Adjustable Vibration Damping Device for Machine Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotational and translational movements in machines often result in resonance excitations due to matching or close natural frequencies, leading to high bearing forces and material stresses, particularly in material connections like weld seams, affecting safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device with an adjustable section and recess allows for variable insertion of an insert device, changing the rigidity and mass distribution to optimize vibration behavior, thereby shifting natural frequencies and reducing resonance excitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rigidity of the machine element is increased to reduce vibrations, then the structural strength is improved, but the natural frequency shifts to higher values which may cause resonance with operating frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresonance avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rigidity of the machine element adjustable rather than fixed. The device includes an adjustment section with a recess that can receive different insert devices, allowing the rigidity to be dynamically changed. This enables the natural frequency to be shifted away from operating frequencies to avoid resonance, while still maintaining high structural strength when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the rigidity parameter of the machine element through the insertable device. By changing the physical parameters of the adjustment section (through different insert devices or adjustment positions), the natural frequency can be tuned to avoid resonance with operating frequencies, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and resonance avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex structural changes are made to optimize vibration behavior, then the vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the machine element into a base structure and a separate adjustment section with a recess. The insert device can be independently adjusted or replaced within the recess, allowing vibration optimization without redesigning the entire structure. This modular approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective vibration damping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment section with the recess acts as an intermediary between the main structure and the insert device. This intermediary component allows for simple insertion and adjustment of damping elements without complex structural modifications to the main machine element, thus achieving vibration optimization with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the natural frequency is shifted to avoid resonance, then the safety is improved, but the adjustment mechanism adds device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by providing an adjustable mechanism that allows the natural frequency to be dynamically shifted away from operating frequencies. The adjustment section with the recess enables simple insertion and positioning of devices that modify the rigidity, thereby shifting the natural frequency to avoid resonance and improve safety without requiring a complex adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables simple optimization of vibration behavior in machine elements, reducing the need for complex structural changes and allowing for effective damping of vibrations across specific frequency ranges, enhancing safety and operational stability.

Implementation Method 1

a predetermined insert device (20) can be variably inserted into the recess (12) in such a way that the rigidity of the adjustment section (11) can be changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigidity change:

Implementation Method 2

This leads to disadvantageous resonance excitations, which result in high bearing forces and material stresses... by means of which the vibration behavior of a machine, installation, a structural component or any machine element can be optimized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNatural frequency shift:

Implementation Method 3

the recess being bent open by the insert device in relation to the empty recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectR recess deformation:

Data Source

PatentEP2938901B1Device for the mechanical adjustment of an oscillation behaviour of a machine element
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2938901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2938901B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2938901B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for mechanically adjusting a vibration behaviour of a machine element, wherein the device can be coupled to the machine element or is designed as a part of the machine element, the device comprises an adjustment section (11) for the adjustment and a cavity (12) arranged in the adjustment section, and a specified insertion apparatus (20) can be variably inserted into the cavity in such a way that the stiffness of the adjustment section can be changed. Thus the vibration behaviour of the machine element can also be varied.