Vibration Damper with Adjustable Flow Area Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration dampers for piston engines face challenges in adjusting dampening properties to accommodate varying engine sizes and running speeds, particularly when using standard components, and require fine-tuning during operation to achieve optimal dampening.

Innovation Solution

A vibration damper with a dampening element featuring a body part, a dampening part with flow openings, and a movable cover part that adjusts the cross-sectional flow area, allowing for stepless adjustment of dampening parameters, and the option to change the dampening part with different openings for broader adjustment ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dampening properties are adjusted by modifying the engine structure (e.g., increasing cylinder block rigidity), then the global vibration control is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration control effectivenessVSAvoidengine structure modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control system is segmented into separate functional components: the engine structure remains standard while the dampening function is isolated to a separate damper assembly with adjustable elements. This allows vibration control without modifying the engine block, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adjustable dampening element acts as an intermediary between the engine and the vibration control function. This mediator provides the necessary vibration attenuation without requiring direct modification of the engine structure, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving effective global vibration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the dampening parameters are preset during manufacturing, then the production cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different engine sizes and running speeds decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoiddampening parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dampening element incorporates adjustable parameters that can be modified after manufacturing. The flow opening area in the dampening part can be changed to adapt to different engine sizes and running speeds, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing of the base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows parameter changes in the dampening element (specifically the flow opening area) without requiring complete redesign or remanufacturing. This enables adaptation to different operating conditions while keeping the base manufacturing process simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cover part is made movable to adjust the cross-sectional flow area, then the dampening property adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedampening parameter adjustment rangeVSAvoidmovable cover part mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover part is designed as a movable element that can be positioned at different locations to change the effective flow area. This dynamic adjustment capability provides continuous adaptability of dampening parameters while using a relatively simple mechanical structure, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise adjustment of dampening properties during operation, reducing vibration effectively while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design, allowing for optimal performance across different engine configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The reciprocating movement of the oscillating piece causes the dampening medium to move. The movement of the oscillating piece and thereby also the vibration of the component in connection with which the damper is arranged, are attenuated by converting the kinetic energy and pressure energy of the dampening medium into heat.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion to heat: Viscous Heating

Implementation Method 2

the cover part being movable in relation to the dampening part for changing the cross-sectional flow area of the openings of the dampening part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow area adjustment: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1888941B1A dampening element of a vibration damper and a vibration damper

Publication Date: 2012.10.31 WARTSILA FINLAND OY

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AI summary

A dampening element (18) for a vibration damper (3) and a vibration damper. The dampening element comprises a body part (30) having flow openings (34), a dampening part (31) arranged to abut against the body part (30), the dampening part having openings (35) aligning with the flow openings (34) of the body part (30). In addition, a cover part (40) is arranged against the dampening part (31), the cover part being movable in relation to the dampening part (31) for changing the cross-sectional flow area of the openings (35) of the dampening part (31).