Hydrodynamic Mass Vibration Damping for Submerged Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damping systems for semi-submerged and submerged structures are ineffective at low frequencies, have limited frequency range capabilities, require a foundation, interact with multiple damping systems, introduce large gravitational loads, and consist of many mechanical parts prone to wear, making them unsuitable for underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper assembly that utilizes hydrodynamic mass as a reaction mass, separated from the structure by spring and/or damper elements, allowing for wide-frequency vibration reduction without a foundation, minimizing gravitational loads, and using few mechanical elements, capable of handling both internal and external forces in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art 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 patent replaces traditional mechanical foundation-based damping systems with a hydrodynamic mass system that utilizes water as the reaction mass. The vibration damper assembly uses spring elements and/or damper elements to couple the structure to the surrounding water, eliminating the need for a physical foundation while extending effectiveness to low frequencies through hydrodynamic interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the surrounding water as the reaction mass for vibration damping. The spring elements and damper elements create a coupled system where water mass provides the inertial reaction, enabling low-frequency damping without mechanical foundation support
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple damping systems are used to broaden frequency range, then wider frequency coverage is achieved, but the systems interact and counteract each other's function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal damping system that handles multiple frequency ranges simultaneously through a single hydrodynamic mass mechanism. The spring elements and damper elements are designed to provide both low-frequency hydrodynamic damping and high-frequency mechanical damping, eliminating the need for separate damping systems and avoiding mutual interference
3Reliability
If traditional vibration damping systems are installed, then vibration control is achieved, but large gravitational loads are introduced to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the surrounding water as a counterweight system where the hydrodynamic mass provides the inertial reaction force. The spring elements and damper elements couple the structure to this water mass, creating a balance system that controls vibration without adding significant gravitational load to the structure, as the water mass is already present in the environment
4Reliability
If prior art damping systems with many mechanical parts are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but the parts are exposed to wear and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reaction mass from mechanical components and places it in the surrounding water environment. By using spring elements and damper elements as the only mechanical coupling components, the system eliminates numerous mechanical parts that would be exposed to wear, significantly improving robustness for underwater applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the surrounding water environment to provide the reaction mass function, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components. The spring elements and damper elements work passively with the hydrodynamic mass, requiring no active maintenance or replacement of wear-prone parts
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 robust, wide-range vibration reduction with large mass ratios, reducing the number of necessary dampers, minimizing gravitational loads, and maintaining effectiveness in harsh underwater environments with few mechanical parts, capable of handling both transient and harmonic forces.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing hydrodynamic mass, that all semi-submerged or submerged structures are experiencing
Implementation Method 2
separated from the structure by spring and/or damper elements
Implementation Method 3
reduce vibration and thus reduce the chances of fatigue failure
Data Source
AI summary
Method for vibration damping of and vibration damper assembly for semi-submerged or submerged structure, based on separating hydrodynamic added mass from the semi-submerged or submerged structure by means of a vibration damper assembly exhibiting spring and/or damper properties and use the hydrodynamic added mass as a reaction mass in the vibration damper assembly.