Vibrator Phase Adjustment via Planetary Gear Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibrators for generating directed vibrations in construction equipment have complex and costly adjustment units for phase positioning of unbalanced masses, making them difficult to manufacture, maintain, and repair, leading to longer downtimes.

Innovation Solution

A planetary gear system is used as an adjustable synchronizing stage to coordinate the rotational movement and phase position of unbalanced masses, allowing for precise adjustment of vibration intensity with a simple, cost-effective design that can be easily maintained and repaired.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic cylinders or complex actuator systems are used to adjust the phase position of unbalanced masses, then the vibration intensity can be adjusted during operation, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capability during operationVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic cylinders and multi-actuator systems with a planetary gear mechanism that uses the existing rotational motion of the unbalanced masses themselves to drive the phase adjustment. The planetary gear set converts the rotational movement into phase angle adjustment, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust vibration intensity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a synchronizing stage to coordinate the rotational movement of unbalanced masses, provides phase angle adjustment capability, and utilizes the existing kinetic energy from the rotating masses to drive the adjustment process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized adjustment mechanisms with multiple components are used, then phase angle adjustment is enabled, but manufacturing cost and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic or multi-actuator adjustment mechanisms with a planetary gear system that can be manufactured using standard mechanical components. The planetary gear set is a well-established mechanism that can be produced through conventional manufacturing processes, reducing both manufacturing cost and production time while maintaining the required phase angle adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from adjusting phase angle through complex actuator systems to adjusting it through the geometric relationships of planetary gear components. By modifying the configuration of the planetary gear set (such as the position of planet gears on the carrier), the phase angle can be adjusted without requiring complex controlled movements, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjustment units with multiple parts are implemented, then phase position can be adjusted, but maintenance difficulty and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty and downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment functionality from complex hydraulic or multi-actuator systems and concentrates it into a single planetary gear mechanism. This extraction simplifies the system by removing multiple separate components and their associated maintenance requirements, while the planetary gear set itself remains a compact, self-contained adjustment unit that is easier to maintain and repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of hydraulic cylinders and multi-actuator systems with a planetary gear mechanism significantly improves maintainability. Planetary gear systems have fewer moving parts, no hydraulic fluid to leak or contaminate, and can be serviced using standard mechanical repair techniques. This substitution reduces both the difficulty of maintenance and the downtime required for repairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic motors with adjustable pressure relief valves are used, then phase angle can be adjusted during operation, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of actuator system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic motors with adjustable pressure relief valves with a planetary gear mechanism that uses pure mechanical relationships to achieve phase angle adjustment. The planetary gear set inherently provides the adjustment capability through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for hydraulic pressure control systems, motors, and associated valves, thereby significantly reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The planetary gear mechanism is self-servicing in that it uses the existing rotational motion of the unbalanced masses to drive the adjustment process. The kinetic energy from the rotating masses is directly converted into phase angle adjustment through the planetary gear kinematics, eliminating the need for separate powered actuators or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 planetary gear system enables precise adjustment of vibration intensity while being easy to manufacture and maintain, reducing downtime and operational costs, and allows for stable operation without the need for special tools.

Implementation Method 1

A planetary gear system is used as an adjustable synchronizing stage to coordinate the rotational movement and phase position of unbalanced masses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

These masses generate accelerations and thus the desired vibrations through centrifugal forces during their rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3256646B1Vibrator
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS BIBERACH GMBH
  • EP3256646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3256646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates in general to a vibrator for generating vibrations. The invention relates in particular to an exciter cell having unbalanced masses which can be driven in a rotatory manner and which are rotatably mounted in an exciter cell housing and having an adjusting unit for adjusting the phase position of the unbalanced masses relative to each other. According to the invention, the adjusting unit is designed as a planetary gearing which has at least two output strands which are coupled to the unbalanced masses of the exciter cell which are phase-adjustable relative to each other and an adjusting input strand for changing the phase position of the output strands of the planetary gearing.