Breakaway Vibration Isolator for Seismic Sliding Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration dampening systems for vibrating apparatuses in seismic areas face issues where the structural rigidity between the dampening device and the support base can cause apparatuses to fall or overturn during intense seismic events, despite the presence of elastic elements for vibration insulation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plate-like structure and rod-like mechanical members that connect to a support base, allowing for breakage and horizontal sliding during intense seismic events, utilizing a toroidal element for resilient repositioning and elastic springs for vibration dampening, decoupling the rigid connection and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pack of elastic elements is used to insulate and dampen vibrations, then vibration insulation is improved, but structural rigidity increases causing apparatus to fall or overturn during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid state to a dynamic breakable state. The rod-like mechanical members are designed to remain rigid during normal operation but break under excessive seismic forces, allowing the system to adapt its rigidity level based on the intensity of external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its structural parameter (rigidity) by transitioning from an intact rod-like member to a broken state with sliding plates. This parameter change allows the system to maintain rigidity for vibration insulation while sacrificing it when seismic forces exceed predetermined thresholds.
2Reliability
If rod-like mechanical members with break-in zones are added for seismic protection, then device complexity increases, but ease of repair is improved through replaceable components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: plate-like elements, rod-like mechanical members with break-in zones, and toroidal elastic elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced without affecting the entire system, simplifying maintenance while providing seismic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod-like mechanical members are designed as sacrificial components that break during severe seismic events but can be easily replaced. The break-in zones are positioned to allow clean separation, enabling rapid replacement of damaged components without complex disassembly procedures.
3Reliability
If plate-like elements with rod-like mechanical members are used to prevent apparatus displacement, then seismic protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal elastic elements act as flexible components that accommodate misalignment and deformation during seismic events. These elastic elements absorb dimensional variations and stress concentrations, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines rigid plate-like elements with flexible toroidal elastic elements and rod-like mechanical members. This composite structure balances the need for rigidity during normal operation with the ability to deform and absorb energy during seismic events, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing precision.
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
Effectively decouples the vibration dampening device from the support base during intense seismic events, preventing apparatus displacement and allowing for easy replacement of broken components, thus enhancing seismic protection and maintaining vibration insulation.
Implementation Method 1
housing an elastically deformable element, preferably of a toroidal shape
Implementation Method 2
the insulation and/or dampening of the vibrations generated by the typical functioning of the vibrating apparatuses is obtained by inserting between the vibrating apparatus and the support on which it rests devices that substantially comprise a pack of elastic elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Device for insulating and/or dampening vibrations generated by a vibrating apparatus and discharged to the support plane of the apparatus. The device comprises a first plate-like element (2) designed to be connected to the vibrating apparatus and a second plate-like element (5) designed to be connected to the base (15) of the vibrating apparatus. Means (13, 14) for dampening the vibrations generated by said vibrating apparatus are interposed between said second plate-like element (5) and said base (15), Said first plate-like element (2) is further connected to said second plate-like element (5) by means of a plurality of rod-like mechanical members (8) that can be broken when hit by a force acting transversely to their axial extension with an intensity higher than a preset value.