Lead Rubber Bearings with Thermally Conductive Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lead rubber bearings (LRBs) experience a significant reduction in effective stiffness and energy dissipation due to the thermal conductivity limitations of rubber, leading to degraded performance over repeated seismic cycles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermally conductive interface within the LRB, which includes a deformable portion made of thermally conductive rubber or exposed metal reinforcement layer edges, to enhance heat dissipation from the lead plug to the metal reinforcement layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If rubber material is used as the only contact medium between lead plug and metal reinforcement layers, then the bearing provides good seismic isolation, but thermal conduction is insufficient leading to temperature increase of the lead plug
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive deformable portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the lead plug and metal reinforcement layers. This portion has a thermal conductivity coefficient greater than 0.5 W.m-1.K-1, enabling efficient heat transfer from the lead plug to the metal reinforcement layers while maintaining the seismic isolation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing employs a composite structure combining rubber layers, metal reinforcement layers, and a thermally conductive deformable portion. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of seismic isolation (through rubber and metal layers) and thermal conduction (through the thermally conductive portion).
2Loss of energy
If lead plug undergoes repeated seismic cycles, then energy dissipation occurs, but temperature increase reduces yield limit and effective stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful thermal effect (heat generation from energy dissipation) into a manageable condition by providing efficient thermal conduction pathways. The heat generated during energy dissipation cycles is rapidly conducted away through the thermally conductive deformable portion and metal reinforcement layers, preventing temperature-induced strength degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally conductive deformable portion acts as a heat transfer intermediary, capturing thermal energy from the lead plug during cyclic loading and transferring it to the metal reinforcement layers, thereby maintaining the lead's mechanical properties throughout repeated seismic cycles.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional LRB design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but thermal conduction efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality enhancement by introducing thermal conductivity specifically where needed - at the interface between the lead plug and metal reinforcement layers. The thermally conductive deformable portion is positioned locally to maximize heat transfer efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire bearing structure.
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 improved thermal conduction reduces the temperature increase of the lead plug, maintaining its yield limit and thereby enhancing the dynamic behavior and isolation performance of the LRB under seismic forces.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable body has a thermally conductive interface in contact with the lead plug to provide thermal conduction between the lead plug and at least some of the metal reinforcement layers
Data Source
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AI summary
A lead rubber bearing includes a deformable body (20) comprising rubber layers (22) laminated with metal reinforcement layers (21), and at least one lead plug received in a hole (26) formed through the laminated layers of the deformable body. The deformable body (20) has a thermally conductive interface in contact with the lead plug to provide thermal conduction between the lead plug and at least some of the metal reinforcement layers (21).