Anti-vibration module system and related Anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures

Abstract

An anti-vibration module system (100), comprising a case device (200) comprising an upper element (201) and a pair of lateral elements (202), the pair of lateral elements (201) structurally supporting the upper element (201) and providing an internal cavity (203) in the case device (200). It further comprises a resonant device (300) comprising at least one mass element (301) and a respective at least one connection element (302), wherein the at least one connection element (302) structurally connects the at least one mass element (301) to the case device (200), and wherein the at least one mass element (301) is configured to oscillate inside the internal cavity (203) under a vibration acting on the case device (200). A related anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures.

Description

[0001] Title: Anti-vibration module system and related anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an anti-vibration module system and to a related anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures.

[0005] In general, the present invention can be applied in the field of vibration damping and in the field of controlling the propagation of mechanical and sound waves and vibrations.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] There are devices configured to limit the propagation of vibrations generated by vehicles, machineries, and plants, acting as insulation for the neighboring areas. Said vehicles, machineries, and plants are in fact related to civil or industrial structures and are often source of mechanical or sound vibrations, whose propagation in the environment is undesired.

[0008] The term “vehicles” indicates without limitation: rail vehicles, in particular trains of any type and size, rubber-tired vehicles, and the like. The term “machineries” indicates without limitation: industrial machines of any type and size (turbines, wind turbines, etc.), tools for working in a building yard.

[0009] The prior art comprises some solutions for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures through three-dimensional devices arranged in a periodic manner, so as to form barriers.

[0010] Document WO20 19072746 (Al) relates to a vibration-insulation module device comprising: six mass elements that are respectively adjacent but not joined together; at least three interconnected stiffness elements; six anchoring elements configured to mechanically connect each of the mass elements with respective portions of two of the stiffness elements.

[0011] Document WO2019141794 (Al) relates to a vibro-acoustic insulation module device comprising: six mass elements that are respectively adjacent but not joined together; at least twelve stiffness elements configured to mechanically connect said six mass elements, wherein each mass element comprises at least four anchoring elements for respective at least four stiffness elements.

[0012] Document WO2022058948 (Al) relates to a device for reducing the transmission of vibrations in the ground parallel to its surface, consisting of one or more aligned elements, in which the external contour of each element has the shape of a parallelepiped with recesses on one of its faces or through openings between two opposite faces, wherein the vibrations are produced in particular by means of transport.

[0013] The publication “Design and in field validation of a modular metamaterial for mitigation of railway induced vibrations”, Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Volume 180, 2024, 108594, ISSN 0267-7261, by F. Nistri, F. Bosia, A.S. Gliozzi, L. D’Alessandro, S. Caverni, P. Charkaluk, A. Corigliano, M. Miniaci, A. Colombi, N.M. Pugno, relates to metamaterials used in civil-engineering applications for the suppression of low-frequency vibrations. This document provides the design, installation, and validation of a 0.4 m thick metamaterialbased panel for mitigation of railway-induced vibrations. The barrier comprises a cubic locally resonating unit made of four cement pyramids connected together by external thin steel rods.

[0014] Although the prior-art solutions provide a vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures, they are not fully effective, particularly in the preferred frequency range of 0- 100 Hz for applications of insulation from vibrations of the civil and industrial type. Moreover, the prior-art solutions provide anti-vibration module systems for vibro-acoustic insulation that are complex to made and sometimes unsuitable for industrial applications, especially on a large scale.

[0015] Summary of the invention

[0016] An object of the present invention is to overcome drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of damping and reducing vibrations generated by vibrating sources or impactive sources with application to civil or industrial structures, particularly in infrastructures, in construction industry, and in industrial plants.

[0018] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an antivibration system that is particularly effective in a low-frequency spectrum, in particular up to 100 Hz.

[0019] A further particular object of the present invention is to provide an antivibration system for controlling the propagation of both elastic and sound vibrations, thereby providing a three-dimensional insulation.

[0020] A further particular object of the present invention is to provide an antivibration system that is effective in civil and industrial contexts and not too burdensome to produce.

