Flexure Tuned Mass Absorber for Compact Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tuned mass damper (TMD) systems face challenges in efficiently attenuating specific frequency vibrations due to space constraints, performance issues in low temperature or high altitude environments, and damage from shock events, while also requiring complex manufacturing processes to achieve precise gap tolerances for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
A tuned mass absorber assembly comprising a mass structure and flexure system with compliant stops, designed to minimize vibration amplification by shifting structural modes and creating anti-resonance, allowing for compact packaging and improved durability through modular design and compliant interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tuned mass damper systems are used to attenuate specific frequency vibrations, then vibration attenuation performance is improved, but device volume and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The TMD mass is positioned inside the secondary structure cavity, nesting the mass within the existing structural space rather than adding external volume. The flexure stops are integrated into the secondary structure walls, further utilizing internal space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional external TMD mounting to internal cavity utilization, effectively using the third dimension (depth/volume) of the existing structure to accommodate the TMD components without increasing the external footprint of the device.
2Reliability
If damping fluid is incorporated in TMD systems to improve vibration attenuation, then vibration control performance is enhanced, but reliability deteriorates in low temperature or high altitude environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the damping fluid component entirely from the TMD system, extracting the problematic element that caused environmental reliability issues while maintaining vibration attenuation functionality through the flexure-based mechanical damping approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fluid-based damping mechanism with a purely mechanical flexure-based system, substituting the hydraulic/pneumatic damping approach with elastic deformation of flexure elements that are insensitive to temperature and altitude variations.
3Reliability
If rigid stop devices are installed on secondary structure to prevent TMD mass damage during shock events, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to compounded gap tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of the stop mechanism by using compliant flexure stops instead of rigid stops. This flexibility allows the stops to accommodate tolerance variations without requiring precise gap control, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining protection against shock damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible flexure stops made from elastic materials or thin-walled structures that can deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, eliminating the need for precise rigid gap positioning while still providing shock protection.
4Manufacturing precision
If rigid stop devices with precise gap tolerances are used to restrict TMD mass movement, then vibration attenuation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid stop system into a dynamic compliant stop system where the flexure stops can adapt their position and force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for precisely controlled fixed gaps and reducing system complexity.
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 effectively attenuates specific frequency vibrations, enhances durability, and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the need for precise gap tolerances, enabling efficient vibration reduction in compact systems.
Implementation Method 1
minimize vibration amplification by shifting structural modes and creating anti-resonance
Implementation Method 2
tuned mass absorber assembly... attenuate vibrations at a range of input frequencies that includes a specific input frequency
Implementation Method 3
compliant flexure stops... providing a compliant interface... improve durability through modular design and compliant interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A tuned mass absorber assembly comprises a mass structure, and a flexure system comprising first and second flexure sections (e.g., cross bar flexures) supported by, and extending in opposing directions from, the mass structure. The flexure system can comprise flexure section mounts situated at distal ends of the first and second flexure sections, respectively, and that are operable to mount the tuned mass absorber assembly to a structure subject to induced vibrations therein. A mass of the mass structure and a stiffness of the flexure system can be tuned to attenuate vibrations at a specific input frequency generated in response to induced vibrations of the structure. A system can comprise a vibration isolator attached to a chassis (e.g., of an airplane), and supporting a payload (sensors(s)) and isolating the payload from vibrations. A tuned mass absorber assembly can be mounted to the vibration isolator for attenuating vibrations at a specific input frequency that may affect the payload.