Active Vibration Isolation via Fluid Regulator Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration isolation systems in rotorcrafts are ineffective at varying rotor speeds, as passive isolators are designed for constant frequencies, leading to inadequate vibration cancellation across a range of frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An active vibration isolation system using a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) unit with a fluid regulator, such as a servo valve, that adjusts fluid flow between chambers based on pressure differentials to actively tune the isolation frequency and frequency response, effectively isolating vibrations between vibrating bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive vibration isolators are used, then the system structure is simple, but the vibration isolation effectiveness deteriorates at varying rotor speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static passive vibration isolator into a dynamic active system by introducing a controller that continuously adjusts the isolation mechanism based on real-time vibration signals. This allows the system to adapt to varying rotor speeds and maintain effective vibration isolation across different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where vibration sensors detect the vibration state, the controller processes this information, and the system adjusts its isolation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the vibration isolation system to respond dynamically to changing rotor speeds, maintaining reliability without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Reliability
If active vibration isolation is implemented, then vibration isolation effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the active vibration isolation system with multi-functional components that perform multiple tasks. The controller not only adjusts isolation parameters but also monitors system state and coordinates actuator operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved vibration isolation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If fluid flow is increased to enhance isolation, then vibration damping improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts fluid flow rates based on real-time vibration conditions rather than maintaining constant high flow. The controller modulates the fluid delivery to match the actual damping requirements, increasing flow only when vibration levels demand enhanced damping. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between vibration damping performance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes fluid flow parameters (rate, pressure, timing) dynamically in response to vibration conditions. By adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed high values, the system achieves effective damping only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining vibration isolation effectiveness during critical operating conditions.
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
The active system enhances vibration isolation across a wider frequency range, improving damping and reducing vibration transmissibility between bodies, even at varying rotor speeds, by dynamically adjusting fluid flow and pressure differentials.
Implementation Method 1
determining a pressure differential between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber of a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVETM) unit, and selectively injecting fluid into or withdrawing fluid from the LIVETM unit based on the pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
A vibration isolation system is used in rotorcrafts such as helicopters and tiltrotor aircrafts to damp or isolate vibrations between two bodies of a rotorcraft
Implementation Method 3
maintaining a fluid source including fluid under a constant pressure, and selectively injecting or withdrawing the fluid into the LIVETM unit can include regulating flow of the fluid between the fluid source and the LIVETM unit with a fluid regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of isolating vibrations between vibrating bodies includes determining a pressure differential between a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber of a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) unit, and selectively injecting fluid into or withdrawing fluid from the LIVE unit based on the pressure differential. A system for isolating vibrations between bodies includes a vibration isolator including fluid, a fluid regulator valve in fluid communication with the vibration isolator to selectively flow fluid through the vibration isolator, a pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid regulator to supply fluid to the fluid regulator, a controller in signal communication with the fluid regulator to control fluid flow between the fluid regulation valve and the vibration isolator, and at least one sensor in signal communication with the controller.