Base Isolation Unit With Preloaded Elastic Movement Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base isolation apparatuses are not reusable for repeated earthquakes and cannot function during power failures, as they require a power source, and they fail to effectively isolate vertical seismic vibrations while supporting the weight of objects.
Innovation Solution
A base isolation unit with a vibration-source connector, an isolated-object connector, and a movement regulator that includes preloaded elastic bodies, which maintains stiffness in non-seismic conditions and isolates seismic vibrations using a preload mechanism that changes distance between connectors based on external forces, allowing for reusable and power-independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring apparatus is used to provide base isolation, then the apparatus can function during power failures, but it cannot effectively isolate vertical seismic vibrations while supporting the weight of the object
Solution Approach 1:
The base isolation apparatus is divided into multiple independent spring assemblies arranged in parallel, each capable of supporting vertical weight and isolating vibrations in specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to handle both vertical load support and vertical seismic isolation simultaneously without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite spring assemblies that combine elastic elements with damping materials or friction interfaces. These composite structures provide both the elasticity needed for vertical load support and the energy dissipation characteristics required for seismic vibration isolation, resolving the contradiction between supporting weight and isolating vertical vibrations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional base isolation apparatuses are used, then they can isolate seismic vibrations, but they are not reusable for repeatedly occurring earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring apparatus is designed to automatically reset after each seismic event without requiring external intervention or power supply. The elastic springs naturally return to their original position after deformation, enabling the apparatus to serve itself and be ready for the next earthquake, thus achieving reusability for repeatedly occurring earthquakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical triggering mechanisms or sensor-based systems with a purely passive elastic spring mechanism. This substitution eliminates components that may fail or require power, creating a simple, robust system that can be repeatedly used without maintenance or power supply.
3Device complexity
If a single spring held in a single casing is used, then the structure is simple, but different magnitudes of triggering force for different directions are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring-casing structure is segmented into multiple spring assemblies, each with independently adjustable preload mechanisms. This allows each assembly to be tuned for specific force magnitudes in different directions while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adjustable preload mechanisms that allow the triggering force magnitudes to be dynamically changed without replacing the entire spring assembly. This provides adaptability for different seismic conditions while keeping the basic structural form simple and recognizable.
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 solution enables repeated use and effective isolation of seismic vibrations in both powered and unpowered environments, maintaining high stiffness during non-seismic conditions and decoupling structures from seismic vibrations during earthquakes.
Implementation Method 1
The movement regulator keeps the distance unchanged when the external force is equal to or less than the preload
Implementation Method 2
changes the distance by making the vibration-source connector movable when the external force is larger than the preload
Data Source
AI summary
A base isolation unit includes a vibration-source connector to be connected with a structure subjected to seismic vibration, an isolated-object connector to be connected with an object to be isolated from vibration, and located at a predetermined distance from the vibration-source connector in a predetermined base isolation direction, and a movement regulator. The movement regulator is located between the vibration-source connector and the isolated-object connector and includes an elastic body applied with a preload and subjected to a pressure caused by an external force in the base isolation direction. The movement regulator keeps the distance unchanged when the external force is equal to or less the preload, and changes the distance by making the vibration-source connector movable when the external force exceeds the preload. The base isolation unit is usable repeatedly and in environments without electricity, and achieving isolation from seismic vibration while keeping stiffness in conditions other than earthquakes.