Electromagnetic Vibration Control with Multi-Mode Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration control systems for heavy machinery are complex, oversized, and limited to single modes of vibration, making them inefficient in controlling varying frequencies and magnitudes of machine vibrations, and require extensive calibration due to lack of predictability.
Innovation Solution
An active vibration control system comprising an electromagnetic actuator and a control element, allowing for multiple modes of vibration through relative movement, enabling versatile control of vibrations across different frequencies and magnitudes, with a compact and simplified design using resilient attachments and proof-mass adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromagnetic actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system can only provide single mode of vibration which limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic actuator itself dynamic by enabling it to operate in multiple vibration modes through relative movement between the actuator and control element. This dynamic capability allows a single actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-mode actuators, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different vibration modes (at least two modes) through controlled relative movement. This multi-functionality allows one component to serve the role of multiple components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability to different vibration control needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If commercially available vibration control systems are used, then initial setup is simplified, but they require extensive calibration due to lack of predictability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow it to adapt to changing vibration conditions in real-time. This feedback capability enables the system to maintain reliability and predictability without requiring extensive manual calibration, as the system self-adjusts based on actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the actuator and control element relationship allows the system to automatically adapt to varying vibration frequencies and magnitudes. This dynamic adaptation reduces the need for pre-calibration while maintaining reliable and predictable vibration control across different operating scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electromagnetic actuator and control element are relatively movable, then at least two modes of vibration are achieved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is positioned within or integrated with the electromagnetic actuator structure, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the control element to move relative to the actuator to generate multiple vibration modes while minimizing the overall system volume, as the moving parts are contained within the actuator's footprint rather than requiring additional external space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If resilient attachments are used between electromagnetic actuator and control element, then multiple degrees of freedom are enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient attachments are designed with specific mechanical properties (stiffness, damping) that are optimized to provide the necessary degrees of freedom while compensating for manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the system achieves high adaptability without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, as the resilient elements absorb and accommodate minor dimensional variations.
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 system effectively controls vibrations of varying frequencies and magnitudes, providing improved damping and stability with reduced complexity and size, enhancing reliability and tunability while minimizing the need for extensive calibration.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator operable to apply a force on a base structure
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic actuator may be resiliently attached to the control element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided an active vibration control system (300; 400) comprising: a driving mechanism (310; 412) and a control mechanism (320; 422) comprising an electromagnetic actuator (322; 424a, 424b), the driving mechanism (310; 412) being operable to apply a force on a base structure (350; 450) to which the active vibration control system (300; 400) is attachable such that vibrations of the base structure (350; 450) are actively controllable by the application of said force, wherein the driving mechanism (310; 412) and control mechanism (320; 422) are relatively moveable such that the active vibration control system (300; 400) has at least two modes of vibration, and wherein movement of the driving mechanism (310; 412) causes movement of at least a part of the control mechanism (320; 422).