which the integrated circuit signals the electro-permanent magnet 60 to lock the vibration-damping grommet 30 and thus place the vibration dampener 10 into the inactive configuration. In practice, determining that the vibrational magnitude parameter does not exceed the vibrational magnitude threshold is indicative of the vibrational energies entering the lower chassis 32 no longer require dampening by the vibration-damping grommet. For example, when the motorcycle isdecelerated and brought to a stop with the engine idling, the inactive configuration of the vibration dampener is sufficient to damp the vibrational energy entering the lower chassis 32. If the vibration damping grommet 30 is in the active configuration in this scenario, it requires switching into the inactive configuration.

[0074] In the event that the integrated circuit determines that the vibration damping grommet is not unlocked, processing proceeds to step 90 with no changes made to the configuration of the vibration damping grommet 30. In this regard, the vibration damping grommet 30 is in the inactive configuration, with the damping performed by the vibration dampener as a whole.

[0075] Step 90 involves the integrated circuit determining whether a vibrational characteristic signal has not been received from the accelerometer for a prescribed time period, which is indicative of the motorcycle no longer being in use. Processing terminates in the event that a signal is not received from the accelerometer and returns to step 72 in the event that a signal is received.

[0076] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0077] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0078] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form of a word includes the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, the references "a," "an" and "the" are generally inclusive of the plurals of the respective terms. For example, reference to "a feature" includes a plurality of such "features." The term "and / or" used in the context of "X and / or Y" should be interpreted as "X," or "Y," or "X and Y.

[0079] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0080] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vibration dampener for dampening vibrations emanating from a vehicle, the vibration dampener comprising: a lower chassis that is directly or indirectly connectable to a part of the vehicle; an upper chassis spaced apart from the lower chassis; a vibration-damper located between the lower chassis and the upper chassis, the vibration-damper being suitable for dampening high-frequency vibrations that emanate from the vehicle and enter the lower chassis; and a damper actuator for selectively placing the vibration-damper into an inactive configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are rigidly connected and the vibration-damper is inactive, and an active configuration in which the upper chassis and lower chassis are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration damper is active.

2. A vibration dampener according to claim 1, wherein the damper actuator includes a force-applying assembly that applies a connecting force to rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis, wherein the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, and a separating force to separate the upper chassis from the lower chassis, wherein the upper chassis and lower chassis are independently movable relative to each other and the vibration-damper is in the active configuration.

3. A vibration dampener according to claim 2, wherein the force-applying assembly comprises a magnet and an attracting plate that apply a magnetic connecting force to rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis, wherein the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, and a separating-force-applying assembly that applies a separating force that counteracts the magnetic connecting force to separate the upper chassis and lower chassis, wherein the vibration-damper is in the active configuration.

4. A vibration dampener according to claim 3, wherein the magnet is an electropermanent magnet comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, wherein in the absence of power to the electromagnet, the permanent magnet sources a magnetic field of sufficient strength to connect the permanent magnet and attracting plate and rigidly connect the upper chassis and lower chassis, wherein the vibrationdamper is in the inactive configuration.

5. A vibration dampener according to claim 4, wherein the electro-permanent magnet is configured to transition the vibration-damper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces an opposing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet, the opposing magnetic field being of sufficient magnitude to separate the attracting plate from the magnet and the upper chassis from the lower chassis.

6. A vibration dampener according to claim 4, wherein the electro-permanent magnet is configured to transition the vibration-damper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration by applying a current to the electromagnet that induces a reinforcing magnetic field to the magnetic field sourced by the permanent magnet, the combined magnetic field and reinforcing magnitude field being of sufficient magnitude to attract the attracting plate into contact with the electro-permanent magnet and rigidly connect the upper chassis and the lower chassis.

7. A vibration dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an accelerometer configured to measure vibrational characteristics of vibrations entering the lower chassis.

8. A vibration dampener according to claim 7, wherein the damper actuator acts in response to the measured vibrational characteristics.

9. A vibration dampener according to claim 8, wherein the responsive action comprises transitioning the vibration-damper from the inactive configuration to the active configuration in the event that one or more of the measured vibrational characteristics exceeds a prescribed threshold.

10. A vibration dampener according to claim 8, wherein the responsive action comprises transitioning the vibration-damper from the active configuration to the inactive configuration in the event that one or more of the measured vibrational characteristics is below a prescribed threshold.

11. A vibration dampener according to claim 7, wherein the accelerometer measures vibrational characteristics of vibrations in one or more vibration axes.

12. A vibration dampener according to claim 11, wherein the accelerometer computes a combined vibrational characteristic signal comprising a combination of vibrational characteristics of vibrations in two or more of the vibration axes.

13. A vibration dampener according to claim 7, wherein the vibrational characteristics comprise frequency and amplitude.

14. A vibration dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration-damper comprises an annular vibration-damping grommet.

15. A vibration dampener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the high-frequency vibrations comprise vibrations in the order of 30hz -500hz.

16. A method of controlling a vibration dampener according to claim 1, the vibration dampener comprising an accelerometer and an integrated circuit, the method comprising the integrated circuit: receiving a vibrational characteristic signal from the accelerometer; computing a vibrational magnitude parameter from the vibrational characteristic signal; determining whether the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds a vibrational magnitude threshold; and performing a responsive action selected from:in the event that the vibrational magnitude parameter exceeds the vibrational magnitude threshold and the vibration-damper is in the inactive configuration, placing the vibration-damper into the active configuration; and in the event that the vibrational magnitude parameter does not exceed the vibrational magnitude threshold and the vibration-damper is in the active configuration, placing the vibration-damper into the active configuration.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the vibrational characteristic signal comprises vibrational characteristic from two or more vibration axes.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the integrated circuit computes the vibrational magnitude parameter by combining the vibrational characteristics from each of the two or more vibration axes.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the integrated circuit computes the vibrational magnitude parameter by computing a single scalar value representing the combined contribution of vibrational characteristics measured along each of the two or more vibration axes.

Images