A self-resetting damper made of SMA energy-dissipating rod and a building structure
By using SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting dampers, the problem of large residual deformation of dampers is solved by utilizing the superelasticity and damping characteristics of shape memory alloys, thus realizing the rapid restoration of the normal use function of the building structure.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XI'AN UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images

Figure CN224431699U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vibration reduction technology for prefabricated building structures, specifically to an SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper and the main body of the building. Background Technology
[0002] Earthquakes and hurricanes bring immense disasters to society. In today's technologically advanced world, humanity utilizes science and technology to mitigate these natural calamities. Initially, in the seismic and wind resistance of building structures, increasing the cross-sections of structural members and the amount of building materials used was a way to improve structural resistance. While this approach has shown some effectiveness in wind resistance, simply increasing the cross-sections and the amount of building materials, while enhancing the strength of the members, also amplifies the forces exerted on the structure by earthquakes. More importantly, it significantly reduces the usable floor area of the building and impacts the building's facade. Therefore, engineers have introduced dampers into building structures to resist structural damage caused by earthquakes and wind vibrations.
[0003] Dampers, when introduced into building structures, can increase the damping ratio, thereby suppressing structural vibrations. Properly placed dampers act as the first line of defense against earthquakes, absorbing energy and protecting the main structure when subjected to external forces. Dampers (such as metal dampers, friction dampers, and viscoelastic dampers) primarily dissipate vibrational energy through their own and relative deformation. After an earthquake, they can be repaired or replaced to restore the structure's normal function. However, residual deformation in the dampers after the external load has dissipated can significantly hinder replacement, or even prevent replacement altogether. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper, which can dissipate structural energy under earthquake and wind loads, and can restore the initial state or have small residual deformation after the earthquake, which will greatly reduce the difficulty of post-earthquake repair work and enable the building structure to be quickly restored to normal use.
[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] A self-resetting damper for SMA energy-dissipating rods includes an outer cylinder, an inner rod, and an energy-dissipating component;
[0007] The outer cylinder has a coaxial inner rod hole inside, and the two ends of the inner rod hole have limit steps. One end of the outer cylinder is a fixed end for connecting to the main structure.
[0008] The inner rod is installed in the inner rod hole, with one end of the inner rod being a fixed end and the other end being a sliding end;
[0009] A sliding space is formed between the sliding end of the inner rod and the fixed end of the outer cylinder. Support steps are provided at both ends of the inner rod, and the fixed end of the inner rod is used to connect to the left end connector.
[0010] The energy-consuming components include SMA energy-consuming rods and pads;
[0011] Two pads are respectively fitted onto the supporting steps at both ends of the inner rod. The two ends of the SMA energy-consuming rod are connected to the pads respectively. The inner end face of the pad abuts against the supporting step and the limiting step. The inner end face is the end face of the two pads facing each other.
[0012] Preferably, there are multiple SMA energy-dissipating rods, which are arranged around the circumference of the inner rod, and the ends of the SMA energy-dissipating rods are connected to the pads by pre-tightening nuts.
[0013] Preferably, there are multiple SMA energy-dissipating rods.
[0014] Preferably, the SMA energy-consuming bar has threaded sections at both ends, and the threaded sections pass through the pad and are connected to the preload nut.
[0015] Preferably, the inner rod has coaxial stepped shafts at both ends, and the stepped surface at the connection between the stepped shaft and the inner rod is a supporting step.
[0016] Preferably, the fixed end of the outer cylinder is provided with a connector, and the sliding space is located between the connector and the end of the inner rod.
[0017] Preferably, the fixed end of the inner rod is provided with a connector; the connector is detachably connected to the outer cylinder and the inner rod.
[0018] Preferably, the connector includes an end plate, one side of which is provided with an ear plate and a connecting hole, and the other end of the end plate is connected to the outer cylinder or the inner rod.
[0019] A building structure, wherein the vibration damping nodes of the building structure are equipped with the aforementioned MA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0021] This invention provides a self-resetting damper made of SMA (Superelastic Abrasive Material) energy-dissipating rod. SMA material possesses both superelasticity and damping properties. Its superelasticity allows it to maintain good elasticity even under significant deformation under load, and it can return to its initial state or exhibit only minor residual deformation after the load is removed. Its damping properties demonstrate its excellent energy dissipation capacity. Therefore, a damper made of SMA material achieves both energy dissipation and self-resetting characteristics. When installed in a building structure, it can absorb seismic energy during an earthquake, reducing seismic damage and allowing the structure to quickly return to its initial state, ensuring its normal functionality.
