Tuned Mass Damper Assembly for Tire Test Load Cell Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire and wheel testing machines face accuracy and lifespan issues due to excessive vibrations transmitted to load cells, affecting the measurement of forces between the tire and wheel assembly and the simulated roadway.
Innovation Solution
A tuned mass damper assembly, comprising passive and active dampers, is integrated into the testing machine to attenuate vibrations by using diaphragm flexures, damping materials, and mass configurations, which are strategically placed near the spindle hub and support to absorb and counteract vibrational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are used to measure forces between tire and roadway, then measurement precision is improved, but excessive vibration affects accuracy and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration damper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the load cell and the spindle support. This damper includes a mass supported by springs and damping elements, which acts as a mediator to filter out high-frequency vibrations before they reach the load cell, thereby protecting the measurement device while maintaining force measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration damper converts harmful vibrational energy into beneficial damping effects. The mass-spring-damper system absorbs vibrational energy through controlled oscillation and dissipation, transforming the harmful vibrations into heat energy through the damping material, thus protecting the load cell from vibration-induced damage
2Reliability
If vibration damper with mass is added to attenuate forces, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damper assembly is merged with the existing spindle support structure. The damper is integrated into the spindle housing or mounted directly to the spindle support, combining the measurement system and vibration protection system into a unified assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding vibration attenuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration damper is strategically positioned at specific locations where vibrations most strongly affect the load cell. By placing the damper assembly locally at critical vibration transmission points rather than throughout the entire structure, the solution provides effective protection with minimal added complexity
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 tuned mass damper assembly effectively reduces mechanical vibrations, protecting sensitive components like load cells and extending their lifespan, ensuring accurate force measurements even under increased radial forces and torque from advanced vehicle technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration damper comprises first and second diaphragm flexures defining a cavity therebetween, a damping material disposed in the cavity, and a mass connecting the first and second diaphragm flexures
Implementation Method 2
first and second diaphragm flexures defining a cavity therebetween
Implementation Method 3
a mass connecting the first and second diaphragm flexures... configured to attenuate forces or motions of the spindle hub or the spindle support
Implementation Method 4
A load cell transmits and measures linear forces along, and moments about, up to three orthogonal axes... Loads are sensed as a function of bending on the spider arms
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a vibration damper includes first and second diaphragm flexures defining a cavity therebetween, a damping material disposed in the cavity, and a mass connecting the first and second diaphragm flexures. In another aspect, an assembly includes a load cell body having two opposed sides, a first vibration damper operably connected to the load cell body at the first side and a second vibration damper operably connected to the load cell body. In yet other aspects, a machine are method are used to test a tire and wheel assembly, wherein the machine includes a road surface simulator, a spindle hub, a spindle housing, a frame, a spindle support, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly is joined to the spindle housing or to the spindle support and is configured to attenuate forces or motions of the spindle hub or the spindle support.