Self-Tuning Vibration Absorber With Flexible Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration absorbers in the aircraft industry face challenges as the motor associated with adjusting auxiliary masses is not attached to the structure subject to dynamic stresses, leading to reduced life expectancy and inefficiencies in responding to changing rotor RPM speeds and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A tunable vibration system that continuously monitors vibrations using sensors and employs a control unit with algorithms to adjust a tunable absorber, ensuring a desired reacting force is created by selectively adjusting the absorber's components, such as main and auxiliary masses, directly attached to the vibrating structure, thereby extending the life expectancy of the driver and improving vibration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor is not attached to the structure subject to dynamic stresses, then the motor life expectancy is reduced, but the system can still adjust the auxiliary mass to change the reacting force
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling device is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and the auxiliary mass. This coupling device transmits the motor's adjusting force to the auxiliary mass while isolating the motor from dynamic stresses generated during vibration absorption operations, thereby protecting the motor from damage while maintaining adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into functionally independent components: the motor unit for generating adjusting force, the flexible coupling device for force transmission with stress isolation, and the auxiliary mass for vibration absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without being compromised by stresses from other parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary mass is adjusted relative to the vibrating structure, then the reacting force changes to match varying vibrations, but the motor is exposed to dynamic stresses that reduce its life expectancy
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling device serves as a mediator that enables the motor to adjust the auxiliary mass position while blocking the transmission of harmful dynamic stresses back to the motor, thus preserving both adjustment capability and motor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling device provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-designed to absorb and isolate dynamic stresses before they can reach the motor, protecting the motor from potential damage during vibration absorption operations
3Reliability
If a conventional vibration absorber is used, then the structure is protected from vibrations, but the system cannot effectively respond to changing rotor RPM speeds and vibration frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static conventional vibration absorber to a dynamic adjustable system where the auxiliary mass position can be continuously modified in real-time based on changing vibration conditions, enabling effective response to varying rotor RPM speeds and frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vibration characteristics and feed this information back to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the auxiliary mass position to optimize vibration absorption performance for current operating conditions
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 effectively extends the life expectancy of the driver and improves vibration control by directly attaching the driver to the vibrating structure, allowing real-time adjustments to counteract changing vibrations, enhancing the system's responsiveness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the conventional vibration absorber utilizes a main mass and an auxiliary mass suspended at a distance relative to the vibrating structure and coupled thereto via an elastic beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to adjustably create a reacting force in response to a vibrating force of a vibrating structure. The system includes an adjustable vibration absorber that creates a range of reacting forces. The method includes continuously monitoring the reacting force and the vibrating force with a sensor system operably associated with a control unit having an algorithm to determine if adjustment of the vibration absorber is required. If required, the control unit commands a driver to selectively adjust the vibration absorber such that the reacting force equals the vibrating force.