Adaptive Tuned Mass Damper for Variable Vehicle Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to effectively address unaccounted for oscillations and frequency vibrations caused by varying terrains, body types, and environmental conditions, leading to rider fatigue and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A frequency adjustable tuned mass damper (TMD) system that uses sensors to monitor terrain and vehicle conditions, adjusting the mass, damping coefficient, and spring rate in real-time to reduce and eliminate unwanted vibrations, thereby improving ride comfort and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-parameter suspension system is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot adapt to varying terrain and vibration frequencies, leading to rider fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tuned mass damper system with adjustable mass, damping coefficient, and spring rate parameters that can be dynamically modified in real-time based on detected vibration frequencies and terrain conditions, transforming a static suspension system into an adaptive one
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vibration frequencies and terrain characteristics, feeding this information back to the control mechanism which then adjusts the TMD parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptive control system
2Reliability
If the TMD parameters are adjusted in real-time, then the vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but the use of energy increases due to active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic adjustment of TMD parameters synchronized with the detected vibration cycles, modifying mass, damping, and spring rate at optimal moments in the vibration cycle to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes active modification of physical parameters (mass distribution, damping coefficient, spring rate) of the tuned mass damper in response to real-time vibration analysis, enabling the system to adapt to changing terrain and vibration frequency conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the TMD system is designed to handle all possible vibration frequencies, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing for all frequencies simultaneously, the system uses a single TMD unit whose parameters (mass, damping, spring rate) can be dynamically changed to match different vibration frequencies as they occur during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements active parameter modification of the TMD components, allowing the same physical hardware to effectively target different frequency ranges by changing its dynamic characteristics in real-time based on sensor feedback
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 TMD system significantly reduces resonance peaks and oscillations, enhancing rider comfort, improving traction and handling by minimizing wheel bounce and chatter, and adapting to both expected and unexpected vibrational frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
unwanted oscillation and/or frequency vibrations that fall within the realm of frequencies that are known to cause humans increased stress and fatigue
Implementation Method 2
A frequency adjustable tuned mass damper (TMD) system that uses sensors to monitor terrain and vehicle conditions, adjusting the mass, damping coefficient, and spring rate in real-time to reduce and eliminate unwanted vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A tuned mass damper (TMD) is disclosed. The TMD includes a mass and at least one spring coupled with the mass. The at least one spring having a spring rate. The TMD also includes a damper to dampen a motion of the mass, the damper having a damping coefficient. At least one of the spring rate and the damping coefficient are adjustable during a vehicle's operation to modify a frequency damped by the TMD.