Pump Mounting Plate With Switchable Stiffness for Resonance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable speed pumps operating in a wide speed range often experience operational vibrations due to resonances, leading to wear, fatigue, and noise issues, which existing damping and passive solutions fail to adequately address, especially when pump operation conditions change.
Innovation Solution
A device with actuators that switch between connected and disconnected states to alter the resonance characteristics of the pump or pump assembly, allowing for adjustable stiffness to manage vibrations without changing the operation point, using various actuators such as electromagnets, solenoids, or pneumatic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy concrete blocks and soft springs (inertia bases) are used to reduce vibration transmission, then vibration propagation to surroundings is reduced, but the solution becomes expensive and impractical for commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable stiffness elements that can dynamically change their mechanical properties based on operating conditions. The stiffness adjustment mechanism allows the vibration isolation system to adapt to different pump speeds and resonance conditions, providing effective vibration control without requiring heavy inertial masses and complex passive isolation structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stiffness parameter of the connection between the pump and carrying surface by adjusting the stiffness elements. This parameter change allows the resonance characteristics of the pump system to be modified, moving resonant frequencies away from critical operational ranges and reducing vibration transmission without requiring heavy inertia bases
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping and passive solutions are used to control resonances, then some vibration control is achieved, but they are not sufficient when pump operation conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic vibration control system where the stiffness elements can be adjusted in real-time based on changing pump operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain effective vibration control across different speeds and flow conditions, overcoming the limitation of fixed passive damping solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor pump operation conditions and use this information to adjust the stiffness elements accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and maintain optimal vibration control performance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If RPM is adjusted to circumvent resonances, then vibration from resonances is reduced, but this is not an optimal solution as it conflicts with user-demands
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the pump's rotational speed to avoid resonances, the patent changes the stiffness parameter of the mounting system. This modifies the resonance characteristics of the entire pump-m mounting system, shifting resonant frequencies away from critical operational ranges while allowing the pump to operate at the user-demanded RPM
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed stiffness connection is used between pump and carrying surface, then structural stability is maintained, but resonance characteristics cannot be adjusted to avoid vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed stiffness connections with dynamically adjustable stiffness elements. These elements maintain structural stability during pump operation while allowing the stiffness parameter to be adjusted to change the system's resonance characteristics, thereby avoiding operational vibrations
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
Effectively reduces noise and vibration levels by shifting resonance frequencies away from critical operational regimes, providing a more efficient and precise control of operational vibrations for different pump types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
resonance characteristics of the pump or pump assembly during operation can be changed by the activation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a device (1) for controlling operational vibrations of a pump (2) or pump assembly arranged thereon. In some embodiments, it comprises a mounting plate (3) configured to have the pump or pump assembly arranged on a surface thereof. The device comprises at least one actuator (6) configured to switch between a first state in which it provides a connection between the pump or pump assembly and an associated carrying surface or between the mounting plate and the carrying surface, and a second state in which there is no such connection via the at least one actuator. Activation of the at least one actuator to switch between the first and the second states is controllable so that resonance characteristics of the pump or pump assembly during operation can be changed by the activation.