Topologically Optimized Vibration Absorber for Broad Frequency Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for attenuating structural-born noise and vibrations involve heavy damping materials that increase the weight of structures without effectively addressing the issue of vibration absorption across a broad frequency range.
Innovation Solution
The use of topological optimization to design a lightweight absorber that maximizes vibration absorption performance by optimizing the shape of the absorber within a defined design domain, allowing it to effectively absorb flexural waves acting on structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional damping materials are bonded to the structure to attenuate vibrations, then vibration absorption is improved, but the added weight to the structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the absorber: using topological optimization to create a lightweight structure with optimized material distribution, and tuning the resonant frequency of the absorber to match the vibration frequency to be absorbed, thereby achieving effective vibration attenuation without heavy damping materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resonant vibration mechanism where the absorber is designed to vibrate at the same frequency as the structure's vibration, creating a counteracting force that reduces the overall vibration. This is achieved by designing the absorber's natural frequency to match the target vibration frequency through careful selection of mass, stiffness, and damping parameters
2Reliability
If traditional damping materials are used to attenuate vibrations, then some vibration absorption is achieved, but the absorption effectiveness across broad frequency ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic absorber system where the absorber's resonant frequency can be tuned to match different vibration frequencies. By adjusting the mass, stiffness, and damping parameters, the absorber can adapt to absorb vibrations across a broad frequency range, making it versatile for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The topologically optimized absorber design achieves multi-functionality by being capable of absorbing vibrations across multiple frequency ranges through parameter tuning, rather than requiring different specialized damping materials for each frequency range
3Reliability
If damping materials are bonded to the structure to reduce vibrations, then vibration attenuation is achieved, but the absorbed energy is not effectively dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping elements that convert mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy through internal friction and hysteresis effects. The damping materials undergo cyclic deformation that transforms kinetic energy into heat, which is then dissipated to the surrounding environment, effectively removing energy from the vibration system
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 topologically optimized absorber achieves efficient vibration absorption across a broad frequency range, minimizing reflected waves and reducing the weight added to the structure compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber for absorbing a vibration acting upon a structure
Implementation Method 2
absorb flexural waves acting on structures
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are absorbers for absorbing vibrations acting upon a structure and methods for making the same. In one example, the absorber may be designed by defining a design domain for the absorber and utilizing a topological optimization process to design a shape of the absorber within the design domain to maximize the absorption performance of the absorber.