US-12624741-B1 - Vibration absorber

US12624741B1US 12624741 B1US12624741 B1US 12624741B1US-12624741-B1

Abstract

A dynamically tuned vibration absorber includes a magnetic dynamic mass, a repulsive magnetic system, and an attractive magnetic system. The repulsive magnetic system includes one or more repulsive magnets positioned to resist translation of the dynamic mass away from an equilibrium position by magnetic repulsion. The attractive magnetic system includes one or more attractive magnets positioned to aid the translation of the dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction. The magnetic repulsion and the magnetic attraction collectively exert a net repulsive force on the dynamic mass that resists the translation of the dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position. One of the repulsive and attractive magnetic systems is a dynamically variable. The dynamically variable system includes at least one field manipulation actuator configured to move the one or more magnets of the dynamically variable system to adjust the net repulsive force exerted on the dynamic mass.

Inventors

Mark Elias
Stephen Kimanzi
Leonardo Miguel Araneta
Emile Maamary

Assignees

STEADIWEAR INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260512
Application Date: 20250507

Claims (20)

1 . A dynamically tuned vibration absorber comprising: a magnetic dynamic mass having an equilibrium position, wherein the magnetic dynamic mass is translatable away from the equilibrium position; a repulsive magnetic system comprising one or more repulsive magnetic elements positioned to resist translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic repulsion between the one or more repulsive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass; and an attractive magnetic system comprising one or more attractive magnetic elements positioned to aid the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the one or more attractive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass; wherein the magnetic repulsion and the magnetic attraction collectively exert a net magnetic repulsive force on the magnetic dynamic mass that resists the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position; wherein one of the repulsive magnetic system and the attractive magnetic system is a first dynamically variable magnetic system comprising: at least one field manipulation actuator coupled to the one or more magnetic elements of the first dynamically variable magnetic system and configured to move the one or more magnetic elements of the first dynamically variable magnetic system to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass; wherein the vibration absorber further comprises: a frequency sensor positioned to measure a vibration frequency of an object to which the vibration absorber is secured; one or more processors communicatively coupled to each of the at least one field manipulation actuator and the frequency sensor; and a memory communicatively coupled to at least one of the processors, the memory storing computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed configure the one or more processors to collectively: receive, from the frequency sensor, a vibration frequency signal associated with the object; and transmit, to each of the at least one field manipulation actuator, one or more commands to control movement of the one or more magnetic elements of the first dynamically variable magnetic system based on the vibration frequency signal.
2 . The vibration absorber of claim 1 , wherein the net magnetic repulsive force increases generally linearly with displacement of the magnetic dynamic mass from the equilibrium position.
3 . The vibration absorber of claim 1 , wherein the memory stores a plurality of predetermined resistance protocols and, in response to receiving the vibration frequency signal, the one or more processors are configured to: select one of the plurality of resistance protocols that is associated with the received vibration frequency signal.
4 . The vibration absorber of claim 3 , wherein the one or more commands instruct each of the at least one field manipulation actuator to automate the selected resistance protocol.
5 . The vibration absorber of claim 1 , wherein: the one or more repulsive magnetic elements comprise an outer ring magnet; and the magnetic dynamic mass comprises a dynamic inner ring magnet positioned within and oriented in repulsion to the outer ring magnet.
6 . The vibration absorber of claim 1 , wherein: the magnetic dynamic mass comprises a dynamic magnetic element; the one or more attractive magnetic elements comprise a first attractive magnet positioned away from the dynamic magnetic element in a first direction and a second attractive magnet positioned away from the dynamic magnetic element in a second direction opposite the first direction; and each of the first and second attractive magnets are oriented in attraction to the dynamic magnetic element.
7 . The vibration absorber of claim 6 , wherein: the magnetic attraction occurs between the first attractive magnet and the dynamic magnetic element as the magnetic dynamic mass translates away from the equilibrium position in the first direction; and the magnetic attraction occurs between the second attractive magnet and the dynamic magnetic element as the magnetic dynamic mass translates away from the equilibrium position in the second direction.
8 . The vibration absorber of claim 6 , wherein the dynamic magnetic element is a dynamic magnet.
9 . The vibration absorber of claim 6 , wherein: the attractive magnetic system is the first dynamically variable magnetic system; and the at least one field manipulation actuator is coupled to the first and second attractive magnets and configured to move the first and second attractive magnets to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass.
10 . The vibration absorber of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic dynamic mass is coupled to and translatable along a linear track that guides the translation of the magnetic mass away from the equilibrium position.
11 . A dynamically vibration absorber comprising: a magnetic dynamic mass having an equilibrium position, wherein the magnetic dynamic mass is translatable away from the equilibrium position; a repulsive magnetic system comprising one or more repulsive magnetic elements positioned to resist translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic repulsion between the one or more repulsive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass; and an attractive magnetic system comprising one or more attractive magnetic elements positioned to aid the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the one or more attractive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass, wherein the magnetic repulsion and the magnetic attraction collectively exert a net magnetic repulsive force on the magnetic dynamic mass that resists the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position; wherein one of the repulsive magnetic system and the attractive magnetic system is a first dynamically variable magnetic system comprising: at least one field manipulation actuator coupled to the one or more magnetic elements of the first dynamically variable magnetic system and configured to move the one or more magnetic elements of the first dynamically variable magnetic system to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass; wherein the magnetic dynamic mass comprises a dynamic magnetic element; wherein the one or more attractive magnetic elements comprise a first attractive magnet positioned away from the dynamic magnetic element in a first direction and a second attractive magnet positioned away from the dynamic magnetic element in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein each of the first and second attractive magnets are oriented in attraction to the dynamic magnetic element; wherein the attractive magnetic system is the first dynamically variable magnetic system; and wherein the at least one field manipulation actuator is coupled to the first and second attractive magnets and configured to move the first and second attractive magnets to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass.
