Dual-Suspension Shaker Structure for Rocking Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaker designs with two suspensions are difficult and expensive to manufacture, while those with a single suspension are vulnerable to rocking motion, and existing single suspension designs fail to provide adequate stability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A shaker design utilizing a combination of a proximal and distal suspension, where the distal suspension has a higher stiffness (K2) and the proximal suspension has a lower stiffness (K1), with a ratio K1/K2 of 0.4 or less, to provide stability and durability while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two suspensions are used to provide stability against rocking motion, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into two distinct suspensions with different stiffness characteristics. The first suspension (stiffer) and second suspension (less stiff) are positioned at different locations along the movement axis, creating a differentiated structure that reduces rocking motion while maintaining manufacturability through clear functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
Different stiffness properties are assigned to different locations along the movement axis. The proximal suspension has higher stiffness K1 while the distal suspension has lower stiffness K2, with K1/K2 ≥ 0.4. This local differentiation optimizes stability against rocking motion while allowing each suspension to be manufactured with appropriate material properties for its specific function
2Device complexity
If only one metal suspension is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but vulnerability to rocking motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single suspension, the system is divided into two suspensions with complementary functions. The first suspension provides primary support with higher stiffness, while the second suspension contributes to stability with lower stiffness, together achieving rocking motion reduction that a single suspension cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The two suspensions are positioned asymmetrically at different locations along the movement axis and have different stiffness values. This asymmetric configuration is specifically designed to counteract rocking motion forces that would affect a symmetric single-suspension arrangement, providing enhanced stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If two equally stiff suspensions are used, then stability against rocking motion is improved, but durability and cost are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different stiffness properties are assigned to different locations along the movement axis. The proximal suspension has higher stiffness K1 while the distal suspension has lower stiffness K2, with K1/K2 ≥ 0.4. This local differentiation optimizes stability against rocking motion while allowing each suspension to be manufactured with appropriate material properties for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter is varied between the two suspensions rather than keeping them equal. By setting K1/K2 ≥ 0.4, the system achieves optimal balance between stability and durability, allowing the stiffer first suspension to provide structural integrity while the less stiff second suspension effectively dampens rocking motions
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 dual-suspension design effectively reduces rocking motion and enhances durability by using a dominant, more durable material for the distal suspension, while maintaining stability and reducing the impact of material and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet unit is configured to move relative to the voice coil along a movement axis of the shaker when the shaker is activated by supplying electrical current to the voice coil
Implementation Method 2
one of the proximal and distal suspensions has a stiffness K1, and the other of the proximal and distal suspensions has a stiffness K2, wherein K2>K1, and the ratio K1/K2 is 0.4 or less
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker for transmitting vibrations to an application has a frame; magnet unit that provides a magnetic field in a gap; coil assembly including a voice coil mounted to a former. The former is attached to the frame at a former attachment surface and configured to position the coil in the gap, when the shaker is at rest. The magnet unit moves relative to the coil along an axis when the shaker is activated by supplying current to the coil. The magnet unit is suspended from the frame by a suspension arrangement including proximal and distal suspensions which interconnect the frame and magnet unit. The proximal suspension is closer to the former attachment surface than the distal suspension when the shaker is at rest. One of the proximal and distal suspensions has a stiffness K1, and the other K2, wherein K2>K1, and the ratio K1/K2 is 0.4 or less.