[0021] These and other objects are achieved by an anti-vibration module system and a related anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation according to the features of the appended claims, which are integral part of the present description.

[0022] An idea underlying the present invention is to provide an anti-vibration module system.

[0023] The anti-vibration module system comprises a case device. The case device comprises an upper element. The case device comprises a pair of lateral elements which structurally support the upper element and provide an internal cavity in the case device.

[0024] The anti-vibration module system comprises a resonant device. The resonant device comprising at least one mass element and a respective at least one connection element. The at least one connection element structurally connects the at least one mass element to the case device. The at least one mass element is configured to oscillate inside the internal cavity under a vibration acting on the case device.

[0025] Advantageously, the module system allows to maximize the resonant mass of the resonant device, since the at least one mass element and the respective at least one connection element form an assemblage inserted inside the case device, wherein the latter does not hinder the movement of the at least one case device.

[0026] Advantageously, said anti- vibration module system may be used in a periodic structure for vibro-acoustic insulation from waves or vibrations generated by machineries and plants, traffic on infrastructures, building yards, and sound sources in general. The modular repetition of the device can be selected based on the application, thereby providing a three-dimensional insulation.

[0027] Moreover, the anti-vibration module system according to the present invention is effective in civil and industrial contexts, since it does not require an expensive fabrication.

[0028] Indeed, advantageously, the anti-vibration module system according to the present invention may be made of materials commonly used in the civil-engineering and mechanical-engineering fields, such as steel and concrete. Thus, the anti-vibration module system according to the present invention is suitable for supporting loads and stresses experienced in all civil or industrial uses.

[0029] The anti-vibration module system according to the invention is thus a more effective and better alternative to the known insulation devices. A further idea underlying the present invention is to provide an antivibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures, which comprises a plurality of anti-vibration module systems aligned to define a barrier structure.

[0030] Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description given herein below of preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, and from the dependent claims that outline preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings

[0032] The invention is illustrated with reference to the following figures, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, where:

[0033] - Figure 1 shows an anti-vibration module system or a related antivibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation, applied to a civil structure.

[0034] - Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0035] - Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0036] - Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0037] - Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0038] - Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0039] - Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention. - Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system according to the present invention.

[0040] - Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures according to the present invention.

[0041] - Figure 10 shows a performance of vibro-acoustic insulation that can be obtained through the present invention.

[0042] In the different figures, analogous elements will be identified by analogous reference numerals.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] Figure 1 shows an anti-vibration module system 100 which is part of a related anti-vibration apparatus for vibro-acoustic insulation, which will be further described.

[0045] The anti-vibration module system 100 is applied to a civil structure. In the particular non-limiting example, said system is near a railway track 11 and is between said railway track and a residential structure 12.

[0046] The effect of the anti-vibration module system 100 is to provide a vibro- acoustic insulation, reducing the extent of a first vibration 21 near the railway track 11 while allowing a minor second vibration 22, near the residential structure 12, to filter through.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100.

[0048] The anti-vibration module system 100 comprises a case device 200.

[0049] The case device 200 comprises an upper element 201 and a pair of lateral elements 202. The pair of lateral elements 202 structurally support the upper element 201, thereby providing an internal cavity 203 in the case device 200. The case device 200 gives the anti-vibration module system 100 a suitable structural resistance to external loads, for example in the case the anti-vibration module system 100 is laid underground to reduce underground vibrations.

[0050] Moreover, the case device 200, especially thanks to the presence of the internal cavity 203, provides acoustic insulation and / or acoustic absorption of a portion of the vibrations, thereby also giving a “shielding” effect to the anti-vibration module system 100.

[0051] Preferably, the case device 200 includes concrete and / or steel, in particular reinforced concrete. The case device 200 may also be made with a combination of several materials, for example having the pair of lateral elements 202 made of reinforced concrete, and the upper element 201 made of steel sheet.

[0052] In particular, the elements 201 and 202 of the case device 200 are structurally connected with each other, so as to be capable of withstanding external stresses, whether static or dynamic.

