Seismic Isolation Bearing With Polymeric Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic isolation systems face challenges such as difficulty in establishing and resetting the minimum acceleration for latch release, restoring the floor to its original position, recalibrating dissipative forces, and addressing non-linear forces, which can lead to inefficiencies and instability during seismic events.
Innovation Solution
The use of 'rolling member' seismic isolation bearings with polygonal-shaped bearing plates and a polymeric coating to enhance operational smoothness, safety, and reliability, allowing for consistent and responsive movement, and reducing sliding and skipping issues between the rolling member and bearing plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sliding plate isolation systems are used, then seismic isolation can be achieved, but the system suffers from difficulty in establishing minimum acceleration for latch release, difficulty in resetting the latch means, and difficulty in restoring the floor to its original position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex latch means from the isolation system entirely. Instead of using a latch that requires resetting, the invention employs a simple friction-based sliding plate mechanism that automatically returns to its initial position after seismic movement through the action of friction and gravity, eliminating the operational difficulties associated with latch release and reset
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding plate system is designed to be self-resetting through the combined action of friction between the sliding plate and bearing surfaces, and gravitational force. After seismic displacement, the friction and gravity automatically return the plate to its initial position without requiring external intervention or complex resetting mechanisms
2Reliability
If vertical springs are used for isolation, then seismic isolation can be achieved, but the transverse rigidity of the vertical springs cannot be ignored which complicates the establishment of horizontal springs and reduces estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the vertical and horizontal isolation functions into distinct components. Vertical isolation is provided by the weight-supported sliding mechanism, while horizontal isolation is provided by dedicated horizontal springs and friction elements. This segmentation eliminates the interference of vertical spring transverse rigidity on horizontal spring design, allowing for more accurate establishment of horizontal isolation parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding plate acts as an intermediary element that decouples the vertical and horizontal isolation mechanisms. By introducing this intermediate component with controlled friction characteristics, the system can independently optimize vertical and horizontal spring parameters without the transverse rigidity interference that would otherwise complicate the design
3Ease of operation
If rolling member bearings are used, then operational smoothness can be improved, but sliding and skipping issues occur between the rolling member and bearing plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material surfaces on the bearing plates, combining materials with complementary friction characteristics. This composite surface design provides controlled friction that prevents sliding and skipping of the rolling members while maintaining operational smoothness, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the friction parameter between the rolling members and bearing plates by selecting appropriate materials and surface treatments. By carefully controlling the friction coefficient within an optimal range, the system achieves both smooth operation and prevention of unwanted sliding or skipping, resolving the contradiction between operational smoothness and bearing stability
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 solution provides improved seismic isolation by ensuring consistent and efficient response to seismic events, reducing the risk of bearing assembly failure, and facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of seismic isolation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The load-bearing surface is contacted with a polymeric material to form a coating on the load-bearing surface. The coated load-bearing surface reduces skidding and/or stopping of the rolling member relative to the bearing plates.
Implementation Method 2
at least one payload-supporting bearing plate assembly having a polygonal shape in a plan view... a rolling member between the first and second bearing plates
Data Source
AI summary
A new seismic isolation bearing assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a first isolation bearing plate, a second isolation bearing plate, and a moveable bearing element disposed between the first and second isolation bearing plates, each of the first and second isolation plates comprises a solid material and a surface facing the other isolation plate comprising a polymeric material different from the solid material. The polymeric material is effective to enhance the operability of the assembly.