Flexible Storage Rack Frame for Seismic Damage Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tall storage racks with rigid frames are prone to swaying, collapsing, or toppling during severe earthquakes, causing damage to stored goods due to insufficient seismic vibration absorption and dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A storage rack with a flexible moment frame composed of standard, angular-shaped, hollow metal posts and releasably attached load and cross beams, allowing for lateral drift and increased flexibility without the need for welding or additional structural bracing, enabling the frame to absorb seismic forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid frames are used in storage racks, then structural strength is improved, but seismic damage resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from rigid to flexible by using moment frames with controlled flexibility. The moment frame is designed to flex laterally during earthquakes, allowing the structure to absorb seismic energy through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance, thereby preventing collapse while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic behavior to the storage rack frame by designing it to flex and move laterally during seismic events. The moment frame is engineered to undergo controlled lateral drift, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to earthquake forces, dissipate energy, and return to its original position
2Reliability
If additional diagonal bracing and vibration isolators are added, then seismic vibration absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional diagonal bracing and base vibration isolators by incorporating seismic flexibility directly into the moment frame structure itself. The moment frame's inherent flexibility replaces the function of separate vibration absorption components, simplifying the overall design while maintaining seismic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The moment frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for storage, enables lateral flexibility for seismic energy absorption, and eliminates the need for separate bracing and vibration isolation systems. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive seismic protection
3Length of moving object
If tall storage racks are constructed, then storage capacity is improved, but stability during earthquakes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from rigid to flexible in tall storage racks, allowing the moment frame to flex laterally during earthquakes. This flexibility prevents the accumulation of destructive stresses in tall structures while maintaining stability, enabling the rack to withstand seismic forces without collapsing
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 flexible moment frame reduces potential damage to stored goods by flexing at a greater angle than rigid frames, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of collapse during earthquakes, while being cost-effective and easily assembled to various heights.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible moment frame is capable of sufficient flex or float during an earthquake to prevent collapse of the frame and damage to the stored goods
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack having a flexible moment frame adapted for receiving pallets with stored goods. The frame flexes or floats when a vector, lateral force “V” is applied thereto, such as an earthquake. The frame includes spaced apart vertical posts. A plurality of sets of horizontal load and cross beams are releasably attached along a length of the vertical posts. When the lateral, vector force “V’ is applied to the moment frame, a top portion of the frame is displaced from the vertical at an angle “Δ Flexible”. This angle is greater than an angle “Δ Rigid” for similar storage racks with rigid frames. Thus with this angle of flexibility, the moment frame reduces potential damage to the stored goods.