Vibration Damping Device

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a vibration damping system including a fixed element, a moveable element arranged to move linearly along an axis relative to the fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force, and an inerter element coupling the moveable element to the fixed element, and configured to convert the linear motion of the moveable element into rotational motion about the axis when the moveable element begins to move linearly. The vibration damping system may be applied to many types of valves. In some embodiments, the vibration damping system may be applied to pressure relief valves. In some embodiments, the moveable element rotates to provide inertial damping. In other embodiments, the inerter element rotates to provide inertial damping.

1 . A vibration damping system comprising:
 a fixed element;   a moveable element arranged to move linearly along an axis relative to the fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force; and   an inerter element coupling the moveable element to the fixed element, and configured to convert the linear motion of the moveable element into rotational motion about the axis when the moveable element begins to move linearly.   
     
     
         2 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable element is slidably received in the fixed element. 
     
     
         3 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable element slides relative to the fixed element in response to a predetermined pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable element is moveable between a first position and a second position, and
 further comprising a biasing element biasing the moveable element toward the first position.   
     
     
         5 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the inerter element defines a cam profile. 
     
     
         6 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the inerter element causes the moveable element to rotate as the moveable member moves linearly. 
     
     
         7 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the inerter element rotates in response to linear movement of the moveable element. 
     
     
         8 . The vibration damping system of  claim 1 , wherein the inerter element defines a slot with a helical cam profile, and
 wherein the moveable element includes a projection received in the slot such that linear movement of the moveable element is converted to rotational motion along the cam profile.   
     
     
         9 . A vibration damping system comprising:
 a fixed element defining a cam profile; and   a floating element coupled to the fixed element and moveable relative to the fixed element between a first position and a second position,   the cam profile converting linear motion of the floating element into rotational movement of the floating element to provide inertial damping as the floating element first leaves the first position and as the floating element first leaves the second position.   
     
     
         10 . The vibration damping system of  claim 9 , wherein the floating element is moveable in response to a non-mechanical force. 
     
     
         11 . The vibration damping system of  claim 9 , wherein the floating element moves linearly along an axis between the first position and the second position, and rotates about the axis in response to linear motion. 
     
     
         12 . The vibration damping system of  claim 9 , wherein the cam profile is helical. 
     
     
         13 . The vibration damping system of  claim 9 , wherein the mass of the floating element and the rotational motion provide an inertial damping effect. 
     
     
         14 . A method of damping vibrations comprising:
 linearly moving a floating element along an axis relative to a fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force; and   converting the linear motion of the floating element into rotational motion of the floating element along a cam profile defined by the fixed element when the floating element first begins to move linearly.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein linearly moving the floating element includes moving the floating element along the axis between a first position and a second position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein converting the linear motion of the floating element into rotational motion of the floating element includes helically rotating the floating element along a helical cam profile. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein converting the linear motion of the floating element into rotational motion of the floating element includes engaging a slot defining the cam profile with pins coupled to the floating element. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein converting the linear motion of the floating element into rotational motion of the floating element includes damping the motion of the floating element in response to acceleration. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising biasing the floating element toward a first position. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein biasing includes biasing the floating element with a spring.