Active Vibration Isolation via Virtual Point Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active vibration isolation systems, particularly in the lower frequency range, face limitations in effectively isolating vibrations due to the transmission of floor vibrations, which are not adequately addressed by existing skyhook control methods.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adding active rigidity to the vibration isolation system, where a control device generates a force proportional to the displacement at a virtual point, effectively connecting the vibration-isolated load to this point via a spring, thereby improving isolation by reducing vibration transmission and increasing the natural frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If active damping according to the skyhook principle is used, then floor vibrations are isolated from the load, but isolation effectiveness in the lower frequency range remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidisolation effectiveness in low frequency range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from pure damping (velocity-proportional force) to include rigidity (displacement-proportional force). By modifying the force generation parameter from F ∝ v to F ∝ x, the system achieves improved isolation in the lower frequency range where the original skyhook damping was insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static virtual connection point into a dynamic system that adapts its characteristics. The control device dynamically generates rigidity by processing displacement signals through integration, creating a frequency-dependent response that enhances low-frequency isolation while maintaining high-frequency performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If active rigidity is added to the system, then isolation in the lower frequency range is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation effectiveness in low frequency rangeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing actuator serve multiple functions: it provides both the original skyhook damping (velocity-proportional force) and the new rigidity effect (displacement-proportional force). This multi-functionality is achieved through signal processing (integration of velocity to obtain displacement) rather than adding separate physical components, thereby reducing the increase in system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that transforms the velocity signal from the skyhook principle into a displacement-proportional force command. By using integration as a mathematical intermediary, the system generates the rigidity effect without requiring additional sensors or actuators, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3098654B1Method for regulating an active vibration insulation system
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 INTEGRATED DYNAMICS ENG
  • EP3098654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3098654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3098654B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an active vibration isolation system. In this method, additional stiffness is generated relative to a virtual point in space by controlling an actuator via a control device.