Electric Vibratory Hammer With Synchronous Eccenter Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory hammers for driving or retracting sheet piles and pipes into or from the soil face challenges with bulkiness and reduced power efficiency when using electrically driven asynchronous motors, making them less practical for heavy applications and difficult to maneuver.

Innovation Solution

A vibratory hammer utilizing synchronous electric motors, specifically permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), which provides a compact design and power density comparable to hydraulic motors, allowing for higher speeds and efficient vibration with reduced inertia, and featuring electronic control for phase angle adjustment and centrifugal force management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If asynchronous electric motors are used to drive the eccenter weights, then the vibratory hammer eliminates the need for hydraulic systems and transmission parts, but the device becomes bulky and provides much less power than hydraulically driven vibratory hammers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of hydraulic system and transmission partsVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electric motor system. Specifically, a synchronous electric motor (permanent magnet synchronous motor) is used to directly drive the eccenter weights, eliminating the need for hydraulic motors, transmission belts, and other mechanical transmission parts. This substitution maintains simplicity while achieving high power output.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motor type from asynchronous to synchronous (permanent magnet synchronous motor). This parameter change enables the motor to achieve higher speeds (10,000 rpm vs. 3,000 rpm for hydraulic motors) while maintaining compact dimensions, thereby providing sufficient power for heavy applications without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If asynchronous electric motors are used to drive the eccenter weights, then the construction is simplified, but the vibratory hammer becomes bulky and difficult to maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of constructionVSAvoidoverall size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with a direct-drive electric motor system. The synchronous motor is directly coupled to the eccenter shaft, eliminating the need for transmission belts, gears, and other intermediate mechanical components. This reduces the overall length and bulk of the device while maintaining construction simplicity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the high-speed capability of permanent magnet synchronous motors to achieve the same centrifugal force in a more compact configuration. By operating at 10,000 rpm compared to 3,000 rpm for hydraulic motors, the motor can generate equivalent vibratory power in a smaller package, effectively reducing the device's dimensional footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If larger asynchronous motors are placed on top of the vibratory casing with endless belt transmission, then higher power requirements are met, but the device becomes even more bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidmotor arrangement and transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the endless belt transmission system by using a synchronous motor that can be directly coupled to the eccenter shaft. This direct-drive configuration removes the need for belts, pulleys, and associated transmission components, significantly simplifying the device while maintaining the ability to meet high power requirements through the motor's high-speed capability.

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

4Ease of operation

If the vibratory hammer is made more compact to improve maneuverability, then ease of positioning is improved, but power output may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the motor type to permanent magnet synchronous motor, which enables high-speed operation (10,000 rpm) in a compact configuration. This parameter change allows the generation of sufficient centrifugal force and power output in a reduced-size device, maintaining maneuverability while meeting power requirements for heavy applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 synchronous motor design results in a more compact and efficient vibratory hammer that maintains the power density of hydraulic systems, enabling effective operation for heavier applications with improved maneuverability and reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one drive motor for driving the rotation of the eccenter weights; the at least one drive motor is a synchronous electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an even number of pairwise arranged eccenter weights, which are rotationally mounted in the vibration case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

a yoke for suspending the vibratory hammer from a hoist cable on a rig, a crane or the like, said yoke being connected to the vibration case via one or more vibration damping elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4189172B1Vibratory hammer with electric motor
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 ELECTRIC FOUNDATION EQUIP BV
  • EP4189172B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4189172B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4189172B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vibratory hammer (1) for driving or retracting sheet piles, pipes or other elements into or from the soil, comprises a vibration case (2). A clamp (17) is attached to the vibration case (2). The clamp (17) comprises gripping jaws (18) for gripping the sheet piles or other elements. A yoke (3) is connected to the vibration case (2) via one or more vibration damping elements for suspending the vibratory hammer (1) from a hoist cable or the like. In the vibration case (2) an even number of pairwise arranged eccenter weights are rotationally mounted. The vibratory hammer comprises at least one synchronous electric motor (13A) for driving the rotation of the eccenter weights.