Disengageable Eddy Current Damping for Aerodynamic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping methods for moving aerodynamic surfaces in mechanical or electromechanical devices often require complex electronic circuitry and may not provide adequate damping in case of power supply failure or actuator failure, leading to potential catastrophic flutter oscillations.
Innovation Solution
A damping assembly comprising a back iron and permanent magnets with an electrically conductive component, where relative rotational movement between the components induces a variable magnetic flux and eddy currents, generating a damping effect that can be cancelled by a conductive coil, allowing for a power-independent and electronically simple damping solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electronic circuitry is used for damping, then damping control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a passive electromagnetic damping mechanism. The electromagnetic damper uses permanent magnets and conductive materials to generate eddy currents that automatically provide damping torque proportional to rotation speed, eliminating the need for complex electronic circuitry while maintaining reliable damping control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic damper is designed to operate autonomously without external power or control signals. The relative motion between permanent magnets and conductive components automatically generates the necessary eddy currents and damping forces, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex electronic control requirements.
2Measurement precision
If power-dependent electronic damping is used, then damping precision is improved, but reliability during power failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active power-dependent electronic damping with a passive electromagnetic system that generates damping forces through eddy currents. This system operates independently of external power sources, ensuring continuous damping availability during power failures while maintaining precise control through the physical relationship between motion speed and eddy current magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic damper is designed to provide immediate damping protection without requiring power or control system activation. The permanent magnets and conductive materials are pre-positioned to automatically generate damping forces upon any relative motion, providing beforehand cushioning against potential flutter oscillations during power failures or actuator malfunctions.
3Reliability
If continuous power is supplied for damping, then damping effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic damper operates through periodic induction of eddy currents during relative motion between permanent magnets and conductive components. Energy is consumed only when motion occurs and damping is needed, rather than continuous power supply, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective damping during aerodynamic surface movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of eddy currents (which normally represent energy loss) into a beneficial damping force. The eddy currents generated in the conductive materials during relative motion create magnetic fields that oppose the motion, providing useful damping torque while dissipating kinetic energy, thus converting energy that would be wasted into useful vibration suppression.
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 solution provides effective damping without the need for continuous power or complex electronics, ensuring safety by generating a torque proportional to rotation speed and allowing for disengagement of the damping effect, similar to hydraulic actuators, thus preventing flutter oscillations and optimizing motor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
relative rotational movement between the at least one permanent magnet and said second component, to thereby induce a variable magnetic flux in said electrically conductive second component and cause eddy currents to develop therein
Implementation Method 2
induce a variable magnetic flux in said electrically conductive second component and cause eddy currents to develop therein
Implementation Method 3
means configured for cancelling the first magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A damping assembly is described herein for use in a device having moving aerodynamic surfaces comprising: a first component 11 comprising a back iron 14 and at least one permanent magnet 12, said at least one permanent magnet 12 providing a first magnetic field, and an electrically conductive second component 13, said electrically conductive second component 13 and said first component 11 being positioned coaxially about a central axis 15 with said at least one permanent magnet 12 being positioned between said back iron 14 of said first component 11 and said electrically conductive second component 13; the assembly further comprising means for rotating one or both of said at least one permanent magnet 12 of said first component 11 and said electrically conductive second component 13 about said central axis 15 to cause relative rotational movement between the at least one permanent magnet 12 and said second component 13, to thereby induce a variable magnetic flux in said electrically conductive second component 13 and cause eddy currents to develop therein.