Active Vibration Control

Such active systems are the answer wherever vibrations negatively influence the operational comfort of plant equipment, machines and vehicles.

An active vibration-compensation system consists of four components: an actuator for generation of power, an electronic control unit, a power amplifier and an acceleration sensor. Actuator design and the functional development of the active systems in particular are among ContiTech Vibration Control's core areas of expertise. The competence of the Continental Corporation is a ready resource in the development of the control unit and sensors.

A sensor measures the vibrations transmitted to the components of an assembly, machine or system. The information is then conveyed to an electronic control unit. Together with an amplifier, the unit modifies the sensor signal so that the vibration generated by the actuator is of the same amplitude (albeit dephased 180 degrees). In this way it is possible to offset disruptive excitation. Depending on the application, a control device can trigger one or more actuators at the same time.

Application areas for this technology are, for instance, active engine mounts and active absorbers.