Machine Vibration Control Using Structural Loading Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assessing and controlling machine vibration in complex assemblies, such as aircraft engines, face challenges in predicting and optimizing the structural coupled response, leading to increased stress, wear, noise, and reduced efficiency due to simplified models and limited capability in 3D simulation, which can result in unexpected vibration patterns and inefficiencies from mechanical damping controls.

Innovation Solution

A method that sets control parameter thresholds based on vibration-induced loading and stress, using computational models to simulate machine operating conditions and adjust control system settings to prevent exceeding maximum loading thresholds, incorporating finite element analysis and mathematical modeling to refine control system operation and reduce vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If simplified models are used to reduce computational complexity, then computational time is reduced, but the ability to optimize control system structural coupled response is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational timeVSAvoidoptimization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the computational model into modular components representing different sub-assemblies and vibration modes. This allows the complex system to be analyzed in manageable parts while maintaining overall system accuracy, resolving the contradiction between computational efficiency and optimization precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D simplified models to comprehensive 3D structural simulation. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate representation of complex geometries and vibration modes while the modular approach maintains computational feasibility, simultaneously achieving both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical vibration-damping controls are added to manage interactions, then vibration is reduced, but weight increases and non-linearities are introduced that reduce efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration-damping controls with an optimized control system that uses electrical feedback and advanced algorithms to manage vibrations. This substitution eliminates the need for physical damping mechanisms, reducing weight while maintaining vibration control effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from mechanical parameter adjustments to electrical control parameter optimization. By using controllable electrical parameters and adaptive algorithms, the system achieves vibration management without the weight penalty and efficiency loss associated with mechanical damping components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If 3D structural simulation is performed over a range of operational conditions, then prediction accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the operational conditions and vibration modes into discrete segments or modes that can be analyzed independently. This segmentation allows comprehensive 3D simulation across multiple conditions without overwhelming computational complexity, as each segment can be processed efficiently and results integrated systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify critical vibration modes and operational conditions that require detailed 3D simulation. By pre-identifying the most significant factors, the system focuses computational resources on essential analyses, achieving high prediction accuracy without unnecessary computational complexity in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3584722B1Methods and systems for controlling machine vibration
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ROLLS ROYCE PLC
  • EP3584722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3584722B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3584722B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B

AI summary

There are disclosed methods and systems for managing vibration in a machine having a plurality of sub-assemblies, such as an aircraft engine. A geometric computational model is generated for the machine, including the sub-assemblies and one or more module of machine readable code defining how vibration is communicated through said geometric model A whole machine finite element analysis model may be used. First and second instances of the computational model are run to generate outputs of loading throughout the machine geometry as a result of the vibration of the geometric model under a simulated machine operating condition. The first and second instances respectively comprise the computational model with and without inclusion of vibration induced by a control system for one or more sub-assembly of the machine. A maximum loading threshold is determined for the machine. A threshold for one or more control parameter in the control system is set based on the contribution of the vibration induced by the control system to the maximum loading threshold. The output of the geometric computational modelling is typically fed to a mathematical model to simulate the control system structural interactions. The output of the geometric computational modelling may provide constraints on the control system modelling.