Variable Spring Rate Absorber Control Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration absorbers face challenges in accurately and effectively controlling their spring rate response characteristics, especially in applications where dynamic adjustments are necessary to isolate masses effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a commanding means to determine the desired spring rate based on input signals and predetermined characterization tables, using sensors to measure actual settings, and applying control signals through a control law to adjust actuators, optionally incorporating correction terms from spectral analysis or linear fits to account for system variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable spring rate absorber is used to dynamically adjust vibration attenuation, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but control accuracy and responsiveness deteriorate due to the complexity of adjusting spring rate settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spring rate adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The absorber system dynamically changes its spring rate based on operating conditions, allowing it to adapt to different vibration frequencies and amplitudes. This is achieved through an adjustable element that can modify the spring rate in real-time, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the actual spring rate setting and comparing it with the desired setting. The control system receives feedback about the current state and automatically adjusts the actuator to achieve the target spring rate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate and responsive control despite the system's complexity.
2Productivity
If real-time spring rate adjustment is implemented, then vibration isolation effectiveness is improved, but measurement and control precision deteriorate due to system variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor the actual spring rate setting through sensors and compare it with the desired setting. This feedback loop enables the system to detect deviations and make corrective adjustments, maintaining measurement precision despite real-time adjustments and system variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the spring rate based on predetermined characterization tables and operating conditions. The control system uses these parameter changes to optimize vibration attenuation while maintaining measurement accuracy through structured adjustment protocols and reference data.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors and actuators are added for precise control, then control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system where sensors and actuators serve multiple functions. The same sensor array used for measuring position also provides feedback for spring rate control, and the actuator system performs both positioning and spring rate adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the self-regulating nature of the feedback control system. The system automatically detects deviations from desired spring rate settings and makes corrections without external intervention. This self-correcting capability reduces the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms and simplifies the overall control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable spring rate absorber is adjusted to provide the vibration attenuation characteristics needed to match current operating conditions. Control of a variable spring rate absorber determines the desired absorber spring rate for existing conditions based on a number of inputs and predetermined characterization tables. Once the spring rate is calculated, a predetermined map may be used to determine the absorber setting needed to achieve the desired spring rate. A sensor may be used to measure the actual state of the absorber to determine the extent to which the setting must be adjusted to achieve the desired spring rate.