Hydro-bush Arrangement with Adaptive Damping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic bushings are either purely passive, limiting their damping effectiveness to a specific frequency range, or require external control for pressure regulation, making them inflexible in addressing vibrations across a wide frequency range.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic bush arrangement with active control means, including valve arrangements and sensors, allows for adaptive operation modes (passive, semi-active, and active) by influencing fluid flow between chambers, enabling adjustable rigidity and damping characteristics based on frequency and amplitude of vibrations, with minimal external energy input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hydraulic bushing is designed as a purely passive component with fixed flow-conducting connections, then the damping characteristics are optimized for a specific frequency range, but the adaptability to different frequency ranges is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency range adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow-conducting connection controllable rather than fixed. The connection between chambers can be dynamically opened or closed based on operating conditions, allowing the damping characteristics to adapt to different frequency ranges. This transforms a static passive component into a dynamically adjustable system that can optimize damping effectiveness across varying operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the flow resistance and connectivity parameters of the hydraulic system. By changing the state of the flow-conducting connection (open/closed) and adjusting flow resistance values, the system alters its damping parameters to match different frequency ranges, thereby achieving both optimized damping and frequency adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If external control means are added to regulate fluid pressure actively, then the adaptability and control over damping characteristics improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the flow-conducting connection to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural pathway for fluid flow and as a controllable element that can be opened or closed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control components, thereby achieving operating mode flexibility while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the hydraulic bushing to regulate its own damping characteristics through the controllable flow-conducting connection. The system can autonomously adjust between passive and active operating modes based on its operational state, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the flow-conducting connection is designed for maximum damping at specific frequencies, then the damping performance is optimized, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous active control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing semi-active control where the flow-conducting connection is adjusted at specific intervals or in response to detected vibration conditions, rather than continuous active control. This allows the system to achieve optimized damping performance at target frequencies while reducing energy consumption by maintaining control actions only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by switching between discrete control states (open/closed flow connection) rather than continuous adjustment. This reduces the energy required for control while still achieving optimized damping performance at specific frequencies, as the system can maintain optimal parameters without continuous energy input.

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 solution provides a hydraulic bushing that can effectively dampen or isolate vibrations across a large frequency range with adjustable rigidity, reducing energy consumption and extending component lifespan by compensating for wear, particularly suitable for rail vehicle axle guide bearings.

Implementation Method 1

a spring body, wherein the spring body is designed such that two chambers (4, 5) are formed between the housing (2) and the inner sleeve (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the chambers (4, 5) are hydraulically connected to at least one device (7)... influencing the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

Depending on the flow resistance within the device and the earlier or later switching action within the device, this connection can allow a change from a hard to a soft characteristic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP3117120B1Hydro-bush arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 TRELLEBORG ANTIVIBRATION SOLUTIONS GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3117120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3117120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3117120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydro-bush arrangement (1) comprising a sleeve-shaped housing (2) which surrounds an inner sleeve (3) at a radial distance. Said housing (2) and inner sleeve (3) are operatively interconnected by means of a spring body (6), said spring body (6) being designed such that two chambers (4, 5) are formed between the housing (2) and the inner sleeve (3), said chambers (4, 5) can be filled with a hydraulic fluid. Said chambers are hydraulically connected to at least one device (7), said device (7) being arranged outside of the housing (2).