Telescoping Equipment Curb for Vibration and Seismic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curbs for rooftop equipment are unable to efficiently accommodate varying equipment footprints and sizes, lack vibration and noise isolation, and are not designed to withstand seismic forces or wind loads, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for multiple curbs or custom manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A modular equipment curb with telescoping panels forming adjustable frames that can be customized in length and width, incorporating a resilient mounting system for vibration isolation and seismic resistance, and adaptable to different roof slopes and contours, with integrated features for noise attenuation and weatherproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional curbs are used to support equipment, then the equipment weight can be supported, but vibration and noise cannot be isolated and seismic forces cannot be withstood
Solution Approach 1:
The curb is divided into multiple modular sections with telescoping panels that can be independently adjusted. Each panel can be configured to provide the required vibration isolation while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the system to achieve reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb incorporates adjustable and telescoping components that allow dynamic adaptation to different equipment configurations. This dynamic capability enables the curb to provide vibration isolation and seismic resistance while accommodating various equipment sizes and shapes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently sized curbs are inventoried to match equipment footprints, then proper matching is achieved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized curb design with telescoping and adjustable panels serves multiple equipment footprint requirements. The modular panels can be configured to match various equipment dimensions, eliminating the need to inventory multiple different curb sizes while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb employs adjustable panels that can be dynamically reconfigured to match different equipment footprints. This dynamic adjustability allows one curb design to replace multiple fixed-size curbs in inventory.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom manufacture of curbs is performed to accommodate specific equipment, then precise fit is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curb is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows rapid assembly to match specific equipment footprints without requiring custom manufacturing, thereby maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping and adjustable panels enable the curb to be quickly reconfigured for different equipment sizes through simple adjustments rather than custom manufacturing, achieving equipment-specific fit while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping panels are used to provide adjustability, then adaptability to various equipment sizes is achieved, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into telescoping panel sections that maintain rigidity through their modular construction. Each panel is designed to provide structural strength while allowing adjustment, achieving both adaptability and rigidity through the segmented design.
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 standardized, adaptable, and cost-effective mounting of rooftop equipment, providing a rigid and resilient system capable of withstanding seismic forces and wind loads while isolating vibrations and noise, and ensuring a weatherproof seal.
Implementation Method 1
The upper frame is mounted to the lower frame by a mounting system that provides a solid but resilient connection having spring members to provide isolation of the equipment mounted upon the upper frame from the structure to which the lower frame is mounted.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable equipment curb has upper and lower frames, each having opposed first and second length-adjustable sides and opposed length-adjustable first and second ends interconnectable to form a rigid frame and height-adjustable mounting legs. The lower frame may be used alone, or may support the upper frame through a shock mount system having mounts affixed to both the upper and lower frames and shock absorbing springs between the mounts. The frames may be formed of interconnecting channel members, and the lower frame channel members may be of a perforated construction that, in conjunction with applied sheathing, provides acoustic damping. Seismic brackets may be affixed to the either of the frames to provide resist seismic shock and developed moment resistance.