Circular Force Generator Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical devices that utilize induced vibratory motion struggle to maintain a desired vibration profile under changing operating conditions such as variations in material loading, temperature, or material properties, and are limited in their ability to create customizable vibration profiles.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Circular Force Generators (CFGs) with controllers that use algorithms like filtered-x least mean square (Fx-LMS) or time-average gradient (TAG) to adjust the magnitude, phase, and frequency of the vibratory motion, ensuring optimal performance by comparing measured vibrations with prescribed profiles and generating corrective commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional force generators (linear drives or imbalanced rotors) are used to create vibration, then the device can produce a predefined force profile, but the device cannot maintain the desired vibration profile when operating conditions change (material loading, temperature, material properties)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration profile consistencyVSAvoidresponse to changing operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the force generator adaptable and adjustable in real-time. The system transitions from a static, predefined force profile to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts its parameters (magnitude, phase, frequency) in response to changing operating conditions. This is achieved through active control mechanisms that modify the generator's characteristics during operation, allowing it to adapt to varying material properties, loading conditions, and temperature changes while maintaining the desired vibration profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the actual vibration profile and comparing it with the desired profile, then using this information to adjust the force generator's parameters. Sensors detect changes in operating conditions and vibration characteristics, and this feedback is fed back to the control system, which automatically modifies the generator's output to compensate for deviations. This closed-loop control ensures consistent vibration performance despite variations in material loading, temperature, or material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If synchronous motors or induction motors with VFDs are used to vary vibration frequency, then the frequency can be adjusted, but the device cannot create a variety of selectable vibration profiles within limits imposed by the force generators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration profile varietyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a force generator system that can perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The generator is capable of producing various vibration profiles (different magnitudes, phases, frequencies, and waveforms) using the same hardware infrastructure. This multi-functionality is achieved through programmable control that can generate different vibration patterns without requiring separate specialized generators for each profile type, thus increasing versatility while managing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying multiple parameters (magnitude, phase, frequency, waveform shape) of the force generator to create different vibration profiles. Instead of adding complex mechanical components for each profile type, the system achieves diversity by programmatically changing operational parameters. This allows the generation of various vibration profiles within the force generator's capabilities, effectively increasing adaptability through software-controlled parameter modulation rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple synchronous or asynchronous motors are coupled through common base vibration, then they synchronize to produce a consistent force profile, but the device cannot maintain optimal performance when operating conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce profile consistencyVSAvoidperformance under changing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static synchronized motor system to a dynamic system that actively adapts to changing conditions. While the motors remain coupled through common base vibration, the system incorporates real-time adjustment capabilities that allow the force profile to evolve in response to operating condition changes. This dynamic adaptation maintains both the synchronization benefits and the ability to respond to varying material properties, loading, and temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control in the multi-motor system by monitoring the combined vibration output and individual motor performance, then adjusting each motor's parameters to maintain optimal overall performance. The feedback mechanism detects changes in operating conditions and redistributes the force generation requirements among the coupled motors, ensuring that the consistent force profile is maintained even as individual motor contributions are adjusted to accommodate changing operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2912335B1Mechanical devices and method of creating prescribed vibration
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 LORD CORP
  • EP2912335B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2912335B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2912335B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention provides a system for creating a prescribed vibration profile on a mechanical device comprising a sensor (30) for measuring an operating condition of the mechanical device, a circular force generator CFG (20) for creating a controllable rotating force vector comprising a controllable force magnitude, a controllable force phase and a controllable force frequency, a controller (22) in electronic communication with said sensor and said circular force generator, the controller operably controlling the controllable rotating force vector, wherein the difference between the measured operating condition and a desired operating condition is minimized.