Circular Force Generators for Engine Deactivation Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear vibration control technologies are heavy, expensive, and limited in performance for controlling complex motions over wide frequency ranges, requiring complex actuator orientations and reconfiguration for varying vehicle structures, which complicates production and effectiveness in reducing engine-induced vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The use of circular force generators, comprising a mass and motor to rotate the mass, integrated with a control system and communication network, allowing for active vibration control by generating and controlling circular excitations, which are more effective in complex structural responses and do not require reorientation based on vehicle configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear vibration control technology is used, then vibration control is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional linear mechanical vibration control actuators with circular force generators that produce rotational forces. This substitution changes the fundamental mechanism from linear motion control to rotational force generation, achieving vibration control with reduced mass and cost while maintaining effectiveness across broader frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from linear actuator orientation and positioning to circular force generator rotational speed and phase control. By varying the rotational parameters of the circular masses, the system achieves adaptive vibration control without requiring physical reconfiguration, reducing both weight and complexity
2Reliability
If linear technology is tuned below operating range, then vibration control performance is improved, but the technology becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the circular force generators can adapt their rotational speed and phase in real-time to match the operating frequency range. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for heavy, fixed-tuned linear actuators, as the circular generators can effectively operate across varying frequencies by changing their rotational parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration
3Reliability
If complex actuator orientations are implemented for varying vehicle configurations, then vibration control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circular force generators are designed as universal components that can effectively control vibrations across multiple vehicle configurations without requiring reorientation. A single circular generator design can serve multiple positions and orientations on the vehicle frame, eliminating the need for complex, configuration-specific actuator orientations and streamlining production
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of orienting linear actuators to match complex structural directions, the patent inverts the approach by using circular force generators that produce rotational forces independent of orientation. The circular motion generates force components in multiple directions simultaneously, making the system effective regardless of the specific vehicle configuration or structural orientation
4Adaptability or versatility
If linear technology is used for wide frequency range, then broad frequency coverage is achieved, but performance in controlling complex motions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear actuator motion to two-dimensional circular force generation. By rotating masses in a plane, the circular force generators can produce force vectors in multiple directions simultaneously, enabling effective control of complex multi-directional vibrations and motions that linear actuators cannot address, while maintaining broad frequency coverage through variable rotational speeds
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
Circular force generators provide efficient and cost-effective active vibration control, capable of managing complex motions and vibrations across large frequency ranges without the need for reorienting actuators, improving vehicle comfort and streamlining production by effectively reducing noise and vibrations within the cabin.
Implementation Method 1
a circular force generator comprising at least one mass and at least one motor configured to rotate the mass
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for active vibration control using circular force generators. In one aspect, a vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a cabin, an engine, and a number of vibration control devices mounted on the vehicle frame. Each vibration device includes a circular force generator comprising at least one mass and at least one motor configured to rotate the mass. The vibration control devices are configured to perform active vibration control to reduce noise and/or vibration within the cabin resulting from the engine deactivating a subset of cylinders in operation.