Hydrostatic Slide Block for Telescope Support and Seismic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support and guide devices for machines and structures, such as telescopes, face challenges in providing both high structural rigidity and effective damping of oscillations, especially in seismic zones, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity, as external seismic isolators compromise rigidity and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a hydrostatic slide block with an upper chamber and fluid circuit that includes elastic means and adjustable damping subcircuits, allowing for selective behavior as a rigid or damping support, and self-centering capabilities, using pressurized fluid to manage oscillations and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If external seismic isolators are used to dampen oscillations, then damping capability is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and damping function into a single integrated hydrostatic slide block device. The elastic means are housed within the chamber of the slide block itself, merging what were previously separate external components (support structure + external seismic isolators) into one unified device that provides both rigidity and damping capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means are nested within the chamber of the hydrostatic slide block. The damping components are housed inside the support structure, creating a compact integrated system where the damping function is contained within the support device rather than being an external addition.
2Stability of the object's composition
If structure over-dimensioning is used to resist seismic forces, then stability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support system by introducing elastic means that can dynamically adjust the system's response to seismic forces. Instead of permanently over-dimensioning the structure, the elastic elements allow the system to adapt its behavior, providing enhanced stability only when needed during seismic events while maintaining normal operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means are pre-installed within the hydrostatic slide block to provide beforehand cushioning against seismic forces. This allows the structure to withstand seismic events without requiring permanent over-dimensioning, as the elastic elements are already in place to absorb and dissipate seismic energy when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seismic isolators are inserted between foundations and structure, then damping is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function and damping function into a single integrated hydrostatic slide block device. The elastic means are housed within the chamber of the slide block itself, merging what were previously separate external components (support structure + external seismic isolators) into one unified device that provides both rigidity and damping capabilities simultaneously.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic means are added to provide damping, then damping capability is improved, but the ability to provide rigid support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the support system dynamic by allowing it to switch between rigid support mode and damping mode. The hydrostatic slide block provides rigid support during normal operation, while the elastic means engage to provide damping during seismic events. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize its performance based on operational conditions rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support system by introducing elastic means that can dynamically adjust the system's response to seismic forces. Instead of permanently over-dimensioning the structure, the elastic elements allow the system to adapt its behavior, providing enhanced stability only when needed during seismic events while maintaining normal operational efficiency.
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 device achieves high structural rigidity under normal conditions and automatic damping during high vibrations or oscillations, reducing energy dissipation and enabling self-centering, thus addressing the need for cost-effective and versatile support solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a body provided with a conduit which forms a film of pressurized lubricant able to withstand the load supported by said body
Implementation Method 2
Elastic means 26 are housed in the chamber 6. In particular, the elastic means 26 are disposed within the chamber such as to absorb the oscillations of said cover 24
Implementation Method 3
a fluid circuit 8 which is arranged and controlled such as to maintain the chamber 6 filled with pressurized fluid to hence ensure suitable rigidity of the overall system
Implementation Method 4
a damping subcircuit 35 provided with throttle valves 34 and/or regulator valves 36, which connect the upper chamber 6 to a tank 38 for the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (2) for supporting and/or guiding a first structure (12) comprising machines, instruments and/or structures in general, particularly for supporting and/or guiding a telescope, relative to a second structure (10), characterised by comprising: - a sliding system (4) with a slide block provided with means for its sliding relative to said second structure (10), or to said first structure (12), - for a fluid, a chamber (6) which is separate from and independent of said sliding system (4) and comprises a first portion (22, 68) fixed to said sliding system (4), and a second portion (24, 74) intended to be associated with said first structure (12) or with said second structure (10), - a fluid circuit (33, 8), which is also separate from and independent of said sliding system (4) and communicates with said chamber (6) to control the passage of said fluid into and from said chamber (6), - elastic means (26) housed in said chamber (6) and disposed and configured such as to absorb the oscillations between said first portion (22, 68) and said second portion (24, 74).