Active Vibration Control with a Multimodal Electromagnetic Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration control systems for heavy machinery are complex, oversized, and lack versatility in addressing changing vibration frequencies and magnitudes, with limited applicability due to single mode operation and unpredictable performance.
Innovation Solution
An active vibration control system featuring a multimodal electromagnetic actuator and control element, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom and vibration modes, utilizing a voice coil actuator with a moveable magnet and resilient attachment, enabling tuning of vibrations across various frequencies and magnitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromagnetic actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control multiple vibration modes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed with a moveable control element that can dynamically adjust its position along the actuator's length. This dynamic positioning capability allows a single actuator to generate multiple vibration modes by changing the control element's location, thereby achieving versatility without increasing device complexity or adding multiple actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control different vibration modes, then vibration control versatility is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple actuators into a single electromagnetic actuator by incorporating a moveable control element. This control element can be positioned at different locations along the actuator to generate different vibration modes, effectively combining what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators into one integrated device, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions - controlling different vibration modes - by adjusting the position of its internal control element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized actuators, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to address various vibration control needs.
3Reliability
If commercially available vibration control systems are used, then immediate vibration control is achieved, but tuning capability for changing vibration frequencies is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control element's position along the electromagnetic actuator can be dynamically adjusted to change the system's resonant frequency and vibration characteristics. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to be tuned to match changing vibration frequencies from the machinery, maintaining effective vibration control across varying operating conditions without requiring system replacement or extensive recalibration.
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 a compact, reliable, and versatile solution for controlling vibrations of different frequencies and magnitudes, enhancing tuning capabilities and reducing the need for multiple actuators, resulting in improved vibration damping and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator operable to apply a force on a base structure to which the active vibration control system is attachable such that vibrations of the base structure are actively controllable by the application of said force
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic actuator and control element are relatively moveable such that the active vibration control system has at least two modes of vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided an active vibration control system (500) comprising: an electromagnetic actuator (510); a magnetic element (520); and a solenoid (530), the electromagnetic actuator (510) being operable to apply a force on a base structure (550) to which the active vibration control system (500) is attachable such that vibrations of the base structure (550) are actively controllable by the application of said force, wherein the electromagnetic actuator (510) is operable to cause movement of the magnetic element (520) through the solenoid (530) and the solenoid (530) is operable to apply a force on the magnetic element (520).