Surface Compactor Vibratory Amplitude Adjustment With Torque Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory mechanisms in surface compaction machines require manual adjustment of vibration amplitude, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

An amplitude adjustment mechanism using a screw, nut, and torque limiter system that allows for dynamic adjustment of eccentric shafts' relative rotation, enabling precise control of vibration amplitude during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of eccentric shafts is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism transforms the static manual adjustment system into a dynamic automated system. The electric motor驱动 the screw to rotate, which through the nut converts rotational motion to linear motion, automatically adjusting the relative position of eccentric shafts without manual intervention. This dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to change vibration amplitude quickly during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an electromechanical system. The electric motor substitutes for manual rotational force, and the screw-nut mechanism converts this motor-driven rotation into precise linear displacement of the eccentric shafts. This substitution of mechanical effort with an electromechanical actuation system improves ease of operation while maintaining acceptable device complexity through efficient use of standard components.

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

2Productivity

If manual adjustment is performed while machine is stopped, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism enables dynamic modification of vibration parameters during machine operation. The electric motor can be activated to adjust eccentric shaft positions without stopping the compaction process, allowing continuous productivity while adapting to different working conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need to halt the machine for parameter changes, directly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism allows operators to pre-adjust vibration amplitude settings before operation or between tasks without requiring full machine shutdown. The screw-nut system enables quick repositioning of eccentric shafts, and the torque limiter ensures safe engagement. This preliminary adjustment capability minimizes downtime between different compaction requirements, enhancing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If torque limiter is added to prevent unintentional rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiter acts as an intermediary protective element between the screw-nut adjustment mechanism and the eccentric shafts. It monitors and limits the torque transmitted during adjustment, preventing excessive forces that could cause unintentional rotation or damage. This intermediary component safeguards the adjustment system's reliability while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a dedicated torque-limiting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque limiter provides beforehand protection against excessive torque and unintentional rotation of eccentric shafts. By setting a predetermined torque threshold, it cushions against potential damage before it occurs, ensuring reliable operation of the adjustment mechanism. This preventive approach enhances reliability by protecting critical components from harmful forces while adding only a single protective element to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables dynamic adjustment of vibration amplitude and frequency, enhances operational efficiency by preventing unintentional shaft rotation, and reduces wear on components.

Implementation Method 1

a screw coupled to a first eccentric shaft that is rotatable about an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The torque limiter prevents relative rotation between the first eccentric shaft and the second eccentric shaft and a phase adjustment between the first eccentric shaft and the second eccentric shaft when a net torque applied to the torque limiter is less than a locking torque threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque limiting: Torque

Implementation Method 3

an actuator subassembly coupled to the screw to selectively apply a first linear force to the screw in a linear direction parallel to the axis of rotation to cause the screw to apply a first torque to the first eccentric shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear force to rotational torque conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 4

an eccentric vibration system that includes an eccentric mass that is rotated to generate a vibration force which increases the compacting force exerted by the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS12404637B2Amplitude adjustment mechanism for a vibratory mechanism of a surface compaction machine
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • US12404637B2 patent drawing
  • US12404637B2 patent drawing
  • US12404637B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustment mechanism for a vibratory mechanism of a surface compaction machine, the adjustment mechanism includes a torque limiter coupled between the first eccentric shaft and the second eccentric shaft that prevents relative rotation between the shafts and a phase adjustment between the shafts when a net torque applied to the torque limiter is less than a locking torque threshold. Application of a net torque to the torque limiter that is greater than or equal to the locking torque threshold causes the first eccentric shaft to rotate with respect to the second eccentric shaft. An actuator subassembly selectively applies a linear force cause a first torque to be applied the first eccentric shaft sufficient to apply a net torque to the torque limiter that is greater than or equal to the locking torque threshold to cause the first eccentric shaft to rotate with respect to the second eccentric shaft.