Vibration Damping Unit for Motion Simulator Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion simulators face challenges in effectively damping vibrations, particularly with electromechanical linear actuators that generate unwanted noise and reduce equipment lifespan due to high vibration transmission, while hydraulic actuators are costly and maintenance-intensive, and known damping systems are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A damping unit comprising a plate with resilient members that absorb vibrations in multiple directions, specifically designed for electromechanical linear actuators, allowing selective damping of unwanted frequencies while transmitting desired vibrations, reducing noise and equipment wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electromechanical linear actuators are used instead of hydraulic actuators, then maintenance requirements and operational costs are reduced, but unwanted vibrations increase causing elevated audible noise and reduced equipment lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A damping unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the electromechanical actuator and the motion platform. This damping unit absorbs and attenuates unwanted vibrations generated by the actuator before they are transmitted to the platform, thereby reducing audible noise and equipment wear while preserving the actuator's cost and maintenance advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The damping unit uses resilient members that can be easily replaced when worn, providing a cost-effective solution compared to complex hydraulic systems. The simple structure allows for inexpensive manufacturing and rapid replacement, making the overall system more economical despite the trade-off in vibration control
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydraulic actuators are used, then minimal undesirable vibrations are produced, but maintenance requirements increase and operational costs rise due to complex accessory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex hydraulic systems with simpler electromechanical actuators combined with passive damping units. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic pumps, hosing, and fluid management systems, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs while achieving comparable vibration control through the damping unit
3Object-generated harmful factors
If damping systems are added to reduce vibrations, then vibration transmission is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional parts and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The damping unit is designed as a passive system that automatically dampens vibrations without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The resilient members inherently absorb and dissipate vibration energy through their material properties, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The damping function is extracted as a separate, modular unit that can be independently designed and optimized. This separation allows the damping unit to be tailored specifically for vibration reduction without complicating the actuator or platform designs, and enables easy replacement or adjustment of damping components without affecting other system parts
4Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration damping is applied, then unwanted vibrations are reduced, but desirable simulation cues may be filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The damping unit is designed with different resilient members positioned at specific locations on the platform, each tailored to address local vibration problems. By strategically placing damping elements only where unwanted vibrations occur, the system selectively attenuates harmful vibrations while preserving desirable simulation cues in other areas of the platform
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
Significantly reduces unwanted vibrations by up to a factor of 5, maintaining realistic simulation cues and extending equipment life, with a simpler and cost-effective design that does not require additional control systems for safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member overlying at least a portion of said top surface of said plate and being retained between the top surface and the motion platform by said lateral mounting supports, said first resilient member providing vibration absorption such as to limit vibrations transmitted from said plate to said motion platform
Implementation Method 2
two second resilient members, each of the two second resilient members being disposed between the at least three lateral surfaces of a corresponding one of the lateral projections and a corresponding one of the lateral mounting supports
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple degree-of-freedom motion simulator assembly comprises a fixed base, a displaceable simulator platform, and a plurality of linear actuators having upper ends thereof interconnected with the platform and lower ends thereof interconnected with the fixed base. A vibration damping unit is disposed between at least one of each of the upper ends and the platform and each of the lower ends and the fixed base. The damping units include at least a first resilient member preloaded and mounted to a major surface of a plate of the damping unit engaged to one of the ends of the linear actuator. The first resilient member provides vibration absorption such as to damp vibrations transmitted from the plate to the platform or base in at least a direction substantially perpendicular to the major surface.