Stiffness-adjustable self-centering energy dissipation brace and method of using same

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of stiffness adjustable self-resetting energy dissipation support and use method, self-resetting energy dissipation support includes the outer sleeve for connecting external structure, the both ends of the outer sleeve are covered with first end plate and second end plate respectively;Inner sleeve is passed in the inside of the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve is fixed with the connecting plate for connecting external structure, the connecting plate is passed in the first end plate;First sliding plate, second sliding plate, first self-resetting cable, second self-resetting cable, support is detachably installed between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate;First opening is correspondingly set on the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate and pre-stress applicator is detachably installed, the present application replaces the ordinary tensioning mode of memory alloy cable by detachable pre-stress applicator, solves the technical problems that tensioning is difficult in prior art based on shape memory alloy and pre-tension loss is difficult to make up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of building construction, and in particular to a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional seismic resistance and isolation methods can effectively dissipate seismic energy and reduce peak structural deformation, but they cannot eliminate residual deformation after an earthquake, which is detrimental to subsequent repair and maintenance. Existing technologies combine supports or nodes with shape memory alloy wires or cables to form self-resetting devices. These devices can effectively reduce residual structural deformation and improve the structure's seismic resistance and safety. During an earthquake, the shape memory alloy wires or cables automatically stretch to dissipate seismic energy through a special shape memory effect, thereby reducing the peak structural deformation. As the earthquake ends, the shape memory alloy cables automatically return to their initial state, further reducing residual structural deformation. However, existing energy-dissipating self-resetting supports based on shape memory alloys have certain limitations. For example, existing shape memory alloy cables are difficult to tension, requiring specialized tensioning equipment, which not only increases construction difficulty but also poses safety hazards. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of shape memory alloys, the pretension force will be lost instantaneously when the tensioning equipment is unloaded, requiring a certain amount of over-tensioning. However, the over-tensioning force value is difficult to control. It is difficult to compensate for the loss of pretension force. Over time, the pretension force of the shape memory alloy will be lost, which will lead to a decrease in the performance of the support. Once the pretension force is lost, the support needs to be removed and tensioned again, which will increase maintenance costs and time, and will affect the normal use of the support. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of the existing technologies, this invention provides a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness and its application method, solving the technical problems of difficulty in tensioning and difficulty in compensating for preload loss in existing energy-dissipating self-resetting supports based on shape memory alloys.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness, comprising: an outer sleeve for connecting to an external structure, the two ends of which are respectively covered with a first end plate and a second end plate; an inner sleeve passing through the inner sleeve, the inner sleeve having a connecting plate fixed thereon for connecting to the external structure, the connecting plate passing through the first end plate; a first sliding plate slidably installed in the inner sleeve and close to the first end plate; and a second sliding plate slidably installed in the inner sleeve and close to the second end plate, wherein a first self-resetting cable passing through the first sliding plate is connected between the first end plate and the second sliding plate. A second self-resetting cable is connected between the two end plates and the first sliding plate, passing through the second sliding plate. When both the first and second self-resetting cables are tensioned, a support member is provided between the first and second sliding plates to keep the first and second self-resetting cables tensioned. The first and second self-resetting cables and the support member are all arranged parallel to the axial direction of the inner sleeve. A prestressing applicator is detachably installed between the first and second sliding plates. The outer sleeve and the inner sleeve have corresponding first openings for the prestressing applicator to extend into and move out.

[0005] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the prestressing applicator includes two load-bearing plates for supporting the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate respectively, and a telescopic member for adjusting the distance between the two load-bearing plates.

[0006] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the telescopic member includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross manner, the two ends of which are respectively hinged to the two load-bearing plates, and also includes a driving member for driving the two bi-links to rotate relative to each other to adjust the distance between the two load-bearing plates.

[0007] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the first end plate, the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are all provided with through holes, and the two ends of the first self-resetting cable are provided with threaded sections that can pass through the through holes. Fastening nuts for fixing the first self-resetting cable to the first end plate and the second sliding plate are screwed onto the threaded sections.

[0008] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the support member is provided with grooves at both ends, and the opposite surfaces of the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are respectively provided with tracks for the grooves to be engaged. The outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are respectively provided with second openings for the support member to extend into and move out. The second opening corresponds to the track and avoids the first opening.

