Storage Rack Vibration Isolators for Seismic Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial and industrial storage rack systems are vulnerable to damage and item displacement during seismic events due to their inability to effectively absorb and dissipate seismic forces, leading to potential damage and product loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of storage rack vibration isolators, which consist of a first mounting plate connected to the storage rack system, a second mounting plate connected to the floor, and an elastomeric component extending between them, allowing movement in parallel planes to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, thereby reducing the natural frequency of the storage rack system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If storage rack systems are installed on a solid floor to provide stable support, then structural stability is improved, but vulnerability to seismic forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolators as an intermediary component between the storage rack system and the solid floor. These isolators comprise elastomeric elements that mediate the interaction during seismic events, allowing the rack to remain stable while isolating it from harmful seismic vibrations and forces transmitted through the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the connection between the storage rack and floor by using elastomeric materials with specific damping characteristics. The isolators change the stiffness and damping parameters of the system, transforming it from a rigid connection to a controlled flexible connection that can dissipate seismic energy while maintaining structural stability.
2Strength
If rigid connections are used between storage rack components and floor to maximize load-bearing capacity, then strength is improved, but energy dissipation during earthquakes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing elastomeric isolators with optimized stiffness and damping properties. These isolators maintain sufficient strength to support static loads while providing the necessary flexibility and energy dissipation capabilities for dynamic seismic events, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolators utilize composite structures combining elastomeric materials with metallic components. This composite approach allows the system to exhibit both the strength needed for load-bearing and the energy dissipation characteristics required for seismic protection, merging the advantages of different material properties.
3Speed
If natural frequency of storage rack system is high to ensure rapid response, then operational efficiency is improved, but susceptibility to resonant vibrations during earthquakes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the natural frequency parameter of the storage rack system by introducing vibration isolators that lower the system's natural frequency. This parameter change reduces the likelihood of resonant vibrations during seismic events, improving reliability without significantly compromising operational response time.
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 storage rack vibration isolators significantly reduce the impact of seismic forces on storage rack systems, minimizing damage and preventing items from falling by lowering the natural frequency and enhancing energy dissipation during earthquakes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric component extending between and operatively attached to said first and second mounting plates... capable of absorbing and dissipating the energy of ground movement imparted to the storage rack system during seismic events so as to lower the natural frequency of the storage rack system
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric member could also be made from material that has a damping loss factor greater than about 0.1
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack vibration isolator for a storage rack system installed on a floor comprising a first mounting plate connectable to the storage rack system, a second mounting plate connectable to the floor. An elastomeric component extending between these mounting plates and is operatively attached to them so that during seismic events the first and second mounting plates remain attached to the elastomeric component as the elastomeric component is placed in shear while the first and second mounting plates are able to move in planes substantially parallel to each other. The elastomeric component comprises at least one elastomeric member made of material that is capable of absorbing and dissipating the energy of ground movement imparted to the storage rack system during seismic events, while the material enables the storage rack system to move a sufficient distance relative to the floor to lower the natural frequency of the storage rack system in at least one horizontal direction.