Constrained Impact Mass Actuator for Stable Dual-Frequency Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art ultrasonic/sonic actuators with floating attachments to probes result in varying sonic frequencies and reduced energy transfer efficiency due to unconstrained impact mass displacement, leading to lower amplitude displacements at the probe tip.
Innovation Solution
A dual-frequency actuator design with a constrained impact mass displacement in the axial direction, coupled to a horn and a transmitting element at a fixed distance, allowing for efficient transmission of ultrasonic and sonic stresses with controlled frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an unconstrained impact mass is used in a floating attachment configuration, then the device allows for simpler mechanical coupling between horn and probe, but the impact mass displacement varies leading to varying sonic frequencies and reduced energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A cavity is introduced as an intermediary structure between the horn tip and probe base to constrain the impact mass. The cavity acts as a mediator that provides a fixed geometric boundary, ensuring the impact mass strikes the probe base at a predetermined location regardless of horn displacement variations, thereby stabilizing the sonic frequency while maintaining the floating attachment configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from an unconstrained impact mass with variable displacement to a constrained impact mass within a cavity that maintains a fixed strike position. This parameter change in the impact mass configuration (from free to constrained) stabilizes the sonic frequency by eliminating displacement variability while preserving the mechanical coupling simplicity
2Device complexity
If an unconstrained impact mass is used in a floating attachment, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but energy transfer efficiency is reduced due to varying displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity serves as a structural intermediary that constrains the impact mass without adding significant mechanical complexity. By providing a fixed geometric boundary, the cavity ensures consistent energy transfer from the horn to the probe base, preventing energy loss that would occur with variable impact mass displacement while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The impact mass is segmented into a constrained configuration within the cavity, separating the constraint function (provided by the cavity) from the impact function (performed by the mass). This segmentation allows the system to achieve efficient energy transfer through consistent positioning without significantly increasing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is slide-ably coupled to the horn via extension, then the device allows for adjustable distance between probe and horn, but the impact mass displacement varies leading to lower amplitude displacements at probe tip
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity acts as a mediator that decouples the distance adjustability of the sliding attachment from the impact mass displacement. By constraining the impact mass within a fixed cavity, the system maintains consistent impact amplitude regardless of the variable distance between horn and probe, thereby preserving force while maintaining adaptability
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
This design enables deterministic and efficient operation by ensuring axial energy transfer, providing larger impact pulses for drilling and tuned elastic waves for analysis or beam steering, with improved energy coupling and frequency control.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic actuator including a horn coupled to a source of ultrasonic frequency vibrations, the horn configured to amplify the ultrasonic frequency vibrations along an axial direction of the horn
Implementation Method 2
the horn configured to amplify the ultrasonic frequency vibrations along an axial direction of the horn
Implementation Method 3
the impact mass is configured to strike the transmitting element in response to the ultrasonic frequency vibrations to produce sonic impacts at the transmitting element
Data Source
AI summary
A dual frequency ultrasonic and sonic actuator with constrained impact mass is presented. According to one aspect, displacement of the impact mass is constrained by cavity to which ultrasonic stress from the tip of a horn is applied. According to another aspect, the displacement of the impact mass is constrained by a spring attached to the tip of the horn. According to another aspect, the displacement of the impact mass is constrained by a flexure. The constrained impact mass converts the ultrasonic stress to lower frequency sonic stress that is coupled to a transmitting element for transmission through a surface. According to one aspect, the transmitting element is a longitudinal probe. According to another aspect, the transmitting element is a drill bit used to penetrate though the surface. According to another aspect, the transmitting element is a thumper used to transmit elastic waves though the surface.