[0009] A further improvement of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is that a limiting bolt is fixed on the track to restrict the sliding of the support.

[0010] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the external structure is a plate-shaped structure, and the outer peripheral wall of the outer sleeve is fixed with clamping structures on opposite sides. The clamping structures extend out of the outer sleeve along the axial direction of the outer sleeve, and a clamping channel for clamping the external structure is formed in the extended portion.

[0011] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for using a stiffness-adjustable self-resetting energy-dissipating support, comprising the following steps: providing a stiffness-adjustable self-resetting energy-dissipating support as described above; connecting an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve to an external structure respectively; applying stress to a first sliding plate and a second sliding plate through a prestressing applicator to tighten the first self-resetting cable and the second self-resetting cable; supporting the support member between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, then unloading the prestressing applicator and removing the prestressing applicator from the first opening.

[0012] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the prestressing applicator includes two load-bearing plates for supporting the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate respectively, and a telescopic member; when stress is applied to the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate by the prestressing applicator, the distance between the two load-bearing plates is increased by extending the telescopic member.

[0013] The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention is further improved in that the telescopic member includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross manner, and the two ends of the bi-links are respectively hinged to the two load-bearing plates; when the distance between the two load-bearing plates is adjusted by the telescopic member, the two bi-links are adjusted to rotate relative to each other by the driving member, thereby increasing the distance between the two load-bearing plates.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are positive and significant. This invention replaces the conventional tensioning method for shape memory alloy cables with a detachable prestressing applicator, solving the technical problems of difficulty in tensioning energy-consuming self-resetting supports based on shape memory alloys and the difficulty in compensating for prestress loss in existing technologies. This invention allows tensioning to be completed with an electric wrench, making construction more convenient and flexible. Furthermore, the embedded prestressing applicator can be used to compensate for prestress loss, making maintenance simpler and faster. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 The three-dimensional self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 2 The three-dimensional self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the middle BB line.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the CC line.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the DD line.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the first self-resetting cable of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the support component of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the prestressing applicator for the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first sliding plate of the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: connecting plate (1), first end plate (2), outer sleeve (3), L-shaped connecting plate (4), second end plate (5), first self-resetting cable (6), threaded section (61), fastening nut (62), support member (7), prestressing applicator (8), bearing plate (81), inner arm (82), outer arm (83), force-applying screw (84), rotating end (85), inner sleeve (9), flange (91), first sliding plate (10), bayonet (101), flange (102), limiting hole (103), through hole (104), limiting bolt (11), second self-resetting cable (12), second sliding plate (13) Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The preload of existing shape memory alloy-based energy-dissipating self-resetting supports is difficult to adjust. Because the preload of shape memory alloys cannot be flexibly adjusted according to specific conditions, standardized production is difficult, and the inability to adjust the preload according to actual needs limits their application range. Furthermore, replacing existing shape memory alloy-based energy-dissipating self-resetting supports after earthquakes is difficult. After disasters such as earthquakes, typically only the shape memory alloy cables are damaged, but the entire support needs to be replaced, increasing maintenance costs and complexity.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness, which can solve the above problems. It includes: an outer sleeve 3 for connecting an external structure, wherein a first end plate 2 and a second end plate 5 are respectively covered at both ends of the outer sleeve 3.

[0033] An inner sleeve 9 is inserted inside the outer sleeve 3. A connecting plate 1 for connecting to an external structure is fixed to the inner sleeve 9. The connecting plate 1 is inserted into the first end plate 2.

[0034] A first sliding plate 10 is slidably installed inside the inner sleeve 9 and near the first end plate 2, and a second sliding plate 13 is slidably installed inside the inner sleeve 9 and near the second end plate 5. A first self-resetting cable 6 is connected between the first end plate 2 and the second sliding plate 13 and passes through the first sliding plate 10. A second self-resetting cable 12 is connected between the second end plate 5 and the first sliding plate 10 and passes through the second sliding plate 13. When both the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 are tightened, a support member 7 is provided between the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 to keep the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 in a tightened state. The first self-resetting cable 6, the second self-resetting cable 12 and the support member 7 are all arranged parallel to the axial direction of the inner sleeve 9.