[0022] Furthermore, by adjusting the initial tension of the SMA bar through a pre-tightening device, the energy dissipation efficiency is further enhanced, and the parameters can be flexibly adjusted according to actual engineering needs to improve the applicability of the damper.
[0023] Furthermore, the detachable connectors between the outer steel cylinder and the inner rod simplify the installation and maintenance process, making the replacement or upgrading of energy-consuming components more convenient and reducing operation and maintenance costs. At the same time, the lugs and pre-drilled holes in the connectors facilitate quick connection to the main building structure, significantly shortening the construction cycle. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is an external view of the SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the steel outer cylinder of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the SMA rod material of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner rod of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the right end connector of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the left end connector of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pad of this utility model.
[0033] In the diagram: 1. Steel outer cylinder; 2. Left end connector; 3. Right end connector; 4. Inner rod; 5. SMA energy-consuming rod; 6. Pad; 7. Left limit step; 8. Right limit step; 9. Inner wall thread; 10. Nut; 11. Threaded section; 12. Smooth section; 13. Fixed end support step; 14. Sliding end support step; 15. Left end thread; 16. Right connector ear plate; 17. Right connector reserved thread; 18. Right connector end plate; 19. Right ear plate connecting hole; 20. Left connector ear plate; 21. Left connector end plate; 22. Left connector end plate reserved thread; 23. Left ear plate connecting hole; 24. Center hole; 25. Side hole. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0036] See Figure 1-8 A self-resetting SMA energy-dissipating rod damper includes a steel outer cylinder, an inner rod, and an energy-dissipating component;
[0037] The steel outer cylinder has a coaxial inner rod hole inside, and the two ends of the inner rod hole have limit steps. The fixed end of the steel outer cylinder is connected to the main structure.
[0038] The inner rod is installed in the inner rod hole and can move axially. One end of the inner rod is a fixed end and the other end is a sliding end. There is a sliding space between the sliding end of the inner rod and the connecting part of the outer cylinder. Support steps are provided at both ends of the inner rod. The fixed end of the inner rod is used to connect the connecting part.
[0039] Energy-dissipating components include SMA energy-dissipating rods and pads;
[0040] Two pads are respectively fitted onto both ends of the inner rod, and both ends of the SMA rod are connected to the pads.
[0041] The inner end face of the pad abuts against the supporting step and the limiting step, and the inner end face is the end face of the two pads facing each other.
[0042] Optionally, four SMA energy-dissipating bars are evenly distributed along the circumference of the inner rod.
[0043] The inner rod has coaxial stepped shafts at both ends, and the stepped surface at the connection between the stepped shaft and the inner rod is a supporting step. The pad has four side holes, and the end of the SMA energy-dissipating bar passes through the side holes and is connected to the preload nut. The preload nut can be used to adjust the preload of the SMA energy-dissipating bar, and under the action of the preload, the two pads abut against the supporting step.
[0044] Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are smart materials with damping properties and superelasticity. Common types include nickel-titanium, copper-based, and iron-based alloys. Structural components made using the phase change energy dissipation properties of SMAs are used to absorb kinetic energy (such as earthquakes and vibrations) and protect the main structure.
[0045] In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner rod hole is greater than the maximum diameter formed by the four SMA energy-dissipating bars. The inner rod and the four SMA energy-dissipating bars are disposed in the inner rod hole. The two ends of the steel outer cylinder are provided with inwardly extending stepped holes. The stepped holes are coaxially arranged with the inner rod hole. The end face of the stepped hole is a limiting step. The axial cross section of the stepped hole and the inner rod hole is "H". In the initial state, the two pads abut against the two corresponding limiting steps of the steel outer cylinder. Under the action of tension, the pad at the fixed end of the inner rod is separated from the limiting step under the drive of the supporting step 13 at the fixed end of the inner rod. Under the action of pressure energy dissipation, the pad at the sliding end of the inner rod is separated from the corresponding limiting step under the drive of the supporting step at the sliding end.
[0046] In some embodiments, the fixed end of the steel outer cylinder and the connection end of the main structure are provided with a fixed connector, and a reserved space is left between the connector and the sliding end of the inner rod. The reserved space serves as the sliding space for the inner rod under pressure. The fixed connector is provided with an ear plate for connecting the main structure.
