Drivetrain Vibration Damping Using Virtual Degrees of Freedom

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for damping vibrations in drive train arrangements, such as those in wind turbines, are inadequate in reducing noise emissions effectively, as they fail to specifically target and mitigate the tonal vibrations that contribute to disruptive sound.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a vibration recording arrangement that converts measurement signals into virtual degrees of freedom, allowing for targeted damping by determining control signals based on these transformations, which are then transmitted to active vibration damper arrangements. This process includes the use of bandpass filters and artificial intelligence to optimize damping, particularly focusing on frequency ranges and degrees of freedom relevant to tonal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional vibration damping methods are used, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but noise emissions are not effectively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionsVSAvoideffectiveness of vibration damping
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration damping task by separating the recording function (vibration recording arrangement), processing function (processing unit converting measurements to virtual degrees of freedom), and actuation function (vibration damper arrangement). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the processing unit specifically transforming physical measurements into virtual degree representations that can be more effectively controlled to reduce noise emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtual degrees of freedom as an intermediary representation between physical vibration measurements and control actions. The processing unit converts measurement signals into virtual degrees of freedom, which serve as an intermediate domain for analysis and control. This intermediary transformation enables more precise targeting of vibrations that contribute to noise emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If measurement signals are converted into virtual degrees of freedom, then targeted vibration damping is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetonal vibrationsVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical vibration control with a computational approach. Instead of mechanically filtering or damping all vibrations, the system uses a processing unit to convert measurement signals into virtual degrees of freedom and generate control signals. This substitution of mechanical direct control with computational processing enables targeted damping of tonal vibrations while managing system complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from physical measurement domains to virtual degrees of freedom. The processing unit transforms measurement signals, changing the parameter space in which vibration control is performed. This parameter transformation allows for more effective targeting of specific vibration characteristics that contribute to noise, particularly tonal vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional vibration damping is applied, then general vibration reduction occurs, but manual adjustments are required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration amplitudeVSAvoidautomatic vibration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the vibration recording arrangement continuously monitors vibrations, the processing unit converts measurements to virtual degrees of freedom and determines appropriate control signals, and the vibration damper arrangement applies damping based on these signals. This closed-loop feedback system automatically adjusts damping parameters in response to measured vibrations, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enabling adaptive control of vibration amplitudes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through the automated conversion of measurement signals to virtual degrees of freedom and automatic generation of control signals. The processing unit autonomously determines appropriate damping parameters based on real-time measurements, allowing the system to self-regulate without requiring frequent manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively reduces noise emissions by specifically targeting and damping vibrations in drive train arrangements, improving noise reduction efficiency and minimizing manual adjustments, thus reducing personnel costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration damper arrangement dampens the drive train arrangement based on the at least one control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4239436B1Method for dampening the vibration of a drivetrain assembly
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 WOLFEL ENG GMBH CO KG
  • EP4239436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for vibration damping of a drivetrain assembly with at least one active vibration damper arrangement (5) and at least one vibration receiving arrangement (6). The aim is to effectively dampen vibrations of the drivetrain assembly. The method comprises the following steps: a. Selection of suitable positions for the vibration receiving arrangement and the vibration damper arrangement on the drivetrain assembly. Suitable positions are characterized in that relevant vibration modes of the drivetrain assembly are measurable and controllable. b. Provision of measurement signals by the at least one vibration receiving arrangement (6) to a processing unit; c. Conversion of the measurement signals into virtual degrees of freedom; d. Determination of at least one control signal based on the virtual degrees of freedom; e. Output of the at least one control signal to the at least one vibration damper arrangement (5); f.Damping of the drive train assembly by the vibration damper assembly (5) based on the at least one control signal.