[0053] The case device 200 preferably comprises a structure having a section substantially shaped as an upside-down “U”, for example as it is shown.

[0054] Preferably, the case device 200 has a shape that is extended in one of the directions perpendicular to the plane of the Figures, so that the three-dimensional geometry is an extrusion of the geometries shown in the Figures.

[0055] In particular, the pair of lateral walls 201 preferably have an extension in depth (perpendicular to the sheet plane) greater than an extension in width (on the sheet plane) of the upper element 201. For example, the case device 200 may have a height of 100 cm, a width of 48 cm, a length in depth of 200 cm.

[0056] The anti-vibration module system 100 comprises a resonant device 300, in particular inside the internal cavity 203. The resonant device 300 comprises at least one mass element 301 and a respective at least one connection element 302. In the example of Figure 3, there is one mass element 301 and two connection elements 302.

[0057] The at least one connection element 302 structurally connects the at least one mass element 301 to the case device 200.

[0058] The at least one mass element 301 is configured to oscillate inside the internal cavity 203 under a vibration acting on the case device 200.

[0059] The resonant device 300 thus provides a vibration absorption, in particular thanks to the push-pull oscillation of the at least one mass element 301, suspended through the at least one connection element 302, in relation to the vibrations acting on the case device 200.

[0060] Preferably, the at least one mass element 301 includes concrete and / or steel and / or other metals, for example being made of reinforced concrete or being a metal weight.

[0061] Preferably, the at least one connection element 302 includes steel and / or plastic and / or rubber, for example being a metal strut or a rubber extrudate.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the at least one connection element 302 comprises one or more steel rods. The one or more steel rods have a first end constrained to the at least one mass element 301 and a second end constrained to the at least one case device 200. In particular, each of said one or more steel rods interpenetrates the at least one mass element 301 and a portion of the case device 200.

[0063] Preferably, the at least one connection element 302 structurally connects the at least one mass element 301 to the upper element 201 of the case device 200, thereby providing a pendulum-like configuration for the resonant device 300. The pendulum-like configuration is particularly advantageous for the purposes of vibration absorption, in particular thanks to the push-pull oscillation of the at least one mass element 301, suspended through the at least one connection element 302 and anchored to the upper element 201, in relation to the vibrations acting on the case device 200.

[0064] Preferably, the upper element 201 and / or the pair of lateral elements 202 comprise walls configured to prevent entry of soil and / or debris into the internal cavity 203, for example comprising substantially closed walls or walls with small openings, such as grids or slots or the like.

[0065] In this way, it is possible to protect the inner area of the anti-vibration module system 100, for example preventing soil and / or debris from obstructing the internal cavity 203 thereby hindering the correct oscillation movement of the at least one mass element 301.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0067] The case device 200 may further comprise a lower element 204, configured to structurally support the pair of lateral elements 202. In this way, an internal cavity 203 which is closed on four instead of only three sides is obtained, thereby improving the protection of the resonant device 300 and the structural resistance of the case device 200.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0069] In this embodiment, the upper element 201 is made from a domeshaped structure, i.e. a structure having an arc-shaped section.

[0070] Moreover, in this embodiment, there is only one connection element 302 that structurally connects the only mass element 301 to the case device 200. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0071] In this embodiment, there are two connection elements 302, each of which structurally connects a respective mass element 301 to the case device 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are two mass elements 301, each of which is singularly suspended. Said mass elements might be aligned laterally, as in the figure, or aligned longitudinally in the direction of depth, on the plane that is perpendicular to the figure.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0073] In this embodiment, the mass element 301 has a substantially spherical shape. Moreover, the connection element 302 is a folded spring, preferably made of steel.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0075] In this embodiment, a plurality of connection elements 302 structurally connect the at least one mass element 301 to the pair of lateral elements 202 of the case device 200, thereby providing the resonant device 300 with a configuration that is not pendulum-like but is still suitable for vibration absorption, in particular thanks to the push-pull oscillation of the mass element 301, suspended through the plurality of connection elements 302, in relation to the vibrations acting on the case device 200.