[0047] Optionally, the fixed connector can be detachably connected to the steel outer cylinder, for example, by threaded connection or snap-fit connection.
[0048] In some embodiments, the connection end between the inner rod and the main structure is provided with a movable connector, which is detachably connected to the end of the inner rod, for example, by a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, or a pin connection.
[0049] Example 1
[0050] See Figure 1-8 A self-resetting damper for SMA energy-dissipating rods includes a steel outer cylinder 1, an inner rod 4, an SMA energy-dissipating rod 5, a left connector 2, and a right connector 3.
[0051] See Figure 3The outer steel cylinder 1 is provided with a coaxial inner rod hole. The left end of the inner rod hole is provided with a left limiting step 7, and the right end is provided with a right limiting step 8 and an inner wall thread 9. The inner wall thread 9 is located on the inner wall of the end of the outer steel cylinder. The step surface of the left limiting step 7 is used to restrict the corresponding pad 6 from moving to the right, and the step surface of the right limiting step 8 is used to restrict the corresponding pad 6 from moving to the left. The function of the inner wall thread 9 on the right end of the outer steel cylinder is to connect the right end connector 3.
[0052] See Figure 5 The inner rod 4 has a fixed end support step 13 on its left end and a sliding end support step 14 on its right end. The fixed end support step has a left end thread 15 at its end. The inner rod is installed in the inner rod hole. Both the fixed end support step 13 and the sliding end support step 14 are provided with pads 6.
[0053] The center of the pad 6 is provided with a central hole 24, and four side holes 25 are provided along the central hole. The two pads 6 are respectively sleeved on the fixed end support step 13 and the sliding end support step 14 of the inner rod 4 through the central hole. The middle part of the SMA energy-consuming rod 5 is a smooth section 12, and the two ends are respectively provided with threaded sections 11. The two ends of the four SMA energy-consuming rods 5 pass through the side holes 25 and are connected together by nuts 10.
[0054] The right end of the outer steel cylinder 1 is connected to the right end connector 3 through the inner wall thread 9. The right end connector 3 is connected to the main structure through the ear plate 16. The left end of the inner rod 4 is connected to the left end connector 2 through the left end thread 15. The left end connector 2 is connected to the main structure through the ear plate 20.
[0055] See Figure 6 and 7 The right end connector 3 includes a right connector end plate 18, one end of which is provided with a right connector ear plate 16, the right connector ear plate 16 is provided with a right ear plate connecting hole 19, and the other end is provided with a right connector reserved thread 17.
[0056] The left end connector 2 includes a left connector end plate 21, one end of which is provided with a left connector ear plate 20, the left connector ear plate 20 is provided with a left ear plate connecting hole 23, and the other end of the left connector end plate 21 is provided with a left connector end plate reserved thread 22.
[0057] The installation method of this SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper includes the following steps:
[0058] Step 1: Connect the pad 6 to the left support step 13 of the inner rod through the center hole 24. Pass the left ends of the four SMA energy-dissipating rods 5 through the side holes 25 of the pad and connect them together with nuts 10. Then insert them into the outer steel cylinder 1 and lock them at the left limiting step 7 of the outer steel cylinder. Insert the pad 6 through the center hole 24 into the right end of the inner rod, while simultaneously inserting the SMA energy-dissipating rods 5 through the right side holes 25 of the pad. Secure the pad 6 with nuts 10 so that it is close to the sliding end support step 14 of the inner rod and the right limiting step 8 of the outer steel cylinder 1. Apply the designed preload using a torque wrench.
[0059] Step 2: Connect the left connector 2 to the left end of the inner rod 4 through the reserved thread 22 on the end plate of the left connector and the thread 15 on the left end of the inner rod. Connect the right connector 3 to the outer steel cylinder 1 through the thread 9 on the inner wall of the right end of the outer steel cylinder and the reserved thread 17 on the right connector.
[0060] The energy dissipation principle of this SMA energy-dissipating bar self-resetting damper is explained in detail below.
