Seismic Isolation Apparatus with Curved Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic isolation apparatuses face challenges in achieving a low friction coefficient and high surface hardness while maintaining effective seismic isolation, especially in small or medium-scale buildings, due to issues with overall height, cost, and complexity in construction and operation.

Innovation Solution

A seismic isolation apparatus with a low friction combination structure featuring a point contact between a planar hard base plate with convexly curved projections and a smooth, hard glide plate, utilizing lubricating oil or grease, and incorporating elastic plates and convex rings for enhanced performance and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact surface area is reduced to lower friction coefficient, then seismic isolation performance is improved, but surface hardness decreases and biting occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic isolation performanceVSAvoidsurface hardness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses convexly curved projections with a specific radius of curvature (30mm or more) on the contact surface. This curvature prevents biting between contact surfaces while maintaining low friction coefficient, resolving the contradiction between seismic isolation performance and surface hardness by eliminating the need for extreme surface hardening measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the contact surface by specifying a radius of curvature of 30mm or more for the convexly curved projections. This parameter change allows the contact surface to maintain low friction while preventing biting, thereby maintaining both seismic isolation performance and effective surface hardness without contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If air jack and slab lifting operations are implemented, then seismic isolation apparatus can be installed, but construction complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoidconstruction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex air jack and slab lifting operations from the construction process. By designing the seismic isolation apparatus to be installable through simpler methods, it removes the troublesome and costly extraction operations while maintaining the capability to install the apparatus between slabs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive and complex temporary lifting devices (air jacks) with simpler, more economical installation methods. This substitution reduces construction cost and complexity while achieving the same installation objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If slip bearing main body is inserted under concrete upper slab, then seismic isolation is achieved, but disposition is restricted to peripheral edge portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic isolationVSAvoiddisposition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the contact surface into multiple convexly curved projections distributed across the surface. This segmentation allows the seismic isolation apparatus to be disposed in various locations including interior positions, not just peripheral edges, while maintaining effective seismic isolation through the distributed contact points

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 solution allows for a compact, cost-effective seismic isolation system that effectively reduces friction, maintains surface hardness, and ensures long-term durability, enabling efficient seismic isolation with reduced construction complexity and increased space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing lubricating oil or grease

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9175490B2Seismic isolation apparatus and structure having seismic isolation apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 IDEAL BRAIN

AI summary

To provide a seismic isolation apparatus which, as well as widening an applicable shaking range, can be easily configured and is low in height, a seismic isolation apparatus is configured of a low friction combination formed by a point contact between a planar hard base plate, which has a surface on which are disposed at least three convexly curved projections of a uniform height, and a glide plate which is a smooth, hard, flat plate.