Seismic Damping System with Sliding Plate and Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base isolation systems for seismic protection are complex, costly, and often not feasible for lower-value structures due to high installation expenses and inability to provide vertical restraint against wind uplift forces, leaving them vulnerable to damage.
Innovation Solution
A seismic damping system comprising a washer, sliding plate, and damping member, where the damping member is compressed between the base member and foundation, allowing horizontal movement and providing vertical anchoring to resist uplift forces, offering a simpler and cost-effective solution for damping seismic motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional base isolation systems are installed, then seismic motion damping is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base isolation system is divided into separate functional components: a sliding component (providing horizontal movement capability) and a damping component (providing energy dissipation). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The base isolation system is designed to perform multiple functions through integrated components: the sliding component provides both horizontal movement capability and vertical restraint, while the damping component provides energy dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional base isolation systems are installed, then seismic motion damping is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping component is designed as a replaceable element that can be easily installed and replaced without requiring modification of the base member or foundation. This approach reduces installation costs and allows for economical replacement if the damping component becomes worn or damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding component is pre-assembled with the base member before installation, and the damping component is pre-positioned between the sliding component and foundation. This preliminary assembly simplifies the on-site installation process and reduces labor costs.
3Reliability
If conventional base isolation systems with horizontal rolling elements are used, then seismic motion damping is improved, but vertical restraint capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding component is designed to provide both horizontal movement capability (for seismic damping) and vertical restraint (to resist uplift forces). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components to address these two requirements, thereby maintaining vertical restraint while providing seismic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the horizontal movement function (sliding component) from the energy dissipation function (damping component), while the sliding component itself is designed to provide vertical restraint. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
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 effectively reduces inertial forces experienced by architectural structures during seismic events by dissipating kinetic energy, while maintaining vertical restraint, thus protecting structures from damage without the need for complex installations or high-value modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the damping member may elastically deform to allow the foundation to move horizontally relative to the base member
Implementation Method 2
the sliding plate upper surface may slide against the washer lower surface while the sliding plate lower surface remains fixed relative to an upper surface of the base member
Implementation Method 3
base isolation systems operate by converting kinetic energy associated with the shock of the earthquake into another form of energy, usually heat, which is then dissipated
Data Source
AI summary
A system for damping seismic motions transmitted from a foundation to an architectural structure is disclosed. The system may include a stacked formation of elements including a washer, a sliding plate, and a damping member. The sliding plate may be fixedly connected to a base member of the architectural structure. During seismic motions, the washer may slide over the top of the sliding plate and the damping member may elastically deform. Accordingly, movement of the base member may trail movement of the foundation, and the acceleration experienced by the architectural structure may be reduced. A method of installing such a seismic damping system is also disclosed.