Adjustable Tuned Mass Damper for Variable Vehicle Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle suspension systems struggle to effectively address a wide range of unwanted oscillations and frequency vibrations that occur due to varying terrains, vehicle modifications, and user interactions, leading to rider fatigue and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A tuned mass damper (TMD) system with adjustable spring rate and damping coefficient, utilizing air springs, smart fluids, and electromagnetic dampers, which can be electronically controlled to match and dampen various frequencies in real-time, integrated into vehicle components such as forks and frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spring rate and damping coefficient are used in the TMD, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively dampen varying frequencies caused by different terrains and vehicle modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable spring rates and damping coefficients that can be dynamically modified during vehicle operation. The spring assembly allows selection between multiple spring rates, while the damper assembly enables adjustment of damping coefficients, transforming a static TMD into a dynamic system that adapts to varying terrain and vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the TMD system by providing multiple springs with different spring rates and multiple dampers with different damping coefficients. This allows the system to select appropriate parameter combinations for different operating conditions, effectively expanding the frequency damping range without requiring a completely different device design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple springs with different spring rates are provided, then the frequency damping capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple springs within a shared housing structure, where springs with different spring rates are arranged concentrically or in series within the same spatial envelope. This nesting approach allows multiple spring elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, reducing the overall volume requirement compared to housing each spring separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains multiple springs with different spring rates, provides mounting points for all springs, and facilitates the selection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements for each spring, thereby minimizing the overall volume of the TMD assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dampers with different damping coefficients are used, then the damping performance across various frequencies is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is designed to allow dynamic selection between multiple dampers with different damping coefficients. This enables the TMD system to adapt its damping characteristics in real-time based on operating conditions, transforming a static damping system into a dynamic one that can optimize performance across varying frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly is segmented into multiple independent damper units, each with a specific damping coefficient. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate damper for specific operating conditions and facilitates modular replacement or adjustment, reducing the complexity of managing multiple damping characteristics within a single integrated unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spring rate and damping coefficient are made adjustable during vehicle operation, then the TMD can effectively address unaccounted for oscillations, but the ease of operation and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The TMD system incorporates sensors that automatically detect vibration frequencies and control mechanisms that autonomously select appropriate spring rates and damping coefficients. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing user error and maintaining system reliability while achieving real-time adaptability to varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor vibration characteristics and provides feedback to the control mechanism, which then adjusts the spring rate and damping coefficient selections. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the TMD responds appropriately to changing conditions while maintaining reliable operation through automated decision-making based on actual system state.
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, improves vehicle handling and comfort by increasing wheel contact with the ground, reducing chatter and vibrations, and can harvest energy from movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring coupled with the mass, the at least one spring having a spring rate
Implementation Method 2
a damper to dampen a motion of the mass, the damper having a damping coefficient
Implementation Method 3
The mass may comprise a sliding surface. The mass may comprise a purposely oriented magnet stack. The damper may be electromagnetic, such that the TMD is configured to provide a tuned damping and to harvest energy with a movement of the mass.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A vehicle (50) comprising a tuned mass damper (TMD) (100), which tuned mass damper comprises: a mass (101); at least one spring (102) coupled with said mass, said at least one spring having a spring rate (K); and a damper to dampen a motion of said mass, said damper comprising a damping coefficient (C), wherein at least one of said spring rate and said damping coefficient are adjustable during the vehicle's operation to modify a frequency damped by said TMD.