Active Vibration-Stabilizing Couplings for Variable Oscillations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical vibrations in various environments, such as fabrication settings and vehicles, pose challenges to precision and stability by affecting the accuracy of end effectors and comfort, as existing solutions like passive damping methods are inadequate in addressing the variability of vibration frequencies and amplitudes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a coupling system that actively detects vibrations and generates countervibrations using magnetically actuated flywheels or solenoid motors, matching the frequency and magnitude of detected vibrations to cancel them out, thereby stabilizing the mechanical system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If passive damping methods are used to reduce mechanical vibrations, then vibration amplitude is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to varying vibration frequencies and amplitudes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration amplitudeVSAvoidadaptability to varying vibration frequencies
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs active vibration control where the coupling dynamically adjusts its characteristics in real-time based on detected vibration parameters. The system continuously monitors vibration frequency and amplitude, then actively modifies the coupling's vibrational properties to counteract harmful vibrations, enabling adaptation to varying vibration conditions rather than relying on fixed passive damping characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling changes its operational parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) in response to detected vibrations. By monitoring vibration parameters and adjusting the coupling's vibrational characteristics accordingly, the system can adapt to different vibration frequencies and amplitudes, resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If active vibration control is implemented, then adaptability to varying vibrations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying vibration frequenciesVSAvoidcomplexity of vibration control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical motion between components while simultaneously detecting vibrations and generating countervibrations for active control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated vibration control devices, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling acts as an intermediary element between the drive mechanism and the load, incorporating vibration sensing and counteraction capabilities. By placing the active control function at this intermediate point, the system achieves vibration adaptability without requiring complex control systems throughout the entire mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration engines are activated continuously, then vibration damping is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration damping effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption of vibration engines
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration engines operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when vibrations are detected and deactivating when the system reaches a stable state. This periodic operation maintains effective vibration damping when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between damping effectiveness and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor vibration levels and control the activation of vibration engines accordingly. When vibrations exceed threshold levels, the engines are activated to dampen them; when vibrations are within acceptable ranges, the engines remain inactive. This feedback-based control maintains damping effectiveness while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces displacement caused by external vibrations, ensuring precise operation of end effectors and enhanced comfort and stability in vehicles by actively damping vibrations in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

driving the vibration engines comprises applying magnetic forces to flywheels disposed at the coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

driving the vibration engines comprises applying electrical energy to a solenoid motor disposed at the coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP3690277B1Couplings that actively stabilize vibrations
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3690277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690277B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690277B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for active vibration damping. One example is a method for damping vibration in a mechanical system. The method includes detecting a vibration at a coupling (100) of the mechanical system, generating a countervibration based on the detected vibration, and operating the mechanical system while generating the countervibration.