Autonomous Piezoelectric Vibration Damping for Fragile Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damping devices for fragile equipment during transport, such as satellites, either add significant mass and complexity or require external power sources, which are not ideal, especially in the space field where passive devices are ineffective and active devices are not accepted.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous active vibration damping device using piezoelectric transduction means to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy, which powers a control module to generate displacement signals that partially dampen vibrations in fragile elements, eliminating the need for external power and minimizing mass and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive damping devices are used, then mass and complexity are reduced, but vibration damping effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric transducer serves dual functions: it acts as a sensor to detect vibrations and as an actuator to generate compensating vibrations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate sensing and actuation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining active damping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the piezoelectric material between sensing mode and actuation mode, utilizing its piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals and then back into mechanical counter-vibrations. This parameter change enables a single component to perform multiple functions.
2Reliability
If active damping devices are used, then vibration damping effectiveness is improved, but external power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful mechanical vibration energy into useful electrical energy through the piezoelectric transducer. The vibrations that need to be dampened are harvested and converted into electrical power, which then fuels the active damping mechanism itself, creating a self-sustaining system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the actuation signals based on real-time vibration measurements, optimizing the energy conversion process. The system adapts its operation to match the varying vibration characteristics, ensuring maximum energy harvesting efficiency while maintaining effective damping.
3Strength
If fragile elements are dimensioned to withstand vibrations, then vibration resistance is improved, but mass and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by generating counter-vibrations that oppose and cancel out the incoming vibrations before they can damage the fragile element. This proactive approach protects the element without requiring it to be over-engineered for vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric transducer acts as an intermediary between the vibrating structure and the fragile element. It creates a protective zone of counter-vibrations that isolates the fragile element from harmful vibrations, allowing the element to be lighter and more delicate without compromising its protection.
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 dampens vibrations in fragile equipment during transport without adding mass or complexity and operates autonomously, ensuring reliable performance without external power sources, particularly suitable for the space field.
Implementation Method 1
first piezoelectric transduction means inserted between the structure and the first element and responsible for converting the mechanical vibration energy of the structure into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
second piezoelectric transduction means interposed between the structure and the second element and responsible for converting the control signals into displacement in order to dampen at least partially for the second element the vibrations undergone by its equipment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A device is dedicated to damping vibrations for an item of equipment (I) intended to be moved around and comprising a structure (S1, S2) to which are coupled a first element (E1) and a second fragile element (E2) that is to be protected from the vibrations. This device comprises: i) first piezoelectric transducer means (T11-T13) inserted between the structure (S1, S2) and the first element (E1) and tasked with converting the mechanical energy of vibration of the structure into electrical energy; ii) at least one sensor (C1-C3) coupled to the structure (S1, S2) and designed to deliver measurement signals representative of vibrations experienced by the equipment (I); iii) control means (MC) electrically powered by the electrical energy produced and tasked with deducing from each measurement signal at least one amplitude of movement that is intended to at least partially compensate for the vibrations experienced by the structure, and with delivering control signals representative of each determined amplitude; and iv) second piezoelectric transducer means (T21-T23) inserted between the structure (S1, S2) and the second element (E2) and tasked with converting the control signals into movement(s) so as to at least partially damp, for the benefit of the second element (E2), the vibrations to which the equipment (I) is subjected.