Polyurethane Bearing Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration isolation systems for buildings are ineffective in protecting structures and occupants from high-frequency vibrations, which can cause discomfort and structural damage due to traffic, industrial, and other sources.

Innovation Solution

A vibration isolation system comprising a polyurethane layer with a static compressive modulus of 4.0-5.4 N/mm² and fiber-reinforced layers, glued together, which effectively insulates against high-frequency vibrations by reducing relative movements and stress between building components, allowing for precise power transmission via friction and pressing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional vibration isolation systems are used, then general vibration protection is provided, but high-frequency vibrations above 10 Hz cannot be effectively isolated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency vibration isolationVSAvoidvibration protection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the static shear modulus of the polyurethane layer to be within 4.0-5.4 N/mm². This specific parameter range enables the bearing to effectively isolate high-frequency vibrations above 10 Hz while maintaining structural support capabilities, resolving the contradiction between general vibration protection and high-frequency vibration isolation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyurethane layers with fiber-reinforced reinforcement layers in an alternating arrangement. This composite structure provides both the elasticity needed for vibration isolation and the strength required for structural support, enabling effective high-frequency vibration protection while maintaining reliability under various load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If polyurethane layer with specific shear modulus is used, then high-frequency vibration isolation is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency vibration isolationVSAvoidshear modulus control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a relatively broad range for the static shear modulus (4.0-5.4 N/mm²), which provides sufficient tolerance for manufacturing variations while still achieving effective high-frequency vibration isolation. This parameter specification balances manufacturing feasibility with vibration protection performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of polyurethane layers with fiber-reinforced reinforcement layers creates a composite structure where the reinforcement layers provide structural stability and the polyurethane layers provide vibration isolation. This composite approach allows for easier manufacturing control of the overall bearing performance even if individual layer properties vary slightly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If bearing is designed for structural support, then load-bearing capacity is ensured, but vibration isolation effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidvibration isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure with alternating polyurethane layers and fiber-reinforced reinforcement layers. The reinforcement layers provide the necessary load-bearing capacity and structural strength, while the polyurethane layers with controlled shear modulus (4.0-5.4 N/mm²) provide effective vibration isolation. This composite design allows the bearing to simultaneously handle various loads and isolate high-frequency vibrations above 10 Hz.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing is divided into multiple alternating layers of different materials, each performing its specialized function. The segmentation into reinforcement layers (for strength) and polyurethane layers (for vibration isolation) allows both load-bearing capacity and vibration isolation effectiveness to be optimized independently within the composite structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 significantly reduces building damage and discomfort by effectively isolating high-frequency vibrations, enabling the operation of sensitive devices and reducing stress on building structures, while also handling vertical and horizontal loads and deformations.

Implementation Method 1

the polyurethane layer has a static shear modulus of 4.0-5.4 N/mm 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

capable of effectively isolating buildings from high-frequency vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 3

force transfer between the bearing and the structure occurring via pressure and friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

force transfer between the bearing and the structure occurring via pressure and friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 5

the at least one polyurethane layer and the at least one reinforcement layer are glued to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4506523A1Bearing for arranging between two supporting members
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 GETZNER WERKSTOFFE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4506523A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4506523A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4506523A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Bearing (1) for arrangement between two load-bearing components (2), in particular of a building, wherein the bearing (1) is bounded by two essentially parallel load-bearing sides (3) for contact with the components (2) and wherein the bearing (1) has at least one polyurethane layer (4) and at least one fiber-reinforced reinforcement layer (5), wherein the at least one polyurethane layer (4) and the at least one reinforcement layer (5) are bonded together, wherein the polyurethane layer (4) has a static shear modulus of 4.0-5.4 N/mm2, preferably of 4.5-4.8 N/mm2.