Distributed Active Vibration Control for Helicopter Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter vibrations cause fatigue and structural damage, necessitating an effective and economical method to cancel and minimize these vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising distributed active vibration electromagnetic force generators with electronic control systems and data communications networks is used to connect power sources and communicate vibration control data independently of electrical power distribution lines, minimizing vibrations in aircraft structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a centralized control system with resonant actuators is used to control helicopter vibrations, then vibration control capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple distributed electronic control systems, each managing local electromagnetic force generators. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single control node while maintaining overall vibration control capability through coordinated operation of distributed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data communications network as an intermediary between control systems and electromagnetic force generators, replacing direct electrical power distribution line communication. This intermediary layer enables independent data exchange without relying on power lines, simplifying the control architecture and reducing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If electrical power distribution lines are used for both power delivery and data communication, then system simplicity is maintained, but vibration control precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated data communications network as an intermediary channel for control data transmission, separating it from the electrical power distribution lines. This allows power lines to focus solely on power delivery while the communications network handles data exchange, improving both reliability and precision of vibration control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system functions by separating power delivery (through electrical power distribution lines) from data communication (through dedicated communications network). This functional segmentation enhances reliability by preventing interference between power and data channels while maintaining overall system architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed electromagnetic force generators are deployed throughout the aircraft structure, then vibration control effectiveness improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs distributed electronic control systems that can operate autonomously and be interconnected through a communications network. Each control unit serves multiple functions: local vibration sensing, independent control decision-making, and networked coordination with other units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the complexity increase from having multiple distributed units.
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
The system efficiently suppresses troublesome vibrations in aircraft, reducing fatigue and structural damage while being economically feasible.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first distributed active vibration electromagnetic force generator (30) including a first distributed electronic control system (32) and a first electromagnetically driven mass (34), the first distributed active vibration electromagnetic force generator (30) fixed to the aerostructure (24) at a first distributed active vibration control system nodal site (28) with the first driven mass (34) driven relative to said first fixed aerostructure site (28)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle vibration control system and a method of suppressing troublesome vibrations. The control system includes at least a first distributed active vibration electromagnetic force generator 30, at least a second distributed active vibration electromagnetic force generator 30, a plurality of electrical power distribution lines 40 and a distributed force generator data communications network 50.