Distributed Vibration Isolation Nodes Eliminate Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibration isolation systems for precision structural systems face challenges due to large single point masses and complex cable harnesses, which increase system weight and design complexity, and require modifications to the structure, hindering effective disturbance suppression.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed network vibration isolation system using integral hybrid isolators with passive and active components, including actuators, sensors, and wireless communication, which eliminates the need for central control boxes and cable harnesses by allowing each isolator to operate independently and communicate wirelessly for optimal vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control box with interconnecting cables is used to control vibration isolators, then vibration damping control can be implemented, but system complexity increases and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration isolation system into distributed autonomous modular units, each capable of independent operation. Each module contains its own controller, sensor, and actuator, eliminating the need for a centralized control system and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective vibration damping control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vibration isolation module is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated sensing and control capabilities. The modules autonomously monitor and adjust their own vibration isolation performance without requiring external control signals or interconnecting cables, thereby eliminating the central control box and reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If a central control box with interconnecting cables is used, then centralized control can be achieved, but weight increases due to cables and control box
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented and distributed to each individual vibration isolation module. This eliminates the need for a heavy central control box and extensive cable harnesses, significantly reducing system weight while maintaining effective control through autonomous modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control functionality from a centralized location and integrates it directly into each vibration isolation module. This removes the heavy central control box and interconnecting cables from the system, reducing overall weight while preserving control capabilities.
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 solution reduces system complexity, eliminates large point masses, and enhances vibration damping performance by enabling heterogeneous disturbance suppression, while maintaining reliable and predictable system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The passive vibration isolator is disposed within the housing and is adapted to couple to, and to passively damp structural vibrations in, the mass
Implementation Method 2
The active vibration isolator is disposed within the housing and is adapted to couple to, and to actively damp structural vibrations in, the mass
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is configured to sense one or more parameters representative of structural vibrations in the mass and to supply sensor signals representative thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed network vibration isolation system includes several vibration isolation nodes distributed throughout a structure. The nodes wirelessly intercommunicate and include a passive structural isolation device and an active structural isolation device. The nodes work together via wireless communication to isolate a payload from a disturbance source.