Magnetic Vibration Damping Using Eddy Currents at Lower Weight
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration dampeners are either too large and heavy or limited in their ability to absorb vibrations, failing to provide effective dampening for a given weight, which can negatively impact users and devices due to recoil and unwanted movements.
Innovation Solution
A vibration dampening device utilizing magnets and electrically-conductive members that generate eddy currents to resist relative motion, dissipating kinetic energy as electrical energy and reducing unwanted vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional rubber or spring dampeners are used to absorb vibrations, then vibration dampening capability is provided, but the device becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical rubber or spring dampening systems with an electromagnetic damping system. This system uses a magnet and an electrically-conductive member that generates eddy currents when subjected to vibrational motion. The eddy currents create a magnetic field that opposes the motion, providing dampening force. This substitution of mechanical components with electromagnetic components achieves superior vibration energy absorption in a significantly lighter and more compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter used for dampening from mechanical elasticity (rubber/springs) to electromagnetic induction. By utilizing eddy currents and magnetic field interaction, the system transforms vibrational kinetic energy directly into electrical energy, which is then dissipated. This parameter change enables much higher energy absorption density per unit weight compared to conventional mechanical dampeners.
2Loss of energy
If conventional rubber or spring dampeners are used to absorb vibrations, then some vibration dampening is achieved, but the dampening capability per unit weight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical rubber or spring dampening systems with an electromagnetic damping system. This system uses a magnet and an electrically-conductive member that generates eddy currents when subjected to vibrational motion. The eddy currents create a magnetic field that opposes the motion, providing dampening force. This substitution of mechanical components with electromagnetic components achieves superior vibration energy absorption in a significantly lighter and more compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter used for dampening from mechanical elasticity (rubber/springs) to electromagnetic induction. By utilizing eddy currents and magnetic field interaction, the system transforms vibrational kinetic energy directly into electrical energy, which is then dissipated. This parameter change enables much higher energy absorption density per unit weight compared to conventional mechanical dampeners.
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 device effectively attenuates vibrations by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, providing improved dampening capabilities in a compact and lightweight form, enhancing user experience and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically-conductive member can be positioned within a magnetic field of the magnet so that an eddy current generated within the electrically-conductive member by the magnet resists relative movement between the electrically-conductive member and the magnet
Implementation Method 2
an eddy current generated within the electrically-conductive member by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses a magnetic vibration dampener. The dampening device can be configured to attenuate movement of an object. The dampening device can include an electrically-conductive member, and a magnet. One of the electrically-conductive member and the magnet can be configured to be fixed to the object. The other of the electrically-conductive member and the magnet can be mounted for movement in relation to the electrically conductive member or the magnet fixed to the object. The electrically-conductive member can be positioned within a magnetic field of the magnet so that an eddy current generated within the electrically-conductive member by the magnet resists relative movement between the electrically-conductive member and the magnet.