[0076] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of an anti-vibration module system 100, to be considered in addition to what has been described for the embodiment of Figure 2. In this embodiment, the at least one connection element 302 further comprises an outer layer 304 of material with low elastic modulus, preferably polystyrene or expanded polystyrene, configured to surround and protect the one or more steel rods 302.

[0077] For example, the connection between the case device 200 and the resonant device 300 can be made through a combination of steel rods buried in concrete and a layer of material 304 with low elastic modulus, such as polystyrene or expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam, with the purpose of protecting the steel rods, but still maintaining the freedom of oscillation of the mass element 301 thanks to the elastic modulus of the outer layer 304 which is negligible compared to the one of the connection element 302 made of steel.

[0078] This material with low elastic modulus may have a density between 10 kg / m3and 100 kg / m3. The elastic modulus of the low elastic modulus material can be between 1 MPa and 100 MPa. In particular, the low elastic modulus material may have an elastic modulus at least 100 times lower than the elastic modulus of steel, optionally even 1000 times lower. A typical value of the elastic modulus of steel may be considered between 160 GPa and 250 GPa.

[0079] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an anti-vibration apparatus 10 for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures. The antivibration apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of anti-vibration module systems 100, which are aligned to define a barrier structure.

[0080] Said barrier structure may be arranged to separate a vibration source from an area to be insulated, for example as it is exemplified in connection with Figure 1.

[0081] As a matter of fact, the anti-vibration module system 100 may be applied as a single element, on its own, or it may be placed side by side in a periodic configuration with other systems of the same type, so as to create a “barrier” and thereby form an anti-vibration apparatus 10. Preferably, the anti-vibration module systems 100 are placed side by side along the direction which is orthogonal to the propagation of the vibration phenomenon, so as to form the anti- vibration apparatus 10.

[0082] As already described, each anti-vibration module system 100 comprises a pair of lateral walls 201 having an extension in depth greater than an extension in width of the upper element 201. In this way, as it is visible here, the anti-vibration module system 100 and the resulting antivibration apparatus 10 having prevalent dimensions in a direction which is orthogonal to a propagation of the vibration acting on the case device 200 are provided.

[0083] Preferably, the anti-vibration module systems 100 may be interconnected with each other through assembling elements, so as to increase the stiffness of the barrier in a direction which is orthogonal to the vibration propagation and thus to improve its anti- vibration performance.

[0084] It is also possible to provide the anti-vibration apparatus 10 with terminal closures at the ends (not shown) to further protect the resonant devices 300 contained therein.

[0085] Figure 10 exemplifies the vibro-acoustic insulation performance obtainable through an anti-vibration apparatus 10 for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures, comprising anti-vibration module systems 100 according to the present invention.

[0086] The diagram, in particular, exemplifies an “Insertion Loss” or “ Vibration reduction” of an anti-vibration apparatus 10 designed for an absorption of vibrations in particular of frequency between 20 Hz and 50 Hz.

[0087] Said diagram is obtained by measuring a vibration spectrum (in [Hz]) at a receiver (for example, 22 in Figure 1) and calculating a reduction delta (expressed in dB) of the emitted vibrations (for example, 22 in Figure 1) with and without anti-vibration apparatus 10. Industrial applicability

[0088] The anti-vibration module system and the related anti-vibration apparatus according to the present invention are particularly effective when they are installed near the vibrating source, for example at a distance between 3 and 10 m from the source in order to intercept a vibration phenomenon.

[0089] The main reduction effect provided by the anti-vibration module system and by the related anti-vibration apparatus according to the present invention and provided particularly on the surface waves R, also defined “Rayleigh waves”.

[0090] The anti-vibration module system and the related anti-vibration apparatus according to the present invention are particularly effective in frequencies lower than 100 Hz, and in particular between 5 Hz and 80 Hz, thanks to the possibility of designing the resonance frequency of the resonant device 300 by dimensioning the stiffness of the at least one connection element 302 and the mass of the mass element 301.

