Inerter Valve Damping via Linear-to-Rotational Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure relief valves (PRVs) experience undesirable vibrations and chatter due to resonant acoustic frequencies, which reduce their capacity and can damage internal components, and existing damping techniques are either ineffective or only address the issue after vibration has started, lacking active response to acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inerter system that converts linear motion to rotational motion using a cam profile, providing inertial damping by reacting to acceleration and reducing vibration through the conversion of translational kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy, thereby effectively controlling vibrations without significant mass addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing damping techniques are used, then vibration control is provided, but the techniques are ineffective or only address vibration after it has started, lacking active response to acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is segmented into distinct components: the cam profile mechanism that converts linear motion to rotational motion, and the flywheel that provides the inertial damping effect. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide active acceleration-based damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static passive damping to dynamic active damping by using the cam profile to convert the linear acceleration of the valve disc into rotational motion of the flywheel. The flywheel's rotational inertia then actively responds to acceleration changes, providing dynamic damping that adapts to varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If mass is added to the valve disc holder to provide damping, then inertial damping effect is achieved, but substantial mass addition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers the damping function from the linear motion dimension (valve disc holder) to the rotational motion dimension (flywheel). By converting linear acceleration into rotational motion through the cam profile, the heavy inertial mass is placed in the rotational domain where it provides damping without adding significant mass to the linearly moving valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the linearly moving valve disc holder to the rotatively moving flywheel. This intermediary converts the linear motion into rotational motion, allowing the flywheel's mass to provide inertial damping effect without the mass being directly attached to the valve disc holder.
3Weight of moving object
If the inerter system converts linear motion to rotational motion, then vibration is reduced without significant mass addition, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile and flywheel are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies. The cam profile is formed as part of the flywheel structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite adding the damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel with its cam profile serves dual functions: it provides the inertial damping effect through its rotational mass and simultaneously performs the motion conversion function through its cam profile. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate damping components and motion conversion mechanisms.
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 inerter system significantly reduces vibrations and chatter in PRVs by actively damping based on acceleration, offering improved performance and stability across a wide range of conditions without adding substantial mass, and can be retrofitted into existing systems or applied to other valve types.
Implementation Method 1
an inerter element arranged to convert linear motion of the valve member into rotary movement, thereby damping the valve
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of an inerter system that converts linear motion to rotational motion using a cam profile
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a vibration damping system including a fixed element, a moveable element arranged to move linearly along an axis relative to the fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force, and an inerter element coupling the moveable element to the fixed element, and configured to convert the linear motion of the moveable element into rotational motion about the axis. The vibration damping system may be applied to many types of valves. In some embodiments, the vibration damping system may be applied to pressure relief valves. In some embodiments, the moveable element rotates to provide inertial damping. In other embodiments, the inerter element rotates to provide inertial damping.