Tuned Mass Damper for Axial Surge Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Precision pointing systems, such as those carrying telescopes, face structural vibrations due to mechanical components like reaction wheel assemblies, leading to performance degradation and fatigue, and existing vibration isolation systems struggle with resonance issues and electro-magnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolation apparatus incorporating tuned mass dampers with a housing, endcap, masses, and tuned mass damper springs, designed to resonate within specific frequency ranges to damp axial and lateral surge modes, reducing vibration magnitudes and avoiding resonance-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer pads are attached to the main spring to attenuate resonance, then the degree of resonance is reduced, but the pads may unpredictably creep at certain temperatures and block electrical and/or thermal conduction causing electro-magnetic interference and overheating issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomer pads from the system entirely and replaces them with a tuned mass damper consisting of masses and springs that provide resonance attenuation without the harmful side effects of material creep and electro-magnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastomer pad damping mechanism with a tuned mass damper system that uses controlled mechanical resonance of masses to counteract unwanted vibrations, providing a more reliable and controllable solution
2Reliability
If a single tuned mass damper is used to damp one axial surge mode, then that specific mode is attenuated, but other axial and lateral surge modes remain undamped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the tuned mass damper system with multiple masses and springs that can simultaneously damp multiple axial and lateral surge modes, making the system versatile and effective across a broader range of vibration frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the damping function into multiple independent mass-spring units, each tuned to specific frequencies, allowing the system to address multiple vibration modes through segmented functional components
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 dampens multiple axial and lateral surge modes, improving system performance and structural integrity while minimizing resonance and electro-magnetic interference, leading to enhanced precision and reduced fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The tuned mass damper has a first resonant frequency that is in the predetermined frequency range to damp the first axial surge mode, the tuned mass damper has a second resonant frequency that is in the predetermined frequency range to damp the second axial surge mode
Implementation Method 2
configured to reduce the first axial surge mode magnitude at least 50% when the main spring is vibrated within the predetermined frequency range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A tuned mass damper (118, 120) is provided for use with a structure that vibrates at a first axial surge mode and a second axial surge mode, when exposed to a predetermined frequency range. The tuned mass damper (118, 120) includes a housing (302), an endcap (324), two masses (306, 308), and two springs (310, 312). The first and second masses (306, 308) are disposed in a housing cavity (304). The first tuned mass damper spring (310) is disposed in the cavity (304) coupling the first mass (306) and the endcap (324). The second tuned mass damper spring (312) is disposed in the cavity (304) coupling the first and second masses (306, 308). The tuned mass damper (118, 120) has first and second resonant frequencies in the predetermined frequency range to damp the first and second axial surge modes, respectively. The second mass (308) resonates at an amplitude that is greater than an amplitude at which the first mass (306) resonates, when the two masses are subjected to the second axial surge mode.