[0091] Advantageously, the present invention allows to insulate from mechanical or sound vibrations or waves having a broad spectrum and low frequency.

[0092] The anti-vibration module system and the related anti-vibration apparatus according to the present invention are optimal to form a small periodic structure characterized by ultra-wide isolated frequency bands for waves oriented in any direction in space.

[0093] The anti-vibration module system and the related anti-vibration apparatus according to the present invention may be made from materials commonly used in the civil sector, such as steel, concrete and the like.

[0094] These features give the anti-vibration module system according to the present invention mechanical characteristics of resistance to even long static and vibration loads.

[0095] Moreover, the anti-vibration module system according to the present invention may be very inexpensive to produce.

[0096] Some of the applications of the present invention are: public transport by rail, industrial machineries, increasing comfort of structures adjacent to subway and tram lines, reduction of the risk of malfunctioning of industrial machines adjacent to other vibrating machineries or railway networks, reduction of noise pollution, for example due to ground vibrations from railway lines, or due to noise sources in general.

[0097] Considering the description reported herein, a person skilled in the art can devise further modifications and variants, for the purpose of satisfying specific and particular requirements.

[0098] It is clear that, if there are no technical incompatibilities evident to the person skilled in the art, the configurations of specific elements described with reference to some embodiments may be used in other herein described embodiments.

[0099] For example, the creation of the case device can be adjusted based on design specifications.

[0100] In particular, for example, the resonant device can be designed based on the required absorption frequencies.

[0101] Moreover, for example, the shape of the mass element can be any shape, selected based on considerations on the available space and on the dimensions of the whole system.

[0102] The embodiments described herein are thus to be understood as nonlimiting examples of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Anti-vibration module system (100), comprising:- a case device (200), said case device (200) comprising an upper element (201) and a pair of lateral elements (202), said pair of lateral elements (201) structurally supporting said upper element (201) and providing an internal cavity (203) in said case device (200);- a resonant device (300), said resonant device (300) comprising at least one mass element (301) and a respective at least one connection element (302), wherein said at least one connection element (302) structurally connecting said at least one mass element (301) to said case device (200), and wherein said at least one mass element (301) is configured to oscillate inside said internal cavity (203) under a vibration acting on said case device (200).

2. Anti-vibration module system according to claim 1, wherein said case device (200) includes concrete and / or steel.

3. Anti-vibration module system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one mass element (301) includes concrete and / or steel and / or other metals.

4. Anti-vibration module system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one connection element (302) includes steel and / or plastic and / or rubber.

5. Anti-vibration module system according to claim 4, wherein said at least one connection element (302) comprises one or more steel rods, said one or more steel rods having a first end constrained to said at least one mass element (301) and a second end constrained to said at least one case device (200).

6. Anti-vibration module system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one connection element (302) further comprises an outer layer ofmaterial with low elastic modulus (304), preferably polystyrene or expanded polystyrene, configured to surround and protect said one or more steel rods.

7. Anti-vibration module system according to any one of claims 1 to6, wherein said at least one connection element (302) structurally connects said at least one mass element (301) to said upper element(201) of said case device (200), providing a pendulum-like configuration for said resonant device (300).

8. Anti-vibration module system according to any one of claims 1 to7, wherein said upper element (201) and / or said pair of lateral elements(202) comprise walls configured to prevent entry of soil and / or debris into said internal cavity (203).

9. Anti-vibration module system according to any one of claims 1 to8, wherein said case device (200) further comprises a lower element (204) structurally supporting said pair of lateral elements (202).

10. Anti-vibration module system according to any one of claims 1 to9, wherein said pair of lateral walls (201) have an extension in depth greater than an extension in width of said upper element (201), so as to provide said anti-vibration module system (100) having prevalent dimensions in a direction which is orthogonal to a propagation of said vibration acting on said case device (200).

11. Anti-vibration apparatus (10) for vibro-acoustic insulation of civil or industrial structures, said anti-vibration apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of anti-vibration module systems (100) aligned to define a barrier structure, wherein at least one of said plurality of anti-vibration module systems is an anti-vibration module system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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