Vibration Damper for Prefabricated Warehouse Seismic Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prefabricated reinforced-concrete warehouses lack sufficient resistance to undulatory-type seismic events, with existing solutions either failing to prevent crossbeam movement or making the structure too rigid and heavy, risking collapse.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damper device that connects the axial ends of covering crossbeams to main beams, featuring a first and second rigid anchoring structure, an intermediate floating element, and deformable connecting members to dissipate seismic energy while allowing movement, thus maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring structures are used to prevent crossbeam movement, then structural stability is improved, but the structure becomes too rigid and heavy, exposing pillars to excessive mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a floating element that can move relative to the main beam, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic system. The floating element is constrained by guide structures to move only in specific directions, allowing the roof to adapt to seismic movements while maintaining controlled stability. This dynamic capability prevents excessive stress transmission to pillars during undulatory-type seismic events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing deformable connecting members with elastoplastic behavior. These members can deform under load, changing their stiffness characteristics dynamically. The guide structures also define specific movement parameters (directions and ranges) for the floating element, transforming the connection from rigid to semi-rigid with controlled degrees of freedom.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring structures are used to prevent crossbeam movement, then structural stability is improved, but the structure becomes heavier, risking collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element with guided movement replaces heavy rigid anchoring structures. By allowing controlled movement within guide-defined boundaries, the system achieves stability without requiring massive anchoring components. The guide structures themselves are relatively lightweight compared to rigid anchors, as they only need to constrain movement in specific directions rather than prevent all movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable connecting members with elastoplastic properties provide structural reinforcement without significant weight increase. These members can yield and deform under extreme loads, providing energy dissipation capability that reduces the need for overly robust (and heavy) anchoring structures. The system achieves enhanced stability through material behavior changes rather than mass increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If covering crossbeams are allowed to move freely, then structural flexibility is maintained, but crossbeams may slide off main beams during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The floating element serves as an intermediary between the covering crossbeam and the main beam. It provides a controlled interface that allows movement while preventing uncontrolled sliding. The guide structures act as mediators that constrain the floating element's movement to safe boundaries, ensuring the crossbeam remains properly positioned relative to the main beam even during seismic events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stabilizing function from the rigid anchoring system and places it in the guide structures and deformable connecting members, while leaving the floating element free to move. This separation allows the crossbeam to maintain flexibility for normal movements while the extracted stabilization mechanisms prevent dangerous sliding during seismic events.
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 vibration damper device effectively absorbs seismic energy, reducing the risk of roof collapse while maintaining a dynamic behavior similar to traditional roofs, and is cost-effective, outperforming previous solutions in energy dissipation capacity.
Implementation Method 1
deformable connecting members (5, 6) with elastoplastic behaviour, which are interposed between the anchoring structures (2, 3) and the intermediate floating element (4), and are structured so as to be able to deform in an elastoplastic manner during any movement of the intermediate floating element (4) with respect to the anchoring structures (2, 3)
Data Source
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AI summary
Vibration damper device (1) comprising: a first anchoring structure (2) adapted to be rigidly fixed on the main beam (103), at the axial end (104a) of the covering crossbeam (104); a second anchoring structure (3) adapted to be rigidly fixed on the covering crossbeam (104), at the axial end of the beam (104a); an intermediate floating element (4) which is separately coupled to the first (2) and to the second anchoring structure (3) so as to move freely with respect to the two anchoring structures (2, 3) back and forth along two horizontal directions (d1, d2), one parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the main beam (103) and the other parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the covering crossbeam (104); and two deformable connecting members (5, 6) having an elastoplastic behaviour and which are separately interposed between the intermediate floating element (4) and the two anchoring structures (3).