Tunable Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Steering Wheel Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines, such as asphalt and soil compactors, experience significant steering wheel vibration during operation, which poses a challenge for reducing operator exposure to vibration, as conventional methods are insufficient and costly, and each machine requires a unique solution due to its specific vibration signature.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vibration absorber system comprising a resilient member and a rigid body with six degrees of freedom, tuned to specific vibration frequencies and directions, is attached to the steering column to absorb and attenuate vibrations, providing a cost-effective solution applicable across multiple machine types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional approaches (redesigning steering column pedestal) are used to reduce vibration, then vibration reduction may be achieved, but cost increases and the solution is insufficient for each machine's unique vibration signature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by tuning the dynamic vibration absorber to specific vibration frequencies and directions unique to each machine. The absorber's natural frequency is adjusted to match the target vibration frequency, allowing effective attenuation without costly redesigns. This enables a standardized solution to be adapted to different machines through parameter tuning rather than structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized dynamic vibration absorber design that can be applied across multiple machine types. Instead of creating unique solutions for each machine, the same absorber architecture is used, with tuning parameters adjusted to match each machine's vibration signature. This copying approach reduces development cost while maintaining effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional approaches are used to reduce vibration, then some vibration reduction may be achieved, but the solution fails to account for each machine's unique vibration signature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vibration absorber tunable to different frequencies and directions. The absorber's natural frequency can be adjusted to match the specific vibration characteristics of each machine, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different vibration signatures. This dynamic tuning capability enables the solution to be versatile across multiple machine types while maintaining machine-specific effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dynamic vibration absorber with six degrees of freedom is used, then vibration attenuation across multiple directions is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vibration attenuation function into six independent degrees of freedom, each handled by a separate spring element. Rather than using a single complex mechanism, the system uses multiple simple spring elements arranged to provide attenuation in different directions. This segmentation simplifies the design while achieving multi-directional vibration control.
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 dynamic vibration absorber effectively reduces steering wheel vibration to acceptable levels, improving operator comfort by targeting and absorbing specific frequency components, thus addressing the limitations of conventional approaches.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member that includes a resilient member inner surface that defines a center cavity that is configured to receive a steering column of a vehicle that generates vibration
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member is selected from multiple resilient member types corresponding to a first tuning factor, the rigid body is selected from multiple rigid body types corresponding to a second tuning factor. The first tuning factor includes at least one of a target vibration frequency, a target vibration direction, and a mass quantity
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic vibration absorber for reducing steering wheel vibration. The vibration absorber includes a resilient member that includes a resilient member inner surface that defines a center cavity that is configured to receive a steering column of a vehicle that generates vibration that is transferred to a steering wheel via the steering column, the center cavity being substantially coaxial with the steering column when attached thereto. The resilient member includes at least one resilient member outer surface that defines a resilient member outer diameter. The vibration absorber includes a rigid body that engages and is supported by the resilient member and that includes six degrees of freedom of movement relative to the steering column, the rigid body including a rigid body inner surface that defines a rigid body center cavity.