Embedded Metal Ropes for Composite Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite materials used in vehicle components have limited damping capacity, leading to poor performance under dynamic loading conditions such as shocks and impacts, due to their low internal damping capabilities, which restricts their widespread use in applications requiring resistance to vibrational or impact energy.
Innovation Solution
Embedding metal cables or ropes with individual wires, either linear or twisted, into the composite material during the molding process to enhance damping through inter-wire friction, thereby increasing the component's ability to convert vibrational energy into heat or sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite materials are used to maximize strength and reduce weight, then net high strength and low weight are achieved, but internal damping capacity remains low leading to poor performance under dynamic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by embedding metal ropes within a polymer matrix to create a hybrid material system. The metal ropes provide high strength and stiffness while the polymer matrix provides damping capacity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both high strength and improved dynamic loading performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing metal ropes at specific locations within the composite component where damping is most needed. The metal ropes are embedded in the polymer matrix at targeted positions to provide localized damping enhancement without compromising the overall structural integrity or adding excessive weight throughout the entire component.
2Strength
If reinforcing materials are added to increase strength and stiffness, then resistance to cracks and fractures improves, but internal damping capacity remains insufficient for converting vibrational energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining metal ropes with polymer matrix. The metal ropes provide crack resistance while the polymer matrix provides vibrational energy dissipation through its viscoelastic properties. This composite approach simultaneously addresses both the strength requirement and the energy loss requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the material composition parameters - specifically incorporating metal ropes with specific diameters, lengths, and spatial distributions within the polymer matrix. These parameter adjustments optimize both the crack resistance and the vibrational energy conversion capabilities of the composite material.
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 embedded metal ropes significantly improve the damping capacity of composite components by introducing Coulomb friction between the wires, effectively reducing resonant vibrations and enhancing the material's resistance to dynamic loading, allowing for broader application in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
The damping capacity is increased by providing such cables or ropes comprising plural individual wires that are either linear or twisted relative to one another and are embedded into the part during the molding process... utilizing dry friction between individual wires of an embedded rope
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for increasing damping capacity utilizing dry friction between individual wires of a rope embedded in a component formed from a composite is illustrated. The individual wires allow inter-wire friction to occur during part vibration. The component includes a body that is a molded matrix formed form a composite material. The body may be of any material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a metal or a ceramic material. One or more vibration-damping ropes are embedded in the body. The vibration-damping ropes may be elongated segments or may be a rope having connected ends that form one or more rings. Each vibration-damping rope includes an outer layer of wires that surrounds a plurality of inner wires. Inflowing composite material is prevented from passing by the outer layer of wires and into the inner wires during the manufacturing process, thereby forming voids between the inner wires.