Layered Elastomeric Support With Raised Edges to Limit 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, large surface requirements, and creep deformation under continuous load, leading to undesired vertical deflection.
Innovation Solution
A layered support design featuring elastomeric blocks with raised edges on the top and bottom plates, where the raised edges have a concavely curved surface matching the bulging surface curvature, restricting further compression and preventing creep by allowing the bulging surface to abut against the raised edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the height of elastomeric layers is increased to reduce the surface area of the support, then the surface area is reduced, but creep deformation increases under continuous load
Solution Approach 1:
The raised edges are provided with a concavely curved surface that matches the curvature of the bulging surface of the elastomeric block. This curved geometric constraint prevents excessive lateral expansion during compression, thereby limiting creep deformation while allowing the use of taller elastomeric layers that reduce the overall surface area of the support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid reinforcement plates are used to prevent creep, then creep is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to vulcanisation bonding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rigid reinforcement plates bonded to the elastomeric block (adding structural complexity in the horizontal dimension), the invention uses raised edges that extend vertically beyond the elastomeric block. These raised edges provide geometric constraints in the vertical dimension, limiting lateral expansion and creep without requiring complex bonding processes.
3Loss of energy
If the thickness of rubber layers is increased to improve vibration damping, then vibration damping is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and creep occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The concavely curved surface of the raised edges provides a geometric constraint that limits lateral expansion of the elastomeric block during compression. This allows the use of thicker rubber layers for improved vibration damping without excessive creep, as the curved constraint maintains dimensional stability even with increased layer thickness.
4Force
If a large surface area is used to support high loads, then the load-bearing capacity is sufficient, but the device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concavely curved raised edges enable the use of taller elastomeric blocks with reduced surface area. The curved geometric constraint prevents excessive lateral expansion during compression, maintaining load-bearing capacity while allowing a compact footprint by increasing the height dimension rather than the surface area.
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
This design limits creep and vertical deflection under continuous high loads, ensuring the elastomeric blocks maintain their shape and preventing damage from excessive deformation, while allowing for efficient decoupling of vibrations between building structures and the subsurface.
Implementation Method 1
When the 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
the raised edge extends beyond the bulging surface, preferably up to an edge height which is smaller than the height of the elastomeric block. When the elastomeric block is compressed between the top surface and the bottom surface, and the height is lowered to a minimum height, the bulging surface will elastically bulge out and will at least partially abut against this surface
Data Source
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).