Multi-Directional Vibration Absorber with Angled Support Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration absorbers for bridge structures are ineffective in damping mechanical vibrations across multiple spatial directions without impairing the structural safety and maintainability, and often require significant installation space and weight, which can compromise the load-bearing capacity and ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A vibration absorber design featuring a support arrangement with non-parallel support plates that allow for orthogonal vibration absorption, utilizing a non-positive and torque-locking screw connection, and multiple oscillating elements arranged to absorb vibrations in two-dimensional space efficiently, with a damping material resistant to environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parallel rods of different lengths are provided to cover a range of frequencies, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidnumber of rods
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arrangement is segmented into multiple support plates arranged at different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°), with oscillating elements coupled to each plate. This segmentation allows each plate to target vibrations in specific directions, achieving comprehensive frequency and directional coverage without requiring a large number of parallel rods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-direction rod arrangement to a multi-dimensional support plate system. By arranging support plates at different angles and coupling oscillating elements to each plate, the system absorbs vibrations in multiple spatial directions simultaneously, effectively covering a broader frequency range without proportionally increasing the number of elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a number of double tongues are arranged in several layers parallel to one another, then the vibration absorption capacity is improved, but the installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption capacityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging multiple layers of double tongues in a single direction, the invention uses support plates arranged at different angles (0°, 45°, 90°) with oscillating elements coupled to each plate. This multi-dimensional arrangement achieves comprehensive vibration absorption in all spatial directions while reducing the overall installation footprint compared to multiple parallel layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Each support plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for oscillating elements, absorbs vibrations in specific directions, and can be adjusted to target different frequency ranges. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining high vibration absorption capacity.

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

3Reliability

If vibration absorbers are installed at points with high vibration dynamics, then the vibration absorption effectiveness is improved, but the load-bearing capacity of the structure may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption effectivenessVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support arrangement is segmented into multiple support plates that can be distributed across different locations on the structure. This allows the vibration absorption function to be spread out, reducing the fastening load at any single high-vibration point while maintaining overall effectiveness through the combined action of multiple plates at various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each support plate can be locally optimized for its specific installation location and vibration characteristics. The oscillating elements coupled to each plate are tailored to absorb vibrations in the local environment, allowing effective vibration absorption at high-vibration points without requiring excessive fastening strength that would compromise the structure's load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the support plates are arranged at angles to one another, then the multi-directional vibration absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-directional vibration absorptionVSAvoidsupport arrangement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plates are arranged at asymmetric angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) rather than symmetric configurations. This asymmetric arrangement efficiently covers all spatial directions for vibration absorption while using a minimal number of plates, reducing device complexity compared to more elaborate symmetric multi-plate arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution effectively absorbs vibrations in multiple directions without compromising structural safety or maintainability, reducing low-frequency sound radiation and requiring minimal installation space, while ensuring reliable and efficient energy extraction across a broad frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

Resonance absorbers for reducing vibrations of a body to be damped, which work according to the principle of rod-shaped oscillating elements clamped on one or both sides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a damping lining being squeezed between the two elements of the tongues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2598770B1Vibration absorber for damping mechanical vibrations
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 VEIT GUNTHER
  • EP2598770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2598770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2598770B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibration absorber (6) for damping mechanical vibrations of a structure (1) that can vibrate at least in some sections. The vibration absorber (6) comprises at least two rod-shaped vibration elements (11), each having a longitudinal axis (L), and a support module (7). The support module (7) comprises at least two non-parallel support plates (8, 9; 8, 9a, 9b) and a fastening device (29). The fastening device (29) for fastening the vibration absorber (6) to the structure (1) is designed such that mechanical vibrations of the structure (1) can be introduced into at least one first (8) of the support plates. The support plates (8, 9; 8, 9a, 9b) are connected to one another such that the mechanical vibrations can be transferred from the first support plate (8) to a second (9; 9a) of the support plates. A first vibration element (11a) is coupled at a first position (30a) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the first vibration element (11a) to the first support plate (8) for transmitting the mechanical vibrations from the first support plate (8) to the first vibration element (11a). Moreover, a second vibration element (11b) is coupled at a second position (30b) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the second vibration element (11b) to the second support plate (9; 9a) for transmitting the mechanical vibrations from the second support plate (9; 9a) to the second vibration element (11b).