Energy dissipation device for tensile loads

Abstract

A strain energy dissipation device for tensile loads with self-centering function comprises a housing accommodating a first driving rigid element and a second driving rigid element connected at corresponding intermediate positions to corresponding first and second rigid connecting rods; an interconnecting rigid element connected to the first rigid connecting rod, the second rigid connecting rod, and a system of linear elastic elements; a mechanical system connected to the housing for deforming the elastic element system; first and second load transfer ring systems in contact with the first and second driving rigid elements, respectively, and sliding at corresponding lengths; and a cylindrical shaft for transferring the external tensile load to the first and second load transfer ring systems.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy dissipation devices, in particular to strain / deformation energy dissipation devices, and in particular to a strain energy dissipation device for tensile loads that has a self-centering capability. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are several seismic technologies that can improve the earthquake resistance of structural systems, including energy dissipation devices, base isolation devices, and mass dampers.

[0003] Each type of earthquake protection system is more effective for certain structures or certain types of forces. In particular, energy dissipation systems are more effective for flexible structural systems with medium to long periods (0.5 to 1 second or longer, depending on the type of foundation soil, when the forces are seismic).

[0004] Alternative technologies currently available for earthquake protection include the use of seismic isolation devices and the use of connections with energy dissipation. In the case of insulators separating the superstructure from the ground, an insulator is disclosed, for example, in patent US 7,263,806. In the case of energy dissipation, research and development has focused on the use of connections with energy dissipation.

[0005] One of the simplest and most economical ways to dissipate energy in a structure is through friction. However, friction-based dissipation devices typically exhibit permanent deformation after the dynamic action has ceased. This means that the structures they protect do not fully recover to their original shape after a seismic event.

[0006] Self-centering earthquake protection devices, i.e., devices that recover to their original shape when straining forces are removed, are known in the prior art, such as those disclosed in patent documents CN212295834U and CN110485786A. However, there are no known prior art devices for dissipating strain energy due to tensile loads, where both the dissipative and elastic components are proportional to the strain in the device.

[0007] As a result, a strain energy dissipation device is needed to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a self-centering strain energy dissipation device for tensile loads for protecting a structural system, the device comprising: a housing; at least one first driving rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a first internal point of the housing and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end; at least one second driving rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second internal point of the housing opposite the first internal point and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end; at least one first rigid connecting rod having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least one second rigid connecting rod having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least one interconnecting rigid element connected to the first rigid connecting rod, the second rigid connecting rod, and at least one linear elastic element of a restoring assembly; and at least one interconnecting rigid element connected at one end to the interconnecting rigid element and configured to linearly deform in response to the application of an external load. and a load transfer system comprising at least one load transfer element having a cylindrical shape with both ends connected to the structural system, and at least a first ring and at least a second ring arranged annularly about the load transfer element, wherein the first end of the first rigid connecting rod is connected to a midpoint of the at least one first driving rigid element and the second end of the first rigid connecting rod is pivotally connected to an interconnecting rigid element, the first end of the second rigid connecting rod is connected to a midpoint of at least one second driving rigid element and the second end of the second rigid connecting rod is drivingly connected to the interconnecting rigid element, each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transfer element, the corresponding flat surface contacting an inner surface of a corresponding driving rigid element to transfer a portion of the load imposed by the structural system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention in its undeformed state;

[0010] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain;

[0011] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention in a state of maximum strain;

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a load transmission system (13) comprising a cylindrical rigid element (10) and its load transmission rings (11 and 12) in a deformed state of the device that is the subject of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain.

[0014] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain.

[0015] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention in an undeformed state;

[0016] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention in a first state of maximum strain;

[0017] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention in a second state of maximum strain.

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: The present invention provides a strain energy dissipation device (1) for tensile loads with self-centering capability for protecting structural systems. The strain energy dissipation device (1) comprises a housing (2), at least one first driving rigid element (3) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a first internal point of the housing (2) and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end, at least a second driving rigid element (4) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second internal point of the housing (2) opposite the first internal point and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end, at least one first rigid connecting rod (5) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, at least one second rigid connecting rod (6) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, at least one interconnecting rigid element (7) connected to the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), and at least one linear elastic element (8) of a restoring assembly, at least a first ring (11) and at least a and at least one linear elastic element (8) connected at one end to an interconnecting rigid element (7) and configured to deform linearly in response to the application of said load, wherein said first end of a first rigid connecting rod (5) is connected to a midpoint of at least one first driving rigid element (3) and said second end of the first rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to said interconnecting rigid element (7), said first end of a second rigid connecting rod (6) is connected to a midpoint of said at least one second driving rigid element (4) and said second end of the second rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to said interconnecting rigid element (7), each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transfer element (10), said corresponding flat surface contacting an inner surface of a corresponding driving rigid element (3, 4) to transfer a portion of the load imposed by the structural system.

