Bracket Arrangement for Static Spike Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static spikes installed on structures are prone to resonance-induced vibrations due to vortex shedding, leading to stress fracture and fatigue failure at the weld joints, especially when not mounted rigidly and when the frequency of vortex shedding matches the resonance frequency of the body.
Innovation Solution
A bracket arrangement that rigidly connects the elongated body to its support structure, incorporating a visco-elastic vibration dampening element between the bracket and the elongated element to attenuate harmonic oscillations, which can be retrofitted to existing installations or used in new ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the static spike is not mounted rigidly, then ease of installation is improved, but the weld joint becomes susceptible to stress fracture and fatigue failure due to vortex shedding vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a rigid bracket portion and a separate vibration dampening element. The bracket provides rigid mechanical support while the dampening element (made of viscoelastic material) is inserted into the bracket to specifically address vibration issues. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration dampening element acts as an intermediary between the static spike and the bracket. It absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy from vortex shedding, protecting the weld joint while allowing the bracket to maintain rigid structural support. The dampening element mediates the interaction between the flexible spike and rigid support.
2Reliability
If the static spike is mounted rigidly, then weld joint reliability is improved, but the complexity of the support structure increases due to additional vibration dampening components
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration dampening element is merged with the bracket structure by inserting it into the bracket's hollow cavity. This integration allows the dampening function to be incorporated into the existing support structure without requiring separate mounting brackets or complex assembly mechanisms. The bracket and dampening element work together as a unified support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with specific geometric parameters (hollow cavity, opening orientation, wall thickness) that enable it to accommodate the vibration dampening element. These parameter changes transform a simple rigid bracket into a composite structure that provides both mechanical support and vibration damping functionality.
3Reliability
If a vibration dampening element is added, then weld joint reliability is improved by reducing vibrations, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration dampening element is made of a flexible viscoelastic material that can be molded into the bracket's hollow cavity. This flexible material approach simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid damping components, as it can be easily formed and installed. The material's flexibility allows it to conform to the bracket's internal geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure becomes a composite system combining the rigid bracket material (metal) with the flexible vibration dampening material (viscoelastic polymer). This composite construction leverages the advantages of both materials: the bracket provides structural strength while the dampening material provides vibration absorption. The materials are joined through simple insertion and adhesive bonding.
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 bracket arrangement effectively reduces or eliminates stress cracking and fatigue failure at the weld joints by providing a rigid connection and absorbing vibrations, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of the static spike installations.
Implementation Method 1
a visco-elastic vibration dampening element is introduced between the bracket and the elongated element to further attenuate any vortex-shedding harmonic oscillations
Implementation Method 2
Wind blows past the static spike and causes a condition called vortex shedding, which is an oscillating flow that takes place when a fluid such as air or water flows past a body at certain velocities
Implementation Method 3
If the body is not mounted rigidly and the frequency of vortex shedding matches the resonance frequency of the body, the body can begin to resonate, vibrating with harmonic oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket arrangement for supporting an elongated pole element that is welded to a base flange. The bracket arrangement surrounds the elongated pole element at a first position and spans from the first position to a second position that is secured at a point beyond the weld area. An energy-absorbing element lies between the bracket and the elongated pole element at the first position to dampen vibrations.