Vibratory Energy Converter Assembly for Compactor Vibration Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory compaction machines generate horizontal vibration energy that is not utilized for compaction, leading to machine fatigue, damage, and noise, while also wasting energy.

Innovation Solution

Implementing vibratory energy converter assemblies to absorb and convert horizontal vibration energy into electrical energy, thereby reducing machine wear and utilizing otherwise wasted energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If horizontal vibration energy is not converted, then the machine structure remains simple, but energy is wasted and machine fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal vibration energyVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts harmful horizontal vibration energy into useful electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The vibration converter assembly includes a magnet and coil arrangement where horizontal vibrations induce current in the coil, transforming waste energy into electrical power that can be used to run machine components or charged in a battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration conversion system provides self-service by generating its own electrical power from its operational vibrations. The system powers its own control electronics, sensors, and other electrical components, reducing external power requirements and enabling autonomous operation of auxiliary systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If horizontal vibration energy is converted to electrical energy, then energy utilization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidvibration converter assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration converter assembly serves multiple functions: it converts horizontal vibrations to electrical energy, provides damping to reduce machine fatigue, and generates power for machine components. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.

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

3Reliability

If vibration energy is converted, then machine fatigue and damage are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine durabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration conversion system is implemented as a separate, modular converter assembly that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation allows specialized production of the vibration-to-electricity conversion component without complicating the overall machine manufacturing process, maintaining ease of assembly while adding durability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively converts horizontal vibration energy into electrical energy, reducing machine fatigue and damage, and providing a sustainable energy source for machine components.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet assembly including a magnet disposed within the generator subassembly and a coil disposed within the generator subassembly and surrounding the magnet such that relative movement between the magnet and the coil generates an electrical current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3966451B1Converting vibration energy to electrical energy in a vibratory compaction machine
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP3966451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966451B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A vibratory compaction machine includes one or more vibratory energy converter assemblies. Each vibratory energy converter assembly includes a housing coupled to the vibratory compaction machine, which transfers vibration energy from an eccentric vibration system of the vibratory compaction machine to the vibratory energy converter assembly. Each vibratory energy converter assembly includes an actuator that is carried by the housing. The actuator has a translational degree of freedom of movement with respect to the housing, and vibration of the housing by the vibratory compaction machine causes movement of the actuator with respect to the housing in a first direction. Each vibratory energy converter assembly includes a generator subassembly to convert mechanical vibratory energy of the movement of the actuator into electrical energy.