Base Isolation System With Textured Friction Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic isolation systems face challenges in designing base plates with appropriate coefficients of friction and integrating damping systems that meet both stability and displacement control requirements during seismic events, while also considering space constraints and the need for internal damping solutions.

Innovation Solution

The seismic isolation system comprises a base plate with a textured surface and a top plate with a smooth surface, optimized with coatings like silicone-epoxy or polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate to achieve desired friction coefficients, and incorporates internal dampers within a concrete slab to limit movement during earthquakes, eliminating the need for external dampers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coefficient of static friction is reduced to allow movement during seismic events, then seismic isolation performance is improved, but the supported body may move during regular use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseismic isolation performanceVSAvoidstability during regular use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates localized textured regions with specific surface patterns (such as ridges, grooves, or embossments) that create variable friction zones. These localized texturing features provide higher static friction in stable conditions while allowing controlled sliding during seismic events, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and seismic isolation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If external dampers are used to control displacement during seismic events, then displacement control is improved, but space requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping function is merged with the base plate structure itself. The base plate incorporates internal damping elements (such as viscoelastic layers, metal dampers, or friction damping mechanisms) directly within its construction, eliminating the need for separate external damper systems. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining effective displacement control during seismic events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Damping elements are nested within the base plate structure. The base plate contains internal chambers or recesses that house damping components, allowing the damping system to be embedded within the existing structural element rather than adding external components. This nesting approach saves space and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration ensures stability during normal operations and allows relative movement during seismic events, providing effective displacement control without external dampers, thus enhancing safety and preserving critical assets.

Implementation Method 1

coefficients of friction between a top plate and a base plate can prevent relative movement of the two plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

optimized with coatings like silicone-epoxy or polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate to achieve desired friction coefficients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoatings: Coatings

Implementation Method 3

incorporates internal dampers within a concrete slab to limit movement during earthquakes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3080367B1System for providing base isolation against seismic activity
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 CLYDE DON
  • EP3080367B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3080367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3080367B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pedestal base isolation system assembly including a base plate having an anchoring layer and a top plate slidably positioned above the base plate. At least one of the top and base plates includes a textured surface, wherein desired coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the top plate and the base plate prevent relative movement of the two plates with normal operation and yet allow the top plate to move relative to the base plate during a seismic event. In one example, the sliding surface has a coating such as a polyester (e.g., polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate) or a low surface energy coating (e.g., silicone-epoxy coating). In another example, the seismic isolation system further includes a pedestal for supporting an object on the isolation assembly.