Segmented Gearbox Vibration Absorber for Retrofit Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibration absorbers are not easily retrofittable or adaptable to changing vibrations in gearboxes, leading to potential gearbox damage and noise issues.

Innovation Solution

A vibration absorber with a segmented absorber mass that is rotationally symmetrical and can be rigidly connected, allowing for flexible adaptation and retrofitting by securely fixing to the gearbox housing using elastomer bushings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vibration absorbers are used, then vibration reduction is achieved, but retrofitting and adaptation to changing vibrations are not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing vibrationsVSAvoidprotection against gearbox damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber mass is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the vibration absorber to be adapted to different vibration frequencies and amplitudes by reconfiguring the segments, while maintaining reliable protection against gearbox damage through optimized mass distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional vibration absorbers are used, then vibration reduction is achieved, but retrofitting to existing gearboxes is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows the vibration absorber to be assembled in a modular fashion, making it easier to retrofit to existing gearboxes. The segments can be installed separately and connected, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the capability to reduce vibrations effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration absorber incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration after installation. This enables the system to adapt to changing operational conditions without requiring complex retrofitting procedures, simplifying both manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the absorber mass is made larger to reduce vibrations more effectively, then vibration reduction improves, but the weight and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration amplitudeVSAvoidabsorber mass weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the absorber mass into segments, the system achieves effective vibration reduction through optimized mass distribution rather than simply increasing total mass. The segments can be strategically positioned to maximize vibration cancellation efficiency while minimizing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of mass distribution parameters by reconfiguring the segments. This enables optimization of the absorber's performance for different vibration scenarios without requiring a fixed large mass, thereby reducing weight while maintaining effective vibration control.

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 segmented vibration absorber effectively reduces gearbox vibrations, prevents damage, and minimizes noise emissions, while also enabling easy retrofitting and adaptation to changing operational conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration absorber can further include connectors that are rigidly connected to two segments each

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The segmented vibration absorber effectively reduces gearbox vibrations, prevents damage, and minimizes noise emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12209632B2Segmented vibration absorber
Publication Date: 2025.01.28 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS
  • US12209632B2 patent drawing
  • US12209632B2 patent drawing
  • US12209632B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration absorber for securely fixing to the housing of a gearbox includes an absorber mass having a first group of segments that are rotationally symmetrical to one another with respect to a rotational axis and/or central axis of the gearbox. The segments can be rigidly connected to one another. The vibration absorber can further include connectors that are rigidly connected to two segments each.