Inertial Mass Vibration Control for Self-Identifying Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural vibration control systems, particularly active systems, require complex dynamic models and skilled installation, leading to high costs and long realization times, and are not suitable for sudden changes in dynamic stress conditions like seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an inertial device with a movable mass, movement sensors, and a processing device that calculates a dynamic model by identifying and adjusting parameters to control vibrations, allowing for active control and structural health monitoring with reduced uncertainty and energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex dynamic models are used in active vibration control systems, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of dynamic parameters by automatically detecting natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios through ambient vibrations and controlled excitations. This eliminates the need for manual modeling by skilled personnel, reducing installation complexity while maintaining control reliability through accurate real-time parameter identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on identified structural characteristics. By continuously updating the dynamic model parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios) rather than using fixed complex models, the system achieves reliable control with simplified adaptive parameter adjustment instead of complex predetermined models
2Measurement precision
If complex dynamic models and skilled installation are required, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of dynamic parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios) during installation and operation. This preliminary action captures the structural characteristics early, enabling immediate accurate control without requiring time-consuming manual modeling and adjustment processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical modeling processes with automated electronic identification using sensors and signal processing. Accelerometers and processing units automatically extract dynamic parameters from vibration signals, substituting skilled manual work with automated computational methods that are both precise and time-efficient
3Ease of operation
If passive control systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors structural vibrations using accelerometers and processes the signals to identify current dynamic parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to changing dynamic stress conditions (seismic events, wind loads, traffic) while maintaining simple operation through automated control adjustments based on real-time structural response
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static passive control to dynamic adaptive control by continuously updating the dynamic model parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios) based on real-time vibration measurements. This enables the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and dynamic stresses while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter identification and control adjustment
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 system provides reliable and efficient vibration control with reduced uncertainty, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, and can be implemented by non-skilled users with simplified installation, effectively managing structural health and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
The inertial device (102) comprises at least one movable mass (104) and is configured for a first controlled movement of the at least one movable mass (104), in order to excite the structure (103)
Implementation Method 2
one or more movement sensors (201) configured for detecting vibrations of the structure (103)
Implementation Method 3
calculating a dynamic model, wherein the set of first parameters and the set of second parameters are made consistent taking in account the at least one movable mass (104)
Implementation Method 4
controlling the at least one inertial device (102), wherein the at least one inertial device (102) is further configured for a second controlled movement of the at least one movable mass (104), based on the dynamic model
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for identification and active control of vibrations (101) in a structure (103), comprising at least one inertial device (102) associable with the structure (103), comprising at least one movable mass (104) and configured for a first controlled movement of the at least one movable mass (104) in order to excite the structure (103); one or more movement sensors (201) configured for detecting vibrations of the structure (103); at least one processing device (202, 302) operatively connected to the one or more movement sensors (201) and to the least one inertial device (102), the at least one processing device (202, 302) being configured for: identifying a set of first parameters determinable by the one or more movement sensors (201) in response to environment-induced vibrations of the structure (103); identifying a set of second parameters determinable by the one or more movement sensors (201) in response to the first controlled movement of the at last one movable mass (104); calculating a dynamic model, wherein the set of first and second parameters are made consistent taking into account the at least one movable mass (104); detecting threshold-exceeding vibrations of the structure (103) by the one or more movement sensors; controlling the at least one inertial device (102), wherein the at least one inertial device (102) is further configured for a second controlled movement of the at least one movable mass (104), based on the dynamic model. The present invention further relates to a respective method for identification and active control of vibrations in a structure.