Inerter Finite Element Simulation via Translational-Rotational Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current finite element software platforms lack the capability to simulate inerter units, which hinders the design and optimization of complex engineering structures for vibration control.

Innovation Solution

A finite element simulation method for inerter is developed, which includes obtaining structural parameters, simulating physical and mechanical properties, and integrating translational-rotational conversion and inertia amplification mechanisms within the finite element platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general finite element software platforms are used for simulation, then existing software can be utilized, but the platforms lack the capability to simulate inerter units due to their novelty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidsoftware functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inerter simulation into separate modular components: a transmission mechanism, an inertia mechanism, and boundary conditions. This segmentation allows the complex inerter system to be simulated by combining simpler, existing finite element components rather than requiring a completely new simulation platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized inerter unit as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between general finite element software and the specific requirements of inerter simulation. This unit incorporates the transmission mechanism and inertia mechanism within a standardized interface that can be integrated into existing software platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If self-programmed methods are used to solve control equations, then flexibility in solving complex equations is achieved, but the approach becomes difficult to apply to complex engineering structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequation solving flexibilityVSAvoidprogram development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal finite element formulation for inerter units that can be applied to various complex engineering structures without requiring custom programming for each case. The standardized inerter unit incorporates general-purpose equations that work across different applications, from seismic resistance to vibration reduction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a standardized finite element model template that can be copied and applied to different engineering structures. Instead of programming custom solutions for each structure, the same verified finite element formulation can be reused, reducing development complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the inerter coefficient is amplified through mechanical structures, then vibration reduction performance is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reduction performanceVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic analysis techniques to optimize the inerter unit parameters, allowing the system to adapt to varying vibration conditions. The transmission mechanism and inertia mechanism are designed to dynamically adjust their behavior based on the operating conditions, achieving high vibration reduction performance without requiring overly complex static structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This method enables accurate simulation of inerter dynamics, facilitating the design and optimization of inerter systems for structural vibration control and overcoming the technical bottleneck of dynamic coupling with large-scale engineering structures.

Implementation Method 1

simulating the translational-rotational conversion and inertia amplification mechanisms of the inerter based on the conversion functions, which are determined by the rack on the rigid rod and the flywheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranslational-rotational conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

simulating the physical and mechanical properties of the rigid rod and the flywheel in the inerter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250077725A1Inerter finite element simulation method, software apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.03.06 SHENZHEN UNIV

AI summary

Introduced are a method, a software apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium for simulating inerter using finite element analysis. The method involves: acquiring structural parameters of an inerter; simulating the mechanical properties of racks on rigid rods and flywheels within the inerter using the structural parameters and a finite element platform; formulating constraint equations and transformation formula to simulate translational-rotational conversion and inertia amplification mechanism of the inerter; integrating the force and constraint information to achieve the finite element simulation of the inerter. The finite element simulation method for the inerter addresses the challenge of lacking “inerter units” and the inability to simulate inertia components in general finite element software platforms. It also overcomes the technical bottleneck of real-time dynamic coupling simulation between inerter and complex engineering structures. This may effectively promote the design, optimization, and application of inerter in the vibration control of large-scale engineering structures.