Tunable Pile Members for Vibration Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pile foundation systems fail to effectively absorb vibrations from structures or loads that oscillate significantly, leading to resonance issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of tunable pile members with adjustable stiffness, combined with a dynamic design process involving modal testing, vibration testing, and Finite Element Analysis, to create a foundation system that can absorb vibrations and prevent harmonic resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid pile members are used in a foundation system, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the system becomes susceptible to vibration and harmonic resonance when supporting oscillating equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static, rigid pile members with dynamic tuned mass dampers that can adapt their natural frequency to match the operating frequency of the equipment. These dampers are designed with adjustable mass and stiffness parameters, allowing them to dynamically tune themselves to counteract vibrations at any operating speed, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and vibration susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations and resonance into a beneficial effect by using the vibrational energy to activate the tuned mass dampers. The dampers are designed to resonate at the same frequency as the equipment, thereby absorbing and dissipating the vibrational energy that would otherwise cause harmful resonance, effectively turning the harmful vibration into a useful damping mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the stiffness of pile members is increased to reduce vibration, then the natural frequency of the foundation system changes, but this may create resonance at different operating speeds of the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing tuned mass dampers with adjustable mass, stiffness, and damping coefficients. These parameters can be modified to change the natural frequency of the damper, allowing it to adapt to different operating speeds of the equipment. This resolves the contradiction by providing a mechanism to change system parameters dynamically rather than being fixed at a single natural frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a foundation system where the tuned mass dampers can dynamically adjust their characteristics to match the operating frequency. Unlike static pile members with fixed stiffness, the dampers are designed to be可调 (adjustable), allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain effectiveness across different speeds.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed-stiffness pile members are used, then the design and installation process is simplified, but the foundation system cannot be optimized for specific vibration frequencies of the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the foundation system into two distinct components: traditional pile members that provide structural support and simplified installation, and separate tuned mass dampers that provide vibration absorption. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently, maintaining the simplicity of traditional piles while adding the vibration control capability of tuned dampers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the tuned mass dampers to serve multiple purposes: they provide vibration absorption, can be tuned to different frequencies, and can be installed on existing conventional pile foundations. This allows a single foundation system to兼具 (combine) the simplicity of traditional piles with the advanced vibration control of tuned dampers, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliability.
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 solution effectively reduces vibration levels by allowing for the adjustment of pile members to match the natural frequency of the equipment, preventing resonance and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the foundation system capable of harmonic resonation at a natural frequency due to movement of the equipment on the platform
Implementation Method 2
tunable pile members that are capable of absorbing vibration
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a foundation system for supporting equipment on a platform. In an embodiment, the foundation system is capable of harmonic resonation at a natural frequency due to movement of the equipment on the platform, the foundation system comprising one or more vertical pile members, each vertical pile member having a first end adapted to be driven into the ground and a second end adapted to be connected with a bottom portion of the skid platform; and one or more tunable pile members, each tunable pile member having a lower portion adapted to be driven into the ground and an upper portion adapted to be connected directly or indirectly with the skid platform, each tunable pile member adapted to receive an insert member between the upper and lower portions, so that the stiffness of the tunable pile member can be adjusted. Other embodiments are also disclosed.