Power Tool Vibration Damping With Magnetorheological Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power tools experience significant vibration during operation, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased user discomfort, and existing solutions fail to effectively mitigate this issue in a dynamic and controlled manner.

Innovation Solution

A power tool system that includes a magnetically susceptible fluid and an inductor to introduce a magnetic field, controlled by an electronic processor and sensor feedback, allowing for real-time adjustment of viscosity to counteract vibration, with wireless communication for external sensitivity settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional vibration damping methods are used, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but the system lacks dynamic adaptability and real-time control capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fluid viscosity dynamically adjustable through magnetic field control. The system transitions from static vibration damping to dynamic adaptability by varying the magnetic field strength to change fluid viscosity in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and vibration levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of fluid viscosity by applying magnetic fields. By varying the magnetic field strength, the system alters the viscosity parameter of the magnetically susceptible fluid, enabling real-time control of vibration damping characteristics without mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed viscosity fluid is used for vibration control, then the system is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying vibration conditions during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration control adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic or variable magnetic field application to control fluid viscosity. The electronic controller adjusts the magnetic field in response to detected vibration conditions, creating a responsive control cycle that adapts viscosity only when needed, thereby balancing adaptability with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect vibration conditions and adjusting the magnetic field strength accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures the fluid viscosity is optimized for current operating conditions while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous magnetic field application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If magnetically susceptible fluid and inductor system is implemented, then real-time vibration control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration control effectivenessVSAvoidsystem component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration damping mechanisms with a magnetic field-based fluid control system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, moving parts, and mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving reliable vibration control through electromagnetic interaction with the magnetically susceptible fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves reliable vibration control by changing the viscosity parameter of the fluid through magnetic field application. This parameter change approach provides smooth, continuous control of damping characteristics without discrete mechanical adjustments, enhancing control effectiveness while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 dynamically reduces vibration by varying the viscosity of the magnetically susceptible fluid based on real-time sensor data, enhancing operational stability and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetically susceptible fluid and an inductor to introduce a magnetic field to the magnetically susceptible fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentEP3400109B1Vibration reduction system and method for power tools
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP3400109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3400109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3400109B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Systems and methods for reducing vibration in power tool. One system includes a power tool that includes a housing and a motor. The power tool further includes a magnetically susceptible fluid located within the housing. The power tool further includes an inductor configured to introduce a magnetic field to the magnetically susceptible fluid. The power tool further includes a sensor configured to indicate an amount of vibration experienced by the power tool. The power tool further includes an electronic processor coupled to the sensor and to the inductor. The electronic processor is configured to receive an input signal from the sensor indicating the amount of vibration, to generate a control signal based on the input signal, and to provide the control signal to the inductor to control the magnetic field.