12 . The vibration absorber of claim 11 , wherein: the at least one field manipulation actuator comprises a first linear actuator coupled to the first attractive magnet and a second linear actuator coupled to the second attractive magnet; the first linear actuator is operable to translate the first attractive magnet toward and away from the magnetic dynamic mass; and the second linear actuator is operable to translate the second attractive magnet toward and away from the magnetic dynamic mass.
13 . The vibration absorber of claim 12 , wherein: translation of the first and second attractive magnets toward the magnetic dynamic mass brings the magnetic fields produced by each of the first and second attractive magnets closer to the magnetic dynamic mass when the magnetic dynamic mass is in equilibrium position; and translation of the first and second attractive magnets away from the magnetic dynamic mass moves the magnetic fields produced by each of the first and second attractive magnets farther from the magnetic dynamic mass when the magnetic dynamic mass is in equilibrium position.
14 . The vibration absorber of claim 11 , wherein: the at least one field manipulation actuator comprises a first rotary actuator coupled to the first attractive magnet and a second rotary actuator coupled to the second attractive magnet; the first rotary actuator is operable to rotate the first attractive magnet relative to the magnetic dynamic mass; and the second rotary actuator is operable to rotate the second attractive magnet relative to the magnetic dynamic mass.
15 . The vibration absorber of claim 14 , wherein rotation of the first and second attractive magnets relative to the magnetic dynamic mass changes an angle at which the magnetic field produced by each of the first and second attractive magnets is directed toward the magnetic dynamic mass.
16 . The vibration absorber of claim 11 , further comprising: a frequency sensor positioned to measure a vibration frequency of an object to which the vibration absorber is secured; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the current source and the frequency sensor; and a memory communicatively coupled to at least one of the processors, the memory storing computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed configure the one or more processors to collectively: receive, from the frequency sensor, a vibration frequency signal associated with the object; and transmit, to the current source, one or more electrical signals to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass based on the vibration frequency signal.
17 . The vibration absorber of claim 16 , wherein the memory stores a plurality of predetermined resistance protocols and, in response to receiving the vibration frequency signal, the one or more processors are configured to: select one of the plurality of resistance protocols that is associated with the received vibration frequency signal.
18 . A dynamically tuned vibration absorber comprising: a magnetic dynamic mass having an equilibrium position, wherein the magnetic dynamic mass is translatable away from the equilibrium position; a repulsive magnetic system comprising one or more repulsive magnetic elements positioned to resist translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic repulsion between the one or more repulsive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass; and an attractive magnetic system comprising one or more attractive magnetic elements positioned to aid the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the one or more attractive magnetic elements and the magnetic dynamic mass; wherein the magnetic repulsion and the magnetic attraction collectively exert a net magnetic repulsive force on the magnetic dynamic mass that resists the translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position; wherein one of the repulsive magnetic system and the attractive magnetic system is a dynamically variable magnetic system, and each of the one or more magnetic elements of the dynamically variable magnetic system is an electromagnet, and the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass is adjustable based on an electrical current supplied to the one or more electromagnets of the dynamically variable magnetic system; wherein the vibration absorber, further comprises: a current source electrically coupled to the one or more electromagnets of the dynamically variable magnetic system and configured to supply the one or more electromagnets of the dynamically variable magnetic system with the electrical current; a frequency sensor positioned to measure a vibration frequency of an object to which the vibration absorber is secured; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the current source and the frequency sensor; a memory communicatively coupled to at least one of the processors, the memory storing computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the computer-readable instructions when executed configure the one or more processors to collectively; receive, from the frequency sensor, a vibration frequency signal associated with the object; and transmit, to the current source, one or more electrical signals to adjust the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass based on the vibration frequency signal.
19 . The vibration absorber of claim 18 , wherein the net magnetic repulsive force increases generally linearly with displacement of the magnetic dynamic mass from the equilibrium position.
20 . The vibration absorber of claim 18 , wherein: the attractive magnetic system is the dynamically variable magnetic system and comprises the one or more electromagnets; the one or more electrical signals transmitted to the current source instruct the current source to increase the electrical current supplied to the one or more electromagnets of the dynamically variable magnetic system to decrease the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass; and the one or more electrical signals transmitted to the current source instruct the current source to decrease the electrical current supplied to the one or more electromagnets of the dynamically variable magnetic system to increase the net magnetic repulsive force exerted on the magnetic dynamic mass.