[0061] The function of the inner rod fixed end support step 13 is to drive the left end pad 6 to move to the left when the inner rod 4 moves to the left under external load, while the right end pad 6 is kept stationary due to the restriction of the right limit step 8 of the outer steel cylinder, thus putting the SMA energy-dissipating rod 5 into tension. When the inner rod 4 moves to the right, the left end pad 6 is kept stationary due to the restriction of the left limit step 7 of the outer steel cylinder, and the inner rod sliding end support step 14 drives the right end pad 6 to move to the right, thus putting the SMA energy-dissipating rod 5 into tension. Through the cooperation of the outer steel cylinder 1 and the inner rod 4, the SMA energy-dissipating rod 5 is always in a tensile state when the damper is under compression and tension, which improves the material utilization rate and can effectively improve the restoring force and energy dissipation performance.
[0062] Furthermore, nuts 10 are screwed onto both ends of the four SMA rods 5, and then a preload is applied to the SMA energy-dissipating rods 5 according to design requirements. This damper exhibits the same mechanical properties under tension and compression, displaying two different stiffness stages. This is mainly due to the mechanical properties of the SMA energy-dissipating rods 5. When the stress in the SMA energy-dissipating rods 5 has not reached the martensitic transformation stress, the damper has greater stiffness; after the SMA energy-dissipating rods 5 reach the martensitic transformation stress, the damper has less stiffness. This reduces the stiffness of the building structure with the damper installed under strong earthquakes, increases the natural period of the building structure, reduces the seismic load on the structure, and thus reduces the seismic response of the building structure, achieving performance control of the building structure at different stages.
[0063] The SMA energy-dissipating bar self-resetting damper of this application can be used for beam-column underwing support in prefabricated frame structures, increasing the strength of beam-column joints and improving the structural safety redundancy. Secondly, the SMA energy-dissipating bar possesses damping properties, dissipating seismic energy and enhancing the energy dissipation capacity of the joint. The SMA energy-dissipating bar exhibits different stiffnesses, with higher stiffness before the stress reaches martensitic transformation stress and lower stiffness after entering the martensitic transformation stress stage, demonstrating different stiffness characteristics at different stages. Finally, the hyperelastic properties of the SMA energy-dissipating bar ensure that the self-resetting damper exhibits no or minimal residual deformation after earthquake loading, allowing the beam-column joint to return to its initial state after the earthquake. This facilitates rapid replacement of the damper after an earthquake, ensuring the rapid restoration of the building's normal functionality.
[0064] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. An SMA energy dissipation bar self-centering damper, characterized by, Includes outer cylinder, inner rod, and energy dissipation components; The outer cylinder has a coaxial inner rod hole inside, and the two ends of the inner rod hole have limit steps. One end of the outer cylinder is a fixed end for connecting to the main structure. The inner rod is installed in the inner rod hole, with one end of the inner rod being a fixed end and the other end being a sliding end; A sliding space is formed between the sliding end of the inner rod and the fixed end of the outer cylinder. Support steps are provided at both ends of the inner rod, and the fixed end of the inner rod is used to connect to the left end connector. The energy-consuming components include SMA energy-consuming rods and pads; Two pads are respectively fitted onto the supporting steps at both ends of the inner rod. The two ends of the SMA energy-consuming rod are connected to the pads respectively. The inner end face of the pad abuts against the supporting step and the limiting step. The inner end face is the end face of the two pads facing each other.
2. The SMA energy dissipation bar self-centering damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SMA energy-dissipating rods are multiple in number and arranged around the circumference of the inner rod. The ends of the SMA energy-dissipating rods are connected to the pads via pre-tightening nuts.
3. The SMA energy dissipation bar self-centering damper according to claim 1, wherein, The SMA energy-consuming bar has threaded sections at both ends, which pass through the pad and connect to the preload nut.
4. The SMA energy dissipation bar self-centering damper according to claim 1, wherein, The inner rod has coaxial stepped shafts at both ends, and the stepped surface at the connection between the stepped shaft and the inner rod is a supporting step.
5. The SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed end of the outer cylinder is provided with a connector, and the sliding space is located between the connector and the end of the inner rod.
6. The SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting damper according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixed end of the inner rod is provided with a connector; the connector is detachably connected to the outer cylinder and the inner rod.
7. A self-resetting damper for SMA energy-dissipating rods according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector includes an end plate, one side of which is provided with an ear plate and a connection hole, and the other end of the end plate is connected to the outer cylinder or the inner rod.
8. A building structure, characterized in that, The building's main structure is equipped with SMA energy-dissipating rod self-resetting dampers as described in any one of claims 1-7 at its vibration damping nodes.