Vibration Absorbing Device With Neutral Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration absorbing devices can become locked in unfavorable positions when the vibration direction is perpendicular to the desired oscillation direction, leading to reduced functionality, especially when dynamic elements are unable to adjust effectively to changes in vibration frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A positioning mechanism that positions the dynamic element in a neutral rotary position when the structure is not vibrating, allowing it to adjust to optimal positions for maximum vibration amplitude absorption at specific resonance frequencies, utilizing a combination of weights, springs, and magnets to ensure proper alignment and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a passive vibration absorbing device is used, then it can reduce vibrations at one specific frequency, but it cannot adapt to multiple motor speeds and frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency adaptationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic element that can rotate between different positions to adapt to multiple vibration frequencies. The dynamic element transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one that can reposition itself, allowing the device to handle vibrations at different frequencies without requiring multiple separate devices or complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic element automatically positions itself to absorb vibrations at the appropriate frequency without requiring external actuators, sensors, or control logic. The system uses the vibration energy itself to drive the dynamic element into the correct position, making the adaptation process self-powered and eliminating the need for additional power-consuming components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the dynamic element is positioned in a disadvantageous orientation, then it cannot effectively absorb vibrations when the vibration direction is perpendicular to the oscillation direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption reliabilityVSAvoiddynamic element positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a positioning mechanism that pre-positions the dynamic element in a neutral rotary position before vibration occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when vibrations start, the dynamic element is already in or near the optimal orientation to begin absorbing vibrations effectively, rather than starting from a random or disadvantageous position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism uses feedback from the vibration signals to continuously adjust the dynamic element's orientation. When vibrations are detected, the system monitors the vibration direction and frequency, and the dynamic element automatically rotates to align with the vibration direction, ensuring optimal absorption at all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the vibration absorbing device to adapt to multiple vibration frequencies, preventing locking issues and maintaining effective vibration reduction across various operational conditions, even when vibration amplitudes are low, by ensuring the dynamic element can rotate to parallel positions with the vibration direction.

Implementation Method 1

The dynamic element will adjust itself from the neutral rotary position to one of the first rotary position and the second rotary position so that a maximum vibration amplitude is achieved for the oscillating mass of the dynamic element at vibration excitation at, or in the proximity of, one of the resonance frequencies of the vibration absorbing device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the positioning mechanism comprises a weight provided on the dynamic element to rotate the dynamic element to the neutral rotary position by means of the gravity force when the structure does not vibrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the positioning mechanism comprises a spring arrangement acting on the dynamic element to rotate the dynamic element to the neutral rotary position when the structure does not vibrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3191734B1A vibration absorbing device for reducing vibrations and sounds in a structure
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 A2 VIBCON
  • EP3191734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3191734B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3191734B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

A vibration absorbing device for reducing vibrations and sounds in a structure (1), comprises an attachment (2) to be attached to the structure, and an elastic dynamic element (4) journalled in rotary bearings to rotate around an axis (x) of rotation. The dynamic element has a different rigidity with respect to a first main axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a second main axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A vibration in the structure will bring the dynamic element to take a first rotary position, in which it oscillates along the first main axis, or a second rotary position, in which it oscillates along the second main axis, depending on the frequency of the vibration. The device comprises a positioning mechanism positioning the dynamic element in a neutral rotary position, different from the first and second rotary positions, when the structure does not vibrate.