Description

FIELD The teachings disclosed herein relate to devices that absorb vibrations and mitigate the negative effects thereof. BACKGROUND U.S. Pat. No. 8,714,324 (Shimoda et al.) purports to disclose a dynamic vibration absorber. The vibration absorber includes a weight, a frame body which surrounds the weight, a total of four pairs of vertically mounted U-shaped leaf springs which are interposed between the frame body and the weight so as to hold the weight with respect to the frame body movably with respect to all directions in a horizontal plane and immovably in a vertical direction, and a damping mechanism for damping the vibration of the weight in the horizontal plane. U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0054349 (Narula) purports to disclose devices, systems, and methods to treat tremor in an outer extremity, typically a hand, of a subject. A wearable base or glove is provided with one or more tremor damping mechanisms, which can be of different or the same types, in the case of a plurality of tremor damping mechanisms. One or more frictional damping mechanisms can be provided and/or one or more tuned mass damping mechanisms can be provided. The frictional dampening mechanism can simply be the viscoelastic material of the wearable base that deforms and interferes with tremor movement. The frictional dampening mechanism can be one or more tension elements provided within the body of the wearable base. The tuned damping mechanism may comprise one or more resonators held within a housing coupled to the wearable base. The tremor damping mechanisms can be self-adjusting and/or adjustable by the wearer. U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0059733 (Nguyen) purports to disclose a wearable tremor reduction device that reduces tremor by internally generating forces which cancel or reduce the magnitude force of the tremor experienced by the person wearing the device. The device may be worn on a wrist, arm, ankle or leg. The device has a plurality of housing members which are connected together. Each housing member contains a mass which is translatable along an axis between a proximal limit and a distal limit, and a neutral position approximately midway between the proximal limit and the distal limit. Following imposition of a force having a component along the axis, a biasing means returns the mass to the neutral position. U.S. Pat. No. 11,466,745 (Elias et al.) purports to disclose an apparatus for suppressing oscillations of an oscillating body. The apparatus includes a magnetic base and a magnetic stabilizing mass pivotably coupled to the magnetic base by a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the magnetic stabilizing mass is pivotable, relative to the magnetic base, between a first position and a second position. The magnetic stabilizing mass has an equilibrium position between the first position and the second position. The magnetic base produces magnetic fields that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the first position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the first position, and that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the second position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the second position. SUMMARY The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention. In one broad aspect, a vibration absorber includes a base and a magnetic dynamic mass translatable relative to the base. The magnetic dynamic mass has an equilibrium position relative to the base. The vibration absorber further includes a first elastic element positioned to resist translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position in a first direction. The first elastic element has a first elastic element proximal end secured to the magnetic dynamic mass, and a second elastic element distal end opposite the first elastic element proximal end. The vibration absorber further includes a first static magnetic portion oriented in attraction to the magnetic dynamic mass. The translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position in the first direction is aided by magnetic attraction between the first static magnetic portion and the magnetic dynamic mass. In some examples, the vibration absorber further includes a second elastic element positioned to resist translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position in a second direction. The second elastic element has a second elastic element proximal end secured to the magnetic dynamic mass, and a second elastic element distal end opposite the second elastic element proximal end. In some examples, the vibration absorber further includes a second static magnetic portion oriented in attraction to the magnetic dynamic mass. The translation of the magnetic dynamic mass away from the equilibrium position in the second direction