Parametric Amplifier Multi-Component Drive Signal

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional parametric amplifiers face limitations in achieving high gain and frequency flexibility, particularly when the input signal frequency is not constant or does not coincide with the natural frequency, and they struggle with balancing rotating structures at resonant speeds due to high response levels.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that generate a multi-component drive signal with frequencies other than integer multiples of the input frequency, allowing for non-degenerate parametric amplification and balancing of rotating structures by converting input oscillations into output oscillations with controlled amplitude and phase, using a controller to select parameters for specific gain, sensitivity, and phase shift, and incorporating an amplitude limiter component for nonlinear variation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If degenerate parametric amplification is used (pump frequency equals twice the input frequency), then high gain is achieved, but the system cannot handle variable input frequencies or frequencies that do not coincide with the natural frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamplification gainVSAvoidfrequency flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump signal is segmented into multiple frequency components rather than using a single frequency. The drive signal includes a first component at frequency ωp1 and a second component at frequency ωp2, allowing the system to address both degenerate and non-degenerate parametric amplification needs simultaneously, thus achieving high gain while maintaining frequency flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pump frequency components are merged into a single drive signal that is applied to the oscillator. This combination allows the system to benefit from both degenerate parametric amplification (high gain) and non-degenerate parametric amplification (frequency flexibility) through a unified approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-degenerate parametric amplification is used (pump frequency does not equal twice the input frequency), then frequency flexibility is improved, but the amplification gain becomes relatively low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency flexibilityVSAvoidamplification gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The pump signal is segmented into multiple frequency components rather than using a single frequency. The drive signal includes a first component at frequency ωp1 and a second component at frequency ωp2, allowing the system to address both degenerate and non-degenerate parametric amplification needs simultaneously, thus achieving high gain while maintaining frequency flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pump frequency components are merged into a single drive signal that is applied to the oscillator. This combination allows the system to benefit from both degenerate parametric amplification (high gain) and non-degenerate parametric amplification (frequency flexibility) through a unified approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional parametric amplification is used for balancing rotating structures at resonant speeds, then the system must operate at high response levels, but this makes imbalance detection difficult due to high resonance-induced oscillations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing capability at resonant speedsVSAvoidimbalance detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies parametric excitation before the imbalance detection measurement is taken. By pre-exciting the oscillator at its natural frequency using the multi-component drive signal, the system amplifies the response to the imbalance force, making the imbalance detection more sensitive and precise even at resonant speeds where high response levels would normally interfere with measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides high gain and frequency flexibility for input signal amplification, enabling effective balancing of rotating structures even at resonant speeds by amplifying and sensitizing the output oscillations, thus reducing resonance-induced oscillations and improving imbalance detection.

Implementation Method 1

Parametric amplification is a technique employed in oscillating systems wherein a parameter (e.g., inertia, a spring constant or affecting element's elastic stiffness) is modulated to produce amplification in the response of the system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParametric amplification: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10061181B2Method and system for parametric amplification

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 TECHNION RES & DEV FOUND LTD

AI summary

A system for converting an input oscillation having an input frequency into an output oscillation having an output frequency is disclosed. The system comprises: a controller configured for receiving the input oscillation and responsively generating a multi-component drive signal. A frequency of at least one component of the drive signal is other than two times the input frequency. In some embodiments, a frequency of another component of the drive signal equals about two times the output frequency. The system also comprises an oscillator for generating pump oscillations responsively to the drive signal and applying parametric excitation to the input oscillation at the pump oscillations.