[0035] A prestressing applicator 8 is detachably installed between the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13. The outer sleeve 3 and the inner sleeve 9 have corresponding first openings for the prestressing applicator 8 to extend into and retract from each other. Existing support pretension is difficult to adjust flexibly according to specific circumstances, while the support of this invention allows for adjustment of the pretension according to actual conditions, improving the adaptability and flexibility of the support. The support of this invention allows for replacement of the shape memory alloy cable without disassembling the support, and can be re-tensioned to the correct position, enabling quick and economical post-disaster support repair.

[0036] Specifically, both the outer sleeve 3 and the inner sleeve 9 are cuboid in shape. The inner sleeve 9 and the outer sleeve 3 are nested together, with their centers aligned and their two ends flush, leaving a certain gap in the middle, forming a centrally symmetrical arrangement. The first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate are provided with a locking slot 101. The inner wall of the inner sleeve 9 has a flange 91 that mates with the locking slot 101 along its axial length. During installation, the locking slot 101 engages with the flange 91 and slides in, positioning it at the center of the inner sleeve 9. The first end plate 2 has a strip-shaped hole for the connecting plate 1 to pass through. The connecting plate 1 extends into the inner sleeve 9 and is welded to the inner wall of the inner sleeve 9. The first end plate 2 and the second end plate 5 are not fixed to the inner sleeve 9 and the outer sleeve 3, but are only placed on the end of the outer sleeve 3. The first end plate 2 and the second end plate 5 are pulled tight by the tension of the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 and pressed against the end of the outer sleeve 3. After the prestressing applicator 8 has applied the force, it can be removed again from the first opening where it was originally inserted. After the prestressing force has been applied, the support of this invention can be used for normal load bearing, energy dissipation, and self-resetting.

[0037] Preferably, the prestressing applicator 8 includes two load-bearing plates 81 respectively supported on the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13, and a telescopic component for adjusting the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81. The telescopic component can be a jack, hydraulic telescopic rod, or electric telescopic component, etc., to adjust the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81 as needed. This increases the contact area between the load-bearing plates 81 and the first and second sliding plates 10, making the first and second sliding plates 10 and 13 less prone to damage due to increased prestress.

[0038] Preferably, the telescopic member includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross configuration. The two ends of each bi-link are hinged to two load-bearing plates 81. It also includes a driving member for driving the two bi-links to rotate relative to each other to adjust the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81. In this embodiment, the bi-links are arranged opposite each other. The driving member is a force-applying screw 84 screwed between the two bi-links for adjusting the distance between the two sets of bi-links. One end of the force-applying screw 84 has a rotating end 85. Specifically, the two-link system includes an outer arm 83, an inner arm 82, and a hinge shaft connected to the outer arm 83. One end of the outer arm 83 has two ear plates through which the hinge shaft passes, and the other end is connected to the bearing plate 81. One end of the inner arm 82 has two ear plates through which the hinge shaft passes, and the other end is connected to the bearing plate 81. The two ear plates of the inner arm 82 are located between the two ear plates of the outer arm 83. The hinge shaft passes through four ear plates to achieve shaft connection. Bolt holes are provided on the hinge shaft. The force-applying screw 84 is screwed into the bolt holes of the two sets of two-link systems. By rotating the force-applying screw 84, the distance between the two two-link systems can be adjusted. After the distance between the two two-link systems changes, the distance between the two bearing plates 81 changes. The rotating end 85 is hexagonal in shape, and a hexagonal inner groove is also provided inside the rotating end 85 to facilitate the connection of the electric wrench to apply force. After the prestressing agent 8 applies prestress, the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 will also apply a reaction force to the prestressing agent 8. A certain degree of pressure can ensure that the prestressing agent 8 can be fixed, so that it will not fall off during support installation or transportation.

