Inverted-Pendulum Rack Support for Earthquake Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibration-sensitive electronic equipment, such as computer servers and equipment racks, are prone to damage from vibrations caused by earthquakes, thunderstorms, and daily activities, leading to potential tipping, disconnection, or breaking of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a fixed non-moving frame and an upper movable frame connected via dampers and cables that operate as an inverted pendulum, dissipating and absorbing vibration energy and mechanical shocks, thereby protecting the equipment from vibrations and shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibration protection systems are used, then equipment is protected against vibrations, but the system complexity and number of dampers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pendulum concept by creating an inverted pendulum system where the equipment rack and cables form the pendulum arm, and the damper acts as the pivot point. This inversion allows the system to use fewer dampers while achieving effective vibration protection, as the inverted pendulum mechanism naturally dissipates vibration energy through its motion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including the inverted pendulum mechanism that allows controlled movement, and cables with pre-tensioning that dynamically respond to vibrations. The damper provides dynamic damping force that adapts to the vibration characteristics, enabling effective protection with minimal components.
2Reliability
If more dampers are used, then vibration protection is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the pendulum configuration, the system achieves vibration protection with a single damper instead of multiple dampers, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining protection effectiveness. The inverted pendulum mechanism leverages gravitational and inertial forces to enhance the protective effect of the single damper.
Solution Approach 2:
The cables act as intermediaries that transmit and distribute vibration forces from the equipment rack to the single damper, enabling the damper to effectively counteract vibrations across multiple points without requiring multiple dampers. This intermediary mechanism reduces the need for multiple expensive damping components.
3Ease of operation
If equipment is directly placed on the floor, then installation is simple, but equipment is vulnerable to vibrations causing tipping or disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted pendulum configuration provides inherent stability against tipping by creating a restoring moment when the system is displaced. The cables and damper work together to counteract tipping forces, protecting equipment from vibration-induced tipping while maintaining relatively simple installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by pre-installing the damper and cable system that is ready to counteract vibrations before they occur. The pre-tensioned cables and positioned damper create a protective mechanism that is already in place to prevent vibration damage, tipping, and disconnection.
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 system effectively reduces vibration levels and prevents equipment tipping or falling, using fewer dampers compared to conventional systems, and can be integrated into equipment racks or used as an autonomous pedestal, providing comprehensive protection against various types of vibrations and shocks.
Implementation Method 1
The dampers, as well as the inverted pendulum created by the cables, dissipate and/or absorb vibration energy and/or mechanical shocks
Implementation Method 2
cables or wires that together with the supported device (e.g., an equipment rack) operate as an inverted pendulum or an upside-down pendulum
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods of protecting sensitive equipment against vibrations, mechanical shocks, and earthquakes. A support device includes a lower fixed or non-moving frame, and an upper movable frame. The two frames are connected via four dampers, at or near their four corners; and also by four generally-vertical cables or wires that together with the supported device operate as an inverted pendulum or an upside-down pendulum in response to incoming vibrations or applied forces. The dampers, as well as the inverted pendulum created by the cables, dissipate and absorb vibration energy and mechanical shocks. Optionally, the entirety of the support device has not more than four dampers. Optionally, the entirety of the support device has or not more than eight dampers, wherein four of the eight dampers are not connected to the vertical cables, and four other of the eight dampers are connected to lower ends of the four vertical cables.