Harmonic Damper for Small Vehicles Using Resilient Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in small vehicles and motorized devices can be uncomfortable and fatiguing for operators due to the transmission of vibrations through handles and seats, and existing vibration dampers are not adequately effective in reducing these discomforts.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper comprising a resilient member and a weight, where the resilient member is mounted to a surface of the device, allowing the weight to bias towards a nominal position and temporarily displace in three orthogonal directions, effectively absorbing and dissipating vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing vibration dampers are used, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but they are not adequately effective in reducing vibrations transmitted to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by creating a tuned mass damper system where a movable mass is allowed to vibrate at its natural frequency, which is tuned to match the resonant frequency of the vehicle structure. This creates counter-vibrations that cancel out the harmful vibrations transmitted to the operator, significantly reducing vibration transmission effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the damping system by using a movable mass that can move independently within a defined space, rather than fixed damping elements. The system adjusts the mass position and damping characteristics to optimize vibration reduction across different operating conditions and frequencies, improving overall effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration dampers are added to reduce vibrations, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damper is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable mass, resilient members for suspension, and a defined space containing the mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while maintaining overall system effectiveness for operator comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper mechanism is nested within the vehicle structure, with the movable mass contained within a defined space that is integrated into the vehicle frame or handlebar assembly. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint of the damper while providing effective vibration reduction, reducing overall device 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 damper significantly reduces vibrations, providing comfort and reducing operator fatigue by effectively absorbing and dissipating vibrations through the use of resilient members and weights strategically positioned within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member and a weight. The resilient member may be mounted to a portion of a motorized device having a surface suitable for engaging and retaining the resilient member therein. The resilient member may have an inside surface suitable for engaging and retaining the weight.
Implementation Method 2
The weight may be at a nominal position, and the first and second resilient members may be arranged to bias the weight to the nominal position and to temporarily allow the weight to displace in three orthogonal directions with respect to the portion of the bicycle engaging the first resilient member.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper for reducing vibrations present in various portions of small vehicles, other transportation devices and other rolling and/or motorized devices, such as bicycles, motorcycles, lawn mowers, snowblowers and the like, may comprise a resilient member and a weight. The resilient member may mounted to a portion of a device having a surface suitable for engaging and retaining the resilient member therein, and the resilient member may have an inside surface suitable for engaging and retaining the weight.