[0039] Preferably, the first end plate 2, the first sliding plate 10, and the second sliding plate 13 are all provided with through holes. The two ends of the first self-resetting cable 6 are provided with threaded sections 61 that can pass through the through holes. Fastening nuts 62 for fixing the first self-resetting cable 6 to the first end plate 2 and the second sliding plate 13 are screwed onto the threaded sections 61. The two ends of the second self-resetting cable 12 are also provided with threaded sections 61, and fastening nuts 62 are screwed onto the threaded sections 61. After installation, the first end plate 2, the second end plate 5, the first sliding plate 10, and the second sliding plate 13 are all located at the positions of the threaded sections 61, so that the fastening nuts 62 can be screwed on and fixed. The self-resetting cable is made of shape memory alloy material. Through a special shape memory effect, it automatically stretches to dissipate seismic energy, thereby reducing the peak deformation of the structure. As the earthquake ends, the shape memory alloy cable automatically returns to its initial state, thereby reducing the residual deformation of the structure. This invention can be used in conjunction with an energy dissipation device, and the shape memory alloy material can also be replaced with steel strand. In this embodiment, there are four first self-resetting cables 6 and four second self-resetting cables 12. The first end plate 2, the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are respectively provided with through holes 104 for the first self-resetting cables 6 to pass through. The second end plate 5, the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are respectively provided with through holes 104 for the second self-resetting cables 12 to pass through. The through holes 104 on the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are diagonally distributed.

[0040] Preferably, the support member 7 is strip-shaped, and its two ends are provided with grooves. The opposing surfaces of the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are respectively provided with tracks 102 for the grooves to engage. The outer sleeve 3 and the inner sleeve 9 are respectively provided with second openings for the support member 7 to extend into and exit from. These second openings correspond to the tracks 102 and avoid the first openings. There is one first opening and two second openings, both located on the opposite side of the first openings on the inner sleeve 9 and the outer sleeve 3. During installation, the support member 7 engages the grooves with the tracks 102 from the second openings and slides along the length of the tracks 102 to the desired installation position. The support member 7 supports the first sliding plates 10 and the second sliding plates 13 on both sides to maintain the preload. Furthermore, the support member 7 is provided with multiple stiffening ribs spaced axially to increase strength.

[0041] Preferably, the track 102 has a limiting hole 103, and the limiting holes 103 on the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are fitted with limiting bolts 11 to restrict the sliding of the support member 7. In this embodiment, there are four support members 7. The first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are each provided with two tracks 102, and two support members 7 are installed on each track 102. Each track 102 has two limiting holes 103. The limiting bolts 11 pass through the limiting holes 103 and are fixed by screwing nuts. The limiting bolts 11 can limit the installation position of the support member 7, so that the four support members 7 are arranged symmetrically as much as possible, thereby making the supporting force of the support members 7 more evenly distributed and extending the service life of the overall mechanism.

[0042] Preferably, the external structure is a plate-like structure. Clamping structures are fixed to opposite sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer sleeve 3. These clamping structures extend axially outward from the outer sleeve 3 and form clamping channels for clamping the external structure in their extended portions. Specifically, a set of L-shaped connecting plates 4 extending outward along the axial direction of the outer sleeve 3 are fixed to opposite sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer sleeve 3. Each set of L-shaped connecting plates 4 consists of two plates, with a gap between them. The two gaps between the two sets of L-shaped connecting plates 4 form a channel for clamping the external structure. In this embodiment, the L-shaped connecting plates 4 are angle steel, fixed to opposite sides of the outer sleeve 3. The angle steel is welded to the outer sleeve 3.

[0043] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for using a stiffness-adjustable self-resetting energy-dissipating support, comprising the following steps: providing a stiffness-adjustable self-resetting energy-dissipating support as described above; connecting the outer sleeve 3 and the inner sleeve 9 to the external structure respectively; applying stress to the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 by a prestressing applicator 8, such that the distance between the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 is greater than the length of the support member 7, and then placing the support member 7 between the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13, with the first self-resetting cable 6 tightened between the first end plate 2 and the second sliding plate 13, and the second self-resetting cable 12 tightened between the second end plate 5 and the first sliding plate 10, thereby tightening the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12; supporting the support member 7 between the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 12, and then unloading the prestressing applicator 8 and removing the prestressing applicator 8 from the first opening.

[0044] Preferably, the prestressing applicator 8 includes two load-bearing plates 81 that are respectively supported on the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13, and a telescopic member; when stress is applied to the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 by the prestressing applicator 8, the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81 is increased by extending the telescopic member.

