Seismic Isolation Structure With SMA Re-Centering and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic isolation devices for protecting valuable objects are complex, costly, and prone to abrupt stops during vibrations, which can cause damage to the objects they are intended to safeguard.
Innovation Solution
The integration of non-linear elastic deformation materials, such as metallic shape memory alloys, into a single elastically yielding element that combines damping and re-centering functions, simplifying construction and assembly while preventing abrupt stops and ensuring the structural integrity of supported objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seismic isolation devices are used, then protection function is provided, but construction complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (damping elements, elastic elements, guiding elements) into an integrated isolation device that provides both damping and elastic support functions through a unified structure, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: damping seismic energy, providing elastic support, guiding motion, and protecting valuable objects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall construction
2Reliability
If traditional seismic isolation devices are used, then protection function is provided, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping elements are designed to dissipate seismic energy through their inherent material properties and structural configuration, eliminating the need for external power sources or active control systems. This self-service mechanism reduces maintenance requirements and operational costs
3Reliability
If traditional isolation devices are used, then seismic protection is provided, but abrupt stops occur during vibrations causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping elements that are pre-configured to dissipate seismic energy and reduce vibrations before they can cause harmful abrupt stops. The damping mechanism is designed to gradually attenuate vibrations, providing cushioning protection against sudden movements that could damage valuable objects
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements utilize material properties and structural parameters that are optimized to transform high-frequency violent vibrations into lower-frequency, lower-amplitude movements. This parameter transformation smooths out abrupt stops and prevents damage to isolated objects
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
This solution reduces production and maintenance costs, provides effective energy dissipation, and ensures a gradual movement of the upper plate, thereby enhancing the safety and integrity of valuable objects during seismic events.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically yielding element made of non-linear elastic (or superelastic) deformation material
Implementation Method 2
non-linear elastic (or superelastic) deformation material
Implementation Method 3
a viscous damping material arranged between the lower plate and the upper plate
Implementation Method 4
the non-linear elastic deformation material includes a shape memory alloy wire
Implementation Method 5
non-linear elastic (or superelastic) deformation material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An isolation device (1; 50; 100; 150; 200) for absorbing seismic waves suffered by a reference surface comprising a lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) suitable to be firmly constrained through anchoring means (3) to a reference surface, an upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202), separated from the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) and suitable to support an object to be isolated and/or protected, linear guide means (5; 103; 153), interposed between the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) and the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) which are firmly coupled with, suitable to make the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202), when a vibration acts on the reference surface, sliding with respect to the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) along two longitudinal directions (X, Y) orthogonal each other from an initial position, in which the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) is vertically aligned with respect to the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201), to a plurality of temporary positions, in which the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) is vertically decentralized with respect to the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201), absorbing means (6) of the vibration, interposed between the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) and the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) and operatively connected with the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202), suitable to impart a resistance force against the sliding of the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) along said longitudinal directions (X, Y) in order to dissipate the energy generated by the vibration on the reference surface and elastic re-centering means (7), interposed between the lower plate (2; 51; 101; 151; 201) and the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) and operatively connected with the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202), suitable to bring the upper plate (4; 52; 102; 152; 202) back from any of the temporary positions to the initial position after the vibration has been occurred on the reference surface. In particular, the absorbing means (6) of the vibration and the elastic re-centering means (7) are grouped in a same elastically yielding element (8; 57; 154; 207) made of non-linear elastic deformation material and present in one or more exemplars.