Ball-in-cone seismic isolation for payload stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic isolation systems face challenges such as unpredictability in shaking direction, difficulty in establishing and resetting latch mechanisms, recalibrating damping forces, and susceptibility to rocking and resonance, which complicates the effective isolation of payloads from seismic vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A seismic isolation system utilizing a horizontally oriented support panel with a rigid frame and ball-in-cone bearings that allow relative movement between the support panel and foundation, providing a stable and robust platform to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, thereby reducing the impact on payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seismic isolation systems with latches and dampers are used, then payloads can be isolated from seismic vibrations, but the systems become complex and difficult to reset and recalibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the latch mechanism and damper components from traditional seismic isolation systems, extracting only the essential function of allowing horizontal movement during seismic events while eliminating the complexity of resetting and recalibrating these removed components
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the isolation function into simple vertical legs that independently allow horizontal movement, replacing the integrated complex latch-damper system with multiple simple, identical structural elements that can be easily manufactured and maintained
2Reliability
If damping forces are increased to reduce vibration, then payload protection improves, but the system requires recalibration for each load
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-adjusting protection through its geometric structure, where the vertical legs automatically adapt to different load conditions through their inherent structural properties rather than requiring external recalibration or adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from adjusting damping force parameters to utilizing structural geometry parameters, where the leg length and orientation provide the necessary isolation characteristics without requiring recalibration of force-based parameters
3Reliability
If vertical springs are used for isolation, then payloads can be cushioned from seismic impact, but rocking and resonance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using flexible vertical elements that can rock and resonate, the patent inverts the approach by using rigid vertical legs that prevent rocking through their fixed geometric relationship, achieving cushioning through the allowed horizontal movement at the joint rather than through vertical flexibility
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 system effectively attenuates seismic vibrations, providing a stable platform for payloads by absorbing and dissipating seismic energy, reducing the risk of damage and equipment inefficiencies, and is designed to handle a wide range of payload masses and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing comprising a cavity defined by opposing recessed upper and lower bearing surfaces separated by and containing at least one rigid spherical ball
Implementation Method 2
at least one rigid ball located in each of such cavities
Data Source
AI summary
Improved isolation flooring systems, and methods for their use are disclose for protecting a payload, such as heavy or delicate equipment (such as laboratory or computer equipment), from damage due to vibrations, such as seismic vibrations. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating heavy and/or sensitive objects from the full acceleration of seismic vibrations.