[0045] Preferably, the telescopic member includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross manner, with the two ends of the bi-links respectively hinged to the two load-bearing plates 81; when adjusting the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81 through the telescopic member, the two bi-links are adjusted to rotate relative to each other by the driving member, thereby increasing the distance between the two load-bearing plates 81.

[0046] When installing this device, taking the support installation using four first self-resetting cables 6 and four second self-resetting cables 12 as an example, firstly, the inner sleeve 9 needs to be inserted into the outer sleeve 3, which can be done vertically or by raising it horizontally; then, fix the ends of the first self-resetting cables 6 and the second self-resetting cables 12 connected to the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13, and complete the installation of the end fastening nut 62. Thus, the first self-resetting cables 6 and the second self-resetting cables 12 will be temporarily connected in series with the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13; then, push the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13, which have the first self-resetting cables 6 and the second self-resetting cables 12, into the predetermined positions along the flange 91 of the inner sleeve 9; then insert the ends of the first self-resetting cables 6 and the second self-resetting cables 12 into the inner sleeve 9 respectively. Insert the first end plate 2 and the second end plate 5, and then use the fastening nut 62 to fix the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 on the end plate side; through the first opening on one side of the inner sleeve 9 and the outer sleeve 3, insert the prestressing applicator 8, and fit it against the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 on both sides, and apply an initial pre-tension force to fix it; before the support is actually assembled to the application scenario, the prestressing applicator 8 can be used to apply a pre-tension force to the support and adjust its stiffness, and after the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 are spread open to a distance slightly larger than the predetermined distance, insert two batches of a total of four support members 7 in sequence, and use the limiting bolt 11 to limit the support members 7; then, loosen the prestressing applicator 8, so that the support members 7 can bear the squeezing force of the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 on both sides, remove the prestressing applicator 8, and the installation is now complete.

[0047] The deformation process of this device is illustrated using an example of support with four first self-resetting cables 6 and four second self-resetting cables 12. Assuming the L-shaped connecting plate 4 of the outer sleeve 3 is fixed to the external structure, when the connecting plate 1 is subjected to tension, it first needs to counteract the previously applied pre-tension. Subsequently, due to its welded connection with the inner sleeve 9, it also drives the inner sleeve 9 to move outward, thereby pushing the first end plate 2 outward. The first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 form a whole under the support of the support member 7, with both ends subjected to the tension of two sets of first self-resetting cables 6 and second self-resetting cables 12 respectively. When the first end plate 2 moves outward, the first self-resetting cable 6 is stretched outward by the action of the first end plate 2. Since the first sliding plate 10 and the second sliding plate 13 in the middle form an integral part with the support member 7, the fixed end at the other end is at the second self-resetting cable 12 and the second end plate 5. Thus, both the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 begin to elongate and deform, providing load-bearing capacity and energy dissipation. After unloading, they return to their initial state based on the material properties and preload of the cables themselves. When the connecting plate 1 is under pressure, it is similar to being under tension, except that the connecting plate 1 drives the inner sleeve 9 to move in another direction. The inner sleeve 9 pushes the second end plate 5 outward. At this time, the first self-resetting cable 6 and the second self-resetting cable 12 will produce the same tensile deformation, providing load-bearing capacity. Their behavior after unloading is also consistent with their behavior after unloading in the tensile state.

[0048] This invention proposes a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable prestress. Tensioning is achieved via an electric wrench using a prestressing applicator, followed by prestress maintenance by the support structure. The prestressing applicator can be removed, allowing for on-site adjustment of the prestress based on actual conditions. Since this type of support is intended to function throughout the building's entire lifespan, prestress loss can be assessed periodically and compensated using the prestressing applicator. After an earthquake, the prestress can be safely released using the prestressing applicator, enabling replacement of the shape memory alloy cables and re-tensioning without dismantling the support. This device effectively controls the seismic response of structures, significantly reducing peak response and residual deformation, thus minimizing structural damage. It is easy to construct and highly safe, employing an embedded prestressing applicator that eliminates the need for specialized tensioning equipment, reducing construction difficulty and safety hazards. The device allows for on-site adjustment of the prestressing force based on actual conditions, offering greater flexibility. Furthermore, prestress loss is easily compensated for; it can be checked annually and recompensated using the embedded prestressing applicator, reducing maintenance costs and time while ensuring the continued usability of the supports. It is also easy to replace after earthquakes; after disasters such as earthquakes, the shape memory alloy cables can be replaced without removing the supports, and the cables can be re-tensioned, enabling quick and economical post-disaster support repair. This invention effectively controls structural seismic response; is easy to construct; offers high safety; provides adjustable prestressing force; easily compensates for prestress loss; is easy to replace after earthquakes; has low maintenance costs and strong adaptability; and enables quick and economical post-disaster support repair.

