Self-Powered Piping Vibration Absorber for Fatigue Damage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamic vibration absorbers lack damping and shock absorption functions to prevent fatigue damage and do not have a vibration monitoring system that can remotely monitor vibrations without external power supply, making it difficult to predict and reduce piping vibrations effectively in power plant piping.
Innovation Solution
A piping vibration absorber apparatus with an elastic plate, mass plate, and wire damper that absorbs vibration energy and shock, includes a vibration damping material, and uses energy harvesting to power a vibration sensor, allowing remote monitoring of piping vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional dynamic vibration absorbers are installed in piping, then piping vibration can be reduced by adjusting natural frequency, but the absorber lacks damping function to prevent fatigue damage and absorb vibration energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple damping mechanisms within the vibration absorber structure. The damper includes a damping material layer (viscoelastic material) bonded between a base plate and a cover plate, creating a composite structure that provides both vibration reduction and fatigue protection through the synergistic effect of the different materials and their interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the vibration absorber. The damping material is strategically positioned in specific regions where vibration energy needs to be absorbed, and the wire element is configured to engage only during excessive displacement or impact events, providing localized shock absorption where needed while maintaining overall vibration reduction functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional dynamic vibration absorbers are installed in piping, then piping vibration can be reduced, but the absorber lacks shock absorption function to prevent excessive displacement due to impact load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a wire element that acts as a pre-configured shock absorption mechanism. The wire is positioned and tensioned in advance within the damper structure, ready to engage immediately when impact loads cause excessive displacement, providing protective cushioning before damage can occur to the piping or vibration absorber.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional dynamic vibration absorbers are installed, then vibration reduction is achieved, but no vibration monitoring system is available without external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the vibration monitoring system self-powered through energy harvesting. The piezoelectric element is integrated into the damper structure and automatically converts mechanical vibration energy into electrical energy, which powers the monitoring system without requiring external power supply, batteries, or complex wiring, enabling autonomous operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pipe supports are added to reduce piping vibration, then vibration can be controlled, but installation requires external structures and re-performance of piping stress analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the vibration reduction function and the monitoring function into a single integrated vibration absorber unit that attaches directly to the piping. This eliminates the need for separate pipe supports and external structures, simplifying installation and avoiding the need for re-performance of piping stress analysis while maintaining effective vibration control.
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 apparatus effectively reduces piping vibrations, prevents fatigue damage, and enables real-time remote monitoring of vibration trends, enhancing the safety and operation of power plants by adjusting natural frequencies and providing a damping and shock absorption function without external power.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element installed on the elastic plate and connected to the vibration sensor to supply power to the vibration sensor
Implementation Method 2
a vibration sensor installed on the elastic plate to measure the vibration of the pipe
Implementation Method 3
a wire damper including a steel wire and coupled to another side of the elastic plate
Implementation Method 4
an elastic plate having one side coupled to the pipe and formed in a cantilever shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A piping vibration absorber apparatus having a vibration monitoring system including a vibration absorber (100) installed in pipe (10), the vibration absorber including an elastic plate (110) having one side coupled to the pipe and formed in a cantilever shape; a mass plate (120) installed on the elastic plate and having a specified mass; and a wire damper (130) including a steel wire (131) and coupled to another side of the elastic plate.