Real life engineering problem-vibrations

  • Thread starter Thread starter DyslexicHobo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Engineering Life
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around addressing vibration issues caused by an arcade machine in a LAN center, specifically focusing on potential solutions to mitigate vibrations affecting nearby PCs. Participants explore various methods and materials to dampen vibrations, considering practical constraints such as height and cost.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using small-block Chev valve springs between the machine's legs and the floor, though they express concern about the stiffness of the springs.
  • Another proposes using a platform on a waterbed mattress or a specialized mattress designed to absorb vibrations, referencing advertisements that demonstrate their effectiveness.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need to stiffen the floor structure from below, recommending the addition of sister joists or temporary support posts to reduce movement.
  • Participants discuss the effectiveness of high-density gymnastics foam placed under the machine, noting it feels springy and may not fully address the vibration issue.
  • There is a question about the comparative effectiveness of using high-tension springs versus lower tension springs sandwiched between boards, with uncertainty about their impact on tilt and vibration absorption.
  • One participant considers using rubber mats as an alternative to springs, seeking a solution that maintains the players' experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various opinions on potential solutions, with no consensus reached on the best approach to mitigate vibrations. Different methods are proposed, but the effectiveness of each remains uncertain.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations such as the unknown weight of the arcade machine and the force applied during gameplay. The discussion also reflects varying levels of access to the basement for structural modifications.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals facing similar vibration issues in gaming or recreational environments, as well as those involved in structural engineering or materials science.

DyslexicHobo
Messages
249
Reaction score
0
I work at a LAN center, and we recently got an In The Groove arcade machine. (http://www.freewebs.com/bhsddr/In%20The%20Groove%202%20dedicated%20cabinet.jpg" )

It's great, but the only problem is that there is a basement underneath us, and the building is fairly old. When people play on it, the vibrations from them stomping on the pads shakes everything in about an 8' radius. This is causing some of the PCs to be nearly unplayable.

What would be a cheap and effective way to stop the vibrations, if any? Also, if we were to put something under the pads to stop vibrations, it'd be best if it were under ~6" high.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
I don't know what that machine weighs, or how much force is applied by the stomping. You could try putting small-block Chev valve springs between the legs and the feet, but they might be too stiff.
 
How about a platform on a waterbed mattress on the floor? Alternately, one of those matresses that advertises on TV showing a glass of wine not tipping over while a bowling ball is bounced right next to it?
 
berkeman said:
How about a platform on a waterbed mattress on the floor? Alternately, one of those matresses that advertises on TV showing a glass of wine not tipping over while a bowling ball is bounced right next to it?

I always wondered who would watch those!
 
Danger said:
I don't know what that machine weighs, or how much force is applied by the stomping. You could try putting small-block Chev valve springs between the legs and the feet, but they might be too stiff.
Even though they may be stiff, you are still adding compliance on top of the floor which is already moving, which is something the OP doesn't want. The thing to do is to somehow stiffen the floor structure from below in the basement. Do you have access to the floor joists from below? I would sister some extra floor joists to the existing ones in the area. You may also have to look at a temporary support post or two under the floor as well. They are pretty cheap and you can get them at a Home Dept or the like.

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/framecarp/supplement/floor/joist1/sister.htm
http://www.ashireporter.org/photos/get_tiny_photo.aspx?s=580&p=2006_02/alcan.gif
 
Last edited:
FredGarvin said:
Even though they may be stiff, you are still adding compliance on top of the floor which is already moving, which is something the OP doesn't want. The thing to do is to somehow stiffen the floor structure from below in the basement. Do you have access to the floor joists from below? I would sister some extra floor joists to the existing ones in the area. You may also have to look at a temporary support post or two under the floor as well. They are pretty cheap and you can get them at a Home Dept or the like.

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/framecarp/supplement/floor/joist1/sister.htm
http://www.ashireporter.org/photos/get_tiny_photo.aspx?s=580&p=2006_02/alcan.gif

Wow that's a really interesting idea. I think we might be able to get access to the basement. No one really uses it; it's just filled with cobwebs and dust. I'll definitely bring that up to my boss. I don't really think he'll want to do something that expensive or tasking, but it may be good if nothing else works.

Right now we decided to put some high-density gymnastics foam under it, but the only problem now is that it feels very springy. Some people who play on it complain a little, but it isn't quite unplayable.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Also- a question about the spring idea. Would it make any difference if we got 4-8 high-tension springs and put one under each foot, or if we took many lower tension springs and sandwiched them between two boards?

It seems like they would do the exact same thing, but I wasn't sure if they would both tilt the same amount or not. Also, instead of springs I was thinking that rubber would be a better solution.

Code: 
############
OOOOOOOOOOOO
# = plywood
O = rubber mat

Would this work well? We're trying to make it as cheap as possible while making it feel to the players as nothing is different (we have some very picky people who are very skilled at this game, and they will only settle for the best!).

Thanks! :D

Edit: Oh yeah, the pads weigh about 75lbs each, so 150lbs total (just a guesstimation from when I helped lift them) that will be supported without taking into consideration the weight of the person(s) playing.
 

Similar threads

PF Fan Fiction: Mathematicians in Love
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K