Hydro Hook Support Damping Using Hydrodynamic Added Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damping solutions for semi-submerged or submerged structures are ineffective at low frequencies, limited to narrow frequency ranges, require a foundation, interact with other damping systems, introduce large gravitational loads, and are prone to mechanical failure due to complex mechanical parts.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper assembly that utilizes hydrodynamic added mass as a reaction mass, separated from the structure by spring and/or damper elements, allowing for wide-frequency vibration reduction without a foundation, non-interfering with other systems, and minimizing gravitational loads, while being robust and adaptable for both transient and harmonic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibration damping systems are used, then vibration reduction is achieved within a narrow frequency range, but they are ineffective at low frequencies and require a foundation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the dynamic motion of water itself as the damping mechanism. The water column inside the U-shaped tube moves dynamically in response to vibrations, creating a tunable mass-spring-damper system that adapts to different frequency ranges, particularly effective at low frequencies where conventional systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a hydraulic principle by using a column of water contained in a U-shaped tube as the reaction mass. The water column's movement and interaction with the surrounding environment provides the damping force, replacing traditional mechanical dampers with a fluid-based system that operates effectively across wide frequency ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple damping systems are deployed to cover different frequency ranges, then broader frequency coverage is achieved, but the systems interact and counteract each other's function
Solution Approach 1:
The single U-shaped tube water damper is designed to provide universal vibration damping across a wide frequency range, particularly low frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized damping systems. The system's natural frequency can be tuned by adjusting the water column height, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces several narrow-band dampers.
3Reliability
If traditional vibration dampers are installed on submerged structures, then vibration control is achieved, but large gravitational loads are introduced to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the buoyant force of the water column to counteract its own weight, significantly reducing the net gravitational load on the structure. The water column is contained in a sealed U-shaped tube that displaces an equal volume of surrounding water, creating a buoyant force that balances the weight of the water inside, leaving only the weight of the tube and mounting hardware to be supported by the structure.
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 significant vibration reduction over a wide frequency range, reduces the number of necessary dampers, maintains structural integrity, and is scalable, with the ability to work in both vertical and horizontal directions, and handle internal and external forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration damper assembly is utilizing hydrodynamic added mass as a reaction mass
Implementation Method 2
separated from the structure by spring and/or damper elements
Implementation Method 3
separated from the structure by spring and/or damper elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Method for vibration damping of and Hydro Hook Support vibration damper assembly (100) for semi-submerged or submerged structure (200, 210, 220, 300), based on separating hydrodynamic added mass (madd) from the semi-submerged or submerged structure (200, 210, 220, 300) by means of a Hydro Hook Support vibration damper assembly (100) exhibiting spring and/or damper properties and use the hydrodynamic added mass (madd) as a reaction mass in the Hydro Hook Support vibration damper assembly (100).