Seismic Partition Breaking Mechanism Corner Stress Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing board partitions in earthquake-sensitive regions are prone to damage due to seismic stress, with existing solutions either failing to adequately absorb stress or being insufficient for high-intensity earthquakes, leading to potential complete structure failure.

Innovation Solution

A seismic protective structure is introduced near the corners of board partitions, featuring a breaking mechanism that intentionally damages the corners under seismic stress, releasing pressure from the remainder of the partition to prevent complete damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If board partitions are constructed rigidly to withstand earthquake forces, then structural strength is improved, but the partition becomes vulnerable to complete failure when stress exceeds material limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidrisk of complete failure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The board partition is divided into multiple boards (e.g., three boards) that can independently break or deform during earthquakes. This segmentation allows the partition to absorb seismic energy through controlled damage of individual boards rather than complete structural failure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of earthquake-induced stress into a beneficial outcome by designing boards that are intended to break under excessive stress. When boards break, they absorb and dissipate seismic energy, preventing the entire partition structure from collapsing. This controlled damage mechanism transforms potential complete failure into a protective feature that safeguards the building's overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If board partitions are made flexible to absorb seismic stress, then reliability under earthquake conditions is improved, but the partition loses structural strength and stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to earthquake damageVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the boards by specifying different thicknesses (e.g., first board: 12.5mm, second board: 9.5mm, third board: 12.5mm) and materials with varying flexibility characteristics. This parameter variation creates a gradient of rigidity throughout the partition, allowing certain sections to be more flexible for stress absorption while maintaining overall structural stability through the combined effect of all boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the entire board partition is designed to resist earthquake forces, then structural strength is improved, but the cost and complexity of repair or replacement increases when damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearthquake resistanceVSAvoidrepair cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is segmented into multiple independently replaceable boards. When earthquake damage occurs, only the damaged boards need to be replaced rather than the entire partition structure. This segmentation dramatically reduces repair cost and complexity while maintaining the overall earthquake resistance of the partition through the remaining intact boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs relatively thin, cost-effective board materials that can be easily replaced after earthquake damage. Rather than using expensive, highly durable materials throughout the entire partition, the design uses affordable boards that serve their protective function during earthquakes and can be economically replaced afterward, reducing overall lifecycle cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3084094B1Seismic damage reducing system for partition walls
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 ETEX BUILDING PERFORMANCE INT SAS
  • EP3084094B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3084094B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3084094B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Seismic damage reducing system for partitions. A seismic protective structure (100) for forming part of a board partition (190) and for limiting damage to the board partition (190) when a given level of seismic stress is appearing, is described. The seismic protective structure (100) comprising a breaking mechanism (107) introduced near an upper corner and/or lower corner of board partition (190), wherein the breaking mechanism (107) is adapted for, when a given level of seismic stress is appearing, intentionally causing damage of the board partition (190) thereby releasing stress from the remainder of the board partition (190).