EPS Dome Shelter Seismic Isolation via Spherical Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dome-shaped structures made of expanded polystyrene, while providing earthquake resistance, still experience significant shaking during seismic events, which can lead to instability and discomfort for occupants and the risk of objects falling.
Innovation Solution
A dome-shaped shelter with a seismic-isolation structure featuring a dome made of expanded polystyrene segments affixed to a bottom board, placed on an improved ground consisting of a circular hole packed with identical spheres such as cobblestones or hard rubber, allowing the dome to slide and absorb earthquake shocks, reducing horizontal and vertical movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dome is constructed with a firm foundation using concrete blocks to withstand earthquake shocks, then the dome's structural strength and reliability are improved, but the dome experiences violent shaking during earthquakes causing instability and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer of spherical stones between the dome foundation and the ground. These spheres act as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates earthquake energy through their ability to roll and deform, reducing the transmission of violent shaking to the dome structure while maintaining earthquake resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and arrangement of the foundation material from rigid concrete blocks to loose spherical stones. This parameter change allows the foundation to deform and absorb energy during earthquakes, transforming the foundation from a rigid structure that transmits shaking to a flexible system that dissipates energy
2Strength
If the dome foundation is made rigid with concrete blocks to prevent collapse, then the dome's strength is improved, but articles on shelves become unstable and may fall during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical stone layer serves as an intermediary that decouples the rigid dome structure from ground movements. This intermediate layer absorbs seismic energy before it can be transmitted to the dome and its contents, protecting both the structure and the stability of objects within
3Reliability
If the dome foundation uses concrete blocks to ensure earthquake resistance, then the dome's reliability is improved, but occupants feel uneasy during earthquakes due to shaking
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the foundation material from rigid concrete to deformable spherical stones, the system transforms how earthquake energy is handled. The spheres can roll and shift, absorbing energy and reducing the intensity of shaking transmitted to the dome, thereby protecting occupants from harmful vibrations while maintaining overall earthquake resistance
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 improved ground effectively absorbs earthquake-induced shaking, minimizing the dome's movement and providing enhanced cushioning and stability, ensuring safety for occupants and contents within the dome.
Implementation Method 1
foam polystyrene is useful as a cushioning material because it effectively disperses the force of impacts
Implementation Method 2
dissipates throughout the dome the shaking that results from earthquakes, thereby reducing the shock to people or goods inside the dome
Implementation Method 3
an improved ground that is consists of said circular hole packed with identical spheres that absorb the horizontal shaking resulting from earthquakes
Implementation Method 4
the dome that is affixed to the bottom board slides over the improved ground, which results in little movement of the dome itself
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a dome-shaped shelter that has a seismic-isolation structure so as to reduce the shock effects of earthquakes and that is easy to construct. The dome-shaped shelter of the present invention is provided with (1) a dome affixed to a bottom board, and formed so as to surround an inside space with a floor, adjoining segments that form a wall, and adjoining segments that form a ceiling, all of which are made of expanded polystyrene, and (2) as an appropriate place for the dome, an improved ground that consists of a circular hole that is dug in ground to a predetermined depth and then packed with identical spheres. Said dome is slidably placed on said improved ground. The spheres of said improved ground are preferably cobblestones or made of hard rubber.