Adjustable Vibration Device for Predictive Maintenance Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing mechanical components for failure points are time-consuming and expensive, requiring prolonged exposure to increasing vibrations until failure, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device with adjustable components, including a lower and upper plate with elongated slots and an adjustable fastener, allows for customizable vibration signatures by altering the position and orientation of a vibrator relative to the plates, enabling the generation of various vibration frequencies and amplitudes without direct contact with the subject device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components are subjected to increasing vibration forces until failure to obtain failure point data, then reliable failure data can be obtained, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the vibration device parameters (mass, damping, stiffness) to replicate specific failure conditions before actual testing begins. This allows the system to directly induce targeted failure modes without requiring prolonged exposure to progressively increasing vibration forces, thereby obtaining reliable failure data much more quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a simplified vibration model that replicates the essential failure characteristics of the actual mechanical component. Instead of testing the complete complex system until failure, the invention copies the critical vibration dynamics into a controllable test setup with adjustable mass, damping, and stiffness elements that reproduce failure conditions in a fraction of the time.
2Reliability
If mechanical components are subjected to increasing vibration forces until failure to obtain failure point data, then comprehensive failure data can be obtained, but the testing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the vibration device with specific mass, damping, and stiffness parameters that correspond to known failure conditions. This allows comprehensive failure data to be obtained by systematically adjusting these pre-set parameters rather than conducting expensive prolonged progressive vibration tests, significantly reducing testing costs while maintaining data comprehensiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the adjustable parameters of the vibration device (mass of vibrating element, damping coefficient, stiffness) to replicate different failure modes. This approach provides comprehensive failure data across multiple conditions without the expense of physical progressive testing, as each parameter adjustment creates a new test scenario at minimal cost.
3Device complexity
If a vibration device uses fixed components to generate vibrations, then the structure is simple, but it cannot replicate multiple failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable elements (mass, damping, stiffness) into the vibration device that can be modified to replicate different failure modes. The adjustable mass element can be repositioned or replaced, damping can be varied through adjustable elements, and stiffness can be changed through adjustable springs or mounts, allowing a single device structure to adapt to multiple testing scenarios without requiring completely different apparatus for each failure mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single vibration device with adjustable parameters that can replicate multiple failure modes. The device combines a vibrating element with adjustable mass, adjustable damping elements, and adjustable stiffness elements, allowing one apparatus to perform the function of multiple specialized devices, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatile failure mode replication.
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 approach reduces the need for prolonged testing by replicating mechanical failures through adjustable vibrations, facilitating predictive maintenance and reducing costs by using a single vibration device to simulate multiple failure modes.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration device for generating various vibration signatures or characteristics
Implementation Method 2
A fastener connects the upper and lower plates and extends through the upper and lower elongated slots. The fastener is adjustable in a vertical direction to alter the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration device for generating various vibration signatures or characteristics is provided. This various vibration signatures or characteristics allow a single vibration device to be used to test and replicate failures in a subject device across a broad range of vibration signatures or characteristics transferring to the subject device. The vibration devices includes a pair of spaced-apart plates, each defining a slot therein. An adjustable fastener connects the upper and lower plates and extends through the upper and lower elongated slots. A vibrator is fastened to the upper plate via the upper elongated slot. To enable the vibration signatures or characteristics to be varied, the fastener is adjustable in a vertical direction to alter the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is adjustable in a horizontal direction along the upper and lower slots. The motor can also translate along the upper elongated slot.