Linear Vibration Feeder Elastic Coupling Residual Vibrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory linear conveyors face challenges in achieving balanced vibrations due to small differences in mass and properties between the useful mass and counter mass, leading to residual vibrations in the substructure.

Innovation Solution

Coupling the independent oscillating systems of the useful mass and counter mass with an elastic connecting element of specific spring stiffness, which provides a degree of freedom to compensate for mass and property differences, ensuring identical natural frequencies and phase-shifted forces to minimize residual forces in the base plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the useful mass and counter mass are made to oscillate in opposite directions with independent oscillation systems, then the vibration conveyor can operate with simple structure, but small differences in mass and properties lead to residual vibrations in the substructure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidresidual vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic connecting element is introduced as an intermediary between the useful mass and counter mass. This mediator enables force compensation by allowing the oscillation systems to interact elastically, thereby reducing residual vibrations in the base plate while maintaining the overall simplicity of the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic connecting element changes the stiffness parameter of the oscillation systems. By adjusting the spring stiffness of the connecting element, the natural frequencies of the useful mass and counter mass can be matched, optimizing vibration compensation and reducing harmful residual vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the useful mass and counter mass are made exactly the same with identical properties, then perfect vibration balance can be achieved, but this is almost impossible to realize in reality due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual vibrationsVSAvoidmass balancing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic connecting element enables the oscillation system to self-adjust and self-compensate for mass and property differences. The system automatically optimizes its vibration balance through the elastic interaction, eliminating the need for precise manual mass balancing and making the system more tolerant of manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid connection between masses is replaced with a dynamic elastic connection. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to variations in mass and properties during operation, providing continuous vibration compensation without requiring exact initial matching of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the useful mass and counter mass have different natural frequencies due to mass and property differences, then the system can accommodate manufacturing variations, but the vibration balance deteriorates and residual forces increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance to differencesVSAvoidresidual forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic connecting element provides a variable stiffness parameter that can be designed to compensate for mass and property differences. By carefully selecting the spring stiffness, the system can match the natural frequencies of the oscillation systems even when masses differ, thereby maintaining vibration balance and reducing residual forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces residual vibrations in the substructure by compensating for mass and property differences, eliminating the need for precise mass balancing and allowing the system to adapt optimally without external intervention, resulting in minimal residual forces and improved usability.

Implementation Method 1

An electromagnet is usually used as the drive unit, with the magnetic core and the winding surrounding it usually being connected to the counterweight and the magnet armature to the useful weight. The alternating voltage applied to the winding results in a magnetic field that changes depending on the voltage frequency, which acts on the armature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the two previously independent oscillating systems of the useful mass and the counter mass be coupled to one another by an elastic connecting element that has a certain spring stiffness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The useful mass and the counter mass are each connected to the base plate, via which the vibratory linear conveyor is connected to a third object, for example an assembly table, in an oscillating manner via corresponding guide springs, primarily leaf springs or leaf spring assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2208693B1Linear vibration feeder
Publication Date: 2012.08.08 AFAG HLDG AG
  • EP2208693B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2208693B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The linear vibration feeder (1) comprises a payload (4) and a counterweight (3) that are moved in opposite directions by a drive unit (8) in a pivoting manner. The payload and the counterweight are coupled to a base plate (2) by the guide springs (5,6) that are formed as leaf springs. The payload and the counterweight are coupled to each other by an elastic connecting element (11) with a spring rigidity which is independent of the drive unit.