[0049] This invention replaces the conventional tensioning method for shape memory alloy cables with a detachable prestressing applicator, solving the technical problems of difficult tensioning and incompensation for prestress loss in existing energy-consuming self-resetting supports based on shape memory alloys. This invention allows tensioning to be completed with an electric wrench, making construction more convenient and flexible. Furthermore, the embedded prestressing applicator can compensate for prestress loss, making maintenance simpler and faster.

[0050] All parts not described in this invention are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness, characterized in that, include: An outer sleeve for connecting to an external structure, wherein a first end plate and a second end plate are respectively provided at both ends of the outer sleeve; An inner sleeve is inserted inside the outer sleeve, and a connecting plate for connecting to an external structure is fixed to the inner sleeve. The connecting plate is inserted through the first end plate. A first sliding plate is slidably installed inside the inner sleeve and close to the first end plate, and a second sliding plate is slidably installed inside the inner sleeve and close to the second end plate. A first self-resetting cable is connected between the first end plate and the second sliding plate and passes through the first sliding plate, and a second self-resetting cable is connected between the second end plate and the first sliding plate and passes through the second sliding plate. When both the first self-resetting cable and the second self-resetting cable are tightened, a support member is provided between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate to keep the first self-resetting cable and the second self-resetting cable in a tightened state. The first self-resetting cable, the second self-resetting cable and the support member are all arranged parallel to the axial direction of the inner sleeve. A prestressing applicator is detachably installed between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, and the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are respectively provided with first openings for the prestressing applicator to extend into and move out; The prestressing applicator includes two load-bearing plates that are respectively supported on the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, and a telescopic member for adjusting the distance between the two load-bearing plates; The telescopic component includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross manner. The two ends of the bi-links are respectively hinged to the two load-bearing plates. It also includes a driving component for driving the two bi-links to rotate relative to each other to adjust the distance between the two load-bearing plates. The support member has grooves at both ends, and the opposite surfaces of the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are respectively provided with tracks for the grooves to be engaged. The outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are respectively provided with second openings for the support member to extend into and move out. The second openings correspond to the tracks and avoid the first openings.

2. The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end plate, the first sliding plate, and the second sliding plate are all provided with through holes. The two ends of the first self-resetting cable are provided with threaded sections that can pass through the through holes. Fastening nuts for fixing the first self-resetting cable to the first end plate and the second sliding plate are screwed onto the threaded sections.

3. The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track is fixed with limiting bolts to restrict the sliding of the support.

4. The self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external structure is a plate-like structure. Clamping structures are fixed on opposite sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer sleeve. The clamping structures extend out of the outer sleeve along the axial direction of the outer sleeve and form clamping channels for clamping the external structure in the extended portion.

5. A method for using a self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Provide a stiffness-adjustable self-resetting energy-dissipating support as described in claim 1; The outer sleeve and inner sleeve are respectively connected to the external structure; Stress is applied to the first and second sliding plates by a prestressing applicator, thereby tightening the first and second self-resetting cables. The support member is placed between the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, then the prestressing applicator is unloaded and removed from the first opening.

6. The method of using the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to claim 5, characterized in that, The prestressing applicator includes two load-bearing plates that are respectively supported on the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate, and a telescopic component; When stress is applied to the first and second sliding plates by the prestressing applicator, the distance between the two load-bearing plates is increased by extending the telescopic member.

7. The method of using the self-resetting energy-dissipating support with adjustable stiffness according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic component includes two bi-links that are rotatably connected in a cross manner, with the two ends of the bi-links respectively hinged to the two load-bearing plates; When adjusting the distance between the two load-bearing plates using the telescopic component, the two connecting rods are rotated relative to each other using the driving component, thereby increasing the distance between the two load-bearing plates.

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