Grid Framework Structure with Rotatable Joints for Seismic Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid framework structures in storage systems are prone to excessive oscillation and structural failure during seismic events, compromising stability and safety, especially in areas prone to powerful earthquakes, and require additional bracing that occupies valuable storage space.
Innovation Solution
A grid framework structure with rotatable connections between grid members and uprights, combined with a pivotable joint and expansion joint, allowing movement in both X and Y directions to accommodate thermal and seismic forces, and incorporating mechanical fuses to control excessive movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional bracing is added to the grid framework structure to prevent oscillation and structural failure during seismic events, then structural stability and safety are improved, but the available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grid members are designed to be movable relative to upright members through rotatable connections, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to seismic forces rather than relying on rigid bracing. This dynamic capability enables the structure to oscillate and dissipate energy without requiring additional static support elements that would occupy storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between grid members and upright members allows changes in geometric parameters (rotation angles, positions) in response to seismic events. This parameter variability enables the structure to accommodate lateral movements and oscillations without needing fixed bracing elements, thereby maintaining storage space while improving seismic reliability.
2Strength
If the grid framework structure is designed with rigid connections to maintain structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rotatable connections between grid members and upright members enable the structure to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction forces. The connections allow rotation in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes, maintaining structural integrity without requiring rigid fixed connections that would prevent thermal movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grid framework structure allows movement in both X and Y directions to accommodate thermal and seismic forces, then adaptability and safety are improved, but structural stability during normal operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structure employs rotatable connections that enable controlled movement in X and Y directions while maintaining overall structural stability. The dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to thermal and seismic forces without compromising stability during normal operation, as the connections only activate when movement is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable connections are strategically positioned at specific locations where movement accommodation is most beneficial, while other portions of the structure maintain rigid connections for stability. This localized application of flexibility allows the structure to achieve both adaptability and stability simultaneously.
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
Enhances structural integrity by mitigating excessive oscillation and potential collapse, ensuring safety and maintaining operational stability during seismic events while optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one of the plurality of grid members is rotatable in the horizontal plane about a vertical axis extending through the pivotable joint upon movement of one of the first or second upright members relative to the other of the first of second upright members
Implementation Method 2
the thermal expansion joint that is configured to allow for expansion and contraction of the grid members in the grid framework structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A grid framework structure (14) for supporting a load handling device (30) operative to move one or more containers, said grid framework structure comprising: a plurality of upright members (16) arranged to form a plurality of vertical locations for one or more containers to be guided by the upright members in a vertical direction, wherein the plurality of upright members (16) are interconnected to define nodes at their top ends by a plurality of grid members (18, 20) arranged in a grid pattern comprising a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members running transversely to the first set of grid members in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid structure (14b) comprising a plurality of grid cells, the grid structure (14b) comprising a track system positioned on the plurality of grid members, the track system comprising a plurality of tracks arranged in the grid pattern, the plurality of upright members comprising a first upright member and a second upright member interconnected by at least one of the plurality of grid members extending between the first and second upright members, the first upright member being interconnected at its top end to the at least one of the plurality of grid members by a connection (130, 158) comprising a pivotable joint such that the at least one of the plurality of grid members is rotatable in the horizontal plane about a vertical axis extending through the pivotable joint upon movement of one of the first or second upright members relative to the other of the first or second upright members.