Eccentric Clamping Bushing for Vertical Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping bushings with concentric geometry require large space and increased weight and cost due to their uniform damping properties in all directions, which is not suitable for wind turbines where space is restricted and vibrations are primarily vertical.
Innovation Solution
The development of eccentric clamping bushings with composite materials and specific geometry, featuring more elastomer layers in the vertical direction and fewer or 'soft' layers in the horizontal direction, allowing for effective damping in the vertical direction while minimizing space requirements in the horizontal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional concentric clamping bushings are used, then uniform damping properties in all directions are achieved, but space requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing an eccentric clamping bushing where the elastic material is distributed non-uniformly around the central axis. The bushing has an eccentricity ratio that creates different wall thicknesses in different directions, providing enhanced damping in the vertical direction while reducing material usage and space requirements in horizontal directions where less damping is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating elastic material in specific regions of the bushing. The vertical sections have greater elastic material content for superior vibration damping, while horizontal sections have reduced material content. This localized distribution of damping properties optimizes performance where needed while minimizing overall volume and weight.
2Reliability
If more elastomer material is used for improved vertical damping, then vibration damping performance increases, but weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating elastomer material in the vertical regions of the bushing where vibration damping is most critical. The eccentric geometry creates thicker walls in vertical sections with more elastomer layers, while horizontal sections have thinner walls with less material. This localized material distribution achieves superior vertical damping performance without proportionally increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric eccentric design allows the bushing to have different material distributions in different directions. By positioning the eccentricity such that the thickest sections are vertically oriented, the design maximizes damping performance in the critical vertical direction while minimizing material usage and weight in less critical horizontal directions.
3Reliability
If eccentric geometry with direction-dependent damping is implemented, then vertical vibration damping is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry through a relatively simple eccentric cylindrical geometry. The bushing maintains a basic cylindrical form with a central bore, but the wall thickness varies eccentrically around the circumference. This approach achieves direction-dependent damping properties while preserving a simple overall geometry that is straightforward to manufacture using conventional processes such as centrifugal casting or layered fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves complex damping behavior through a single geometric parameter - the eccentricity ratio. By varying this one parameter, the design continuously adjusts the distribution of wall thickness and elastomer material around the circumference, enabling optimization of vertical damping without requiring complex multi-parameter designs or additional structural features.
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 eccentric bushings achieve improved damping and reduced space requirements, maintaining optimal sonic properties with reduced material usage and weight, enhancing the structural integrity and efficiency of wind turbine gearbox systems.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing itself is made of materials which also have elastic properties and are thus capable of compensating for and cushioning the forces and moments
Implementation Method 2
the eccentric, or rotationally asymmetrical geometry of the clamping bushing in the un-tensioned state and also in the pre-tensioned state has the effect that, in particular, vertical vibrations are damped
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping bushing which, due to the particular eccentric geometry and composite materials used to manufacture the same, comprising elastomers (14, 15) and metal sheets (10, 11), is suitable for the reduction of principally vertically acting vibrations and structure-borne sound which can arise in machines/gearboxes and, in particular, in wind turbines.