[0019] The device aims to increase the resilience of structural systems against earthquakes, a problem that exists not only in Chile but in many countries close to earthquake-prone zones.

[0020] In the context of this application, without limiting the scope of this application, the phrase "at least one" shall be understood as one or more of the referenced element. The number of elements referenced by the phrase "at least one" shall not limit the scope of this application. Also, when multiple elements referenced by the phrase "at least one" are provided, such elements may or may not be identical to one another without limiting the scope of this application.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, without limiting the scope of the invention, a pivot connection is understood as a connection that makes it possible to change the angle between two connected elements on a plane defined by an axis determined as the pivot axis. The means by which such a pivot connection is provided does not limit the scope of the invention, and any alternative known to a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, without limiting its scope, an intermediate portion or intermediate position of an element is understood as a portion or position comprised between two ends of said element, said intermediate portion or intermediate position may be at or near the center of said element, also referred to as a central portion or central position, or may be away from the center of said element, also referred to as an eccentric portion or eccentric position, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, without limiting its scope, a mechanical system is understood to be a mechanical system consisting of a set of mechanical components, such as bolts, nuts, gears, and moving parts, which are capable of relative movement in known reversible paths and between reversible paths. Such a mechanical system can ultimately impart relative strain between two points in the system by manual or special tool manipulation. This manipulation can be, for example, by applying torque to a bolt that allows the closing or disengagement of a rotation-restricted nut disposed thereon, or by other more complex mechanisms, without limiting the scope of the present invention. The means for providing such ability to impart relative strain between two points does not limit the scope of the present invention, and any alternative means known to those skilled in the art can be used.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, when strain is applied to the device (1), the device (1) reacts with a force F. The product of the external forces F is applied to the load transfer element (10) of the device (1). The load transfer element (10) moves in the direction of the force pressing against the first drive rigid element (3) and the second drive rigid element (4). Furthermore, the load transfer system (13), in particular the first ring (11) and the second ring (12), are able to dissipate to the surface the loads transferred to the first driving rigid element (3) and the second driving rigid element (4) respectively from the load transfer element (10), which is connected at both ends to the structural system protected by the device (1).

[0025] To explain the operating principle of the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention in a non-limiting manner, it should be understood that all parts of the device (1) are considered to be much stiffer than the restoring assembly, especially the interior of the at least one linear elastic element (8). Therefore, the applied displacement u is kinematically related to the strain of said restoring assembly. The applied force F increases with the applied displacement u due to the contribution of the elastic forces of the restoring assembly and the frictional forces between the load transfer element (10) and the load transfer system (13), as well as between the load transfer system (13) and the first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4). The elastic force of the at least one linear elastic element (8) is transmitted to the interconnecting rigid element (7), which pulls the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6), which in turn compress the first and second rigid driving elements (3, 4) against the first ring (11) and the second ring (12), respectively. The first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4) are then compressed against the load transfer element (10), which receives at both ends a force F transmitted by the structural system being protected. The compressive force exerted by at least one linear elastic element (8) between the aforementioned components generates a frictional force that dissipates energy in response to the displacement imposed on the device (1) by the protecting structural system. The frictional force, added to the strength provided by the at least one linear elastic element (8), increases the resultant force with which the device (1) responds to the imposed displacement. This makes both the elastic force and the dissipative force proportional to the imposed displacement. As a result, the energy dissipation capacity is also proportional to the imposed displacement.

[0026] The particular configuration that the device (1) assumes, both unloaded and loaded, does not limit the scope of the invention. For example, as shown in the figures, without limiting the scope of the invention, the first and second drive rigid elements (3, 4) form a variable angle relative to one another depending on the applied load. The particular angle formed between the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4) does not limit the scope of the invention. For example, without limiting the scope of the invention, when the device is in a minimal strain state, the first drive rigid element (3) and the second drive rigid element (4) can rotate at an angle close to 0° relative to the pivot point of the housing (2).

[0027] In another embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, when the device (1) is in a maximum strain state, the first driving rigid element (3) and the second driving rigid element (4) can rotate about their respective pivot points with the housing (2) by angles less than 90° over a wide range.

[0028] The materials of the various elements forming part of the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention do not limit the scope of the protection claimed. For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the housing (2), the first rigid drive element (3), the second rigid drive element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the interconnecting rigid element (7), the load transfer element (10) and the first load transfer system (13) are made of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, duralumin, titanium, and combinations thereof. The housing (2), the first rigid drive element (3), the second rigid drive element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the interconnecting rigid element (7), the load transfer element (10) and the load transfer system (13) can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, duralumin, titanium, combinations thereof, or other materials that ensure the required rigidity conditions.

[0029] Similarly, the at least one linear elastic element (8) can be made of the same materials as above with a geometry that provides the flexibility and strain capacity required by the design, or some other more flexible and elastic material that provides the same properties.

[0030] However, the shapes and dimensions of the different elements forming part of the device (1), the subject of the present invention, do not limit the scope of the invention, as long as they allow for both the fixed and drive connections described and defined above. Those skilled in the art will recognize, for example, the housing (2), the first rigid drive element (3), the second rigid drive element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), and the system of linear elastic elements (8) without limiting the scope of the present invention. In general, all components of the device (1) can have a wide, undefined range of dimensions, and such dimensions must be compatible with the strain and strength requirements of the structural system that the device (1) protects. For example, the higher the strain and strength requirements of the structural system being protected, the larger the dimensions of the components of the device (1) may be.

[0031] In one example embodiment, when the device is used to protect a rigid structure, small displacements but high strength are expected. If the structure is flexible, the lengths of the components may be small, but their cross sections may be relatively large. In another example, when the device (1) is used as an energy dissipation additive at the isolation interface of a structure, large strain requirements are expected, so the lengths of the components may be much larger.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first ring (11) and the second ring (12) of the load transmission system (13) associated with the load transmission element (10) may include first and second bearings to reduce friction between the assembled components. For example, in this preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the load transmission element (10) may be inserted into both the first and second bearings. In this way, the coefficient of friction between the load transmission element (10) and the first and second rings (11, 12) is much lower than the coefficient of friction between the first and second rings (11, 12) and the corresponding first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4) due to the bearings present therebetween. In another preferred embodiment, it is also possible to provide a load transmission system (13) including interchangeable first and second rings (11, 12). In this way, for example, without limiting the scope of the invention, it is possible to change the energy dissipation capacity of the device by changing the material of the first and second load transfer ring systems (11, 12) and thereby changing the coefficient of friction between the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4) and the components in contact with the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4), which are the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4) and the load transfer element (10).

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4), the first and second rings (11, 12), or both, may be provided with sacrificial surfaces to avoid damaging the permanent structure of the first and second rigid drive elements (3, 4) and / or the first and second rings (11, 12). The means by which said sacrificial surfaces are provided does not limit the scope of the invention and may use any option known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In the context of the present application, and without limiting the scope of the present application, a restoring assembly is to be understood as one or more elements that function as a whole to exhibit an elastic response to linear strain. The magnitude of the elastic response varies proportionally with the magnitude of the strain. The restoring assembly comprises at least one linear elastic element (8). The elastic constant exhibited by the at least one linear elastic element (8) may depend, for example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, on the dimensions and materials of the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention, as well as the amount of energy to be dissipated and / or the strain demands and dynamic loads imposed by the structural system protected by the device (1).

[0035] Furthermore, the particular nature of the at least one linear elastic element (8) does not limit the scope of the present invention, so long as it exhibits an elastic response to strain. For example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the at least one linear elastic element (8) may be selected from the group consisting of a linear helical steel spring, a superelastic material, a gas spring, and combinations thereof, arranged in a particular manner.

[0036] Furthermore, without limiting the scope of the invention, the restoring assembly may be provided with a damping element that prevents excessive vibration of the device (1) when the tensile force F is no longer acting. In a more preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the invention, a unidirectional damping element may be provided such that damping occurs only when the at least one linear elastic element (8) is compressed, but not when it is extended.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the device (1) of the present invention can be designed so that both the magnitude of the elastic component and the magnitude of the dissipative component are proportional to the strain. In this way, the device (1) can be designed to prevent the first and second rings (11, 12) of the load transmission system (13) from reaching the free ends of the first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4), taking into account the tensile force F expected during operation. However, in other preferred embodiments, it may be advantageous to incorporate stroke limiters for the first and second rings (11, 12) along the first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4), respectively. In this way, for example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device can lock upon reaching its available stroke limit, limiting the maximum displacement of the structure it protects. However, in some preferred embodiments, the device (1) can be subjected to large forces upon reaching its maximum stroke, and should therefore be designed to be very robust, taking into account the characteristics of the structure it protects and the dynamic forces it requires.

[0038] As mentioned above, the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention comprises an interconnecting rigid element (7) to which first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) are drivingly connected and to which at least one linear elastic element (8) is attached. The interconnecting rigid element (7) allows interaction of the at least one linear elastic element (8) with first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4) that are connected to the interconnecting rigid element (7) by the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6). In this way, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the at least one linear elastic element (8) can be configured for its linear distortion in response to the application of a load to the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention.

[0039] The nature of the interconnecting rigid element (7), so long as it allows for such interaction, does not limit the scope of the invention. For example, as shown in the figures, in a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the invention, the interconnecting rigid element (7) may be a bridge having two ends. In this case, without limiting the scope of the invention, a first rigid connecting rod (5) may be drivably connected to one end of the bridge and a second rigid connecting rod (6) may be drivably connected to the other end of the bridge.

[0040] Furthermore, the restoring assembly may comprise at least one linear elastic element (8) attached to the central portion of the bridge. However, in other embodiments not shown, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the interconnecting rigid element (7) may be a connecting shaft to which the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) are drivably connected. In this embodiment, the at least one