Layered Elastomeric Support With Raised Edges to Prevent Creep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing layered elastic supports for high loads in building structures face manufacturing complexity, restricted rubber layer thickness, and creep deformation under continuous load, leading to unwanted vertical deflection.
Innovation Solution
A layered support design with elastomeric blocks and reinforcement plates featuring raised edges with concavely curved surfaces to restrict compression and prevent creep, where the bulging surface abuts against the raised edge during minimum height compression, distributing pressure and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If layered elastic supports are designed to bear high loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the thickness of rubber layers is restricted and manufacturing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into multiple elastomeric layers separated by rigid reinforcement plates, allowing each layer to be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation enables high load-bearing capacity through stacking while simplifying manufacturing of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support combines elastomeric materials (for flexibility and load distribution) with rigid reinforcement plates (for structural stability). This composite structure achieves high load-bearing capacity while managing the complexity through standardized material combinations.
2Area of stationary object
If the height of elastomeric blocks is increased to reduce surface area, then the surface area is reduced, but creep deformation occurs under continuous load
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing height in one dimension to reduce surface area, the solution uses multiple layers stacked vertically with reinforcement plates, distributing the load across multiple interfaces. This dimensional approach maintains creep resistance while achieving compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid reinforcement plates are placed between elastomeric layers to preemptively prevent creep deformation before it occurs under continuous load. This preliminary structural support maintains reliability without requiring excessive elastomeric height.
3Length of moving object
If elastomeric blocks are compressed to minimize height, then the vertical space is reduced, but the bulging surface deforms and loses structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid reinforcement plates provide localized structural support at specific interfaces between elastomeric layers. This local reinforcement allows the elastomeric blocks to be compressed to minimal height while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed reinforcement system.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid reinforcement plates act as intermediaries between compressed elastomeric blocks, transferring and distributing loads to prevent deformation of the bulging surfaces. This intermediary structure enables minimal height compression while preserving structural integrity.
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 solution effectively limits compression and prevents creep, maintaining structural integrity and reducing vertical deflection under continuous high loads, while simplifying manufacturing and allowing for larger surface areas to accommodate high loads without deformation.
Implementation Method 1
When this elastomeric block is elastically compressed between its top surface and its bottom surface, the height of the elastomeric block lowers to a compressed height and the bulging surface bulges out elastically
Implementation Method 2
at least the top plate and/or the bottom plate are provided with a raised edge with a surface extending opposite the bulging surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Layered support alternately comprising elastomeric layers and reinforcing layers, wherein an elastomeric layer comprises an elastically compressible elastomeric block (1) with a top surface (2), a bottom surface (3) and a bulging surface (4), wherein the bulging surface (4) bulges out elastically when the elastomeric block (1) is compressed between its top surface (2) and its bottom surface (3) such that the height (A) of the elastomeric block (1) amounts to a compressed height (B), wherein a first reinforcing layer comprises a rigid top plate (6) which abuts against the top surface (2) of the elastomeric block (1) and a second reinforcing layer comprises a rigid bottom plate (7) which abuts against the bottom surface (3) of the elastomeric block (1), wherein the top plate (6) and/or the bottom plate (7) are/is provided with a raised edge (5) extending at least partly opposite the bulging surface (4), wherein the bulging surface (4) bulges out elastically and abuts against this raised edge (5) when the elastomeric block (1) is compressed between the top surface (2) and the bottom surface (3) and the height (A) is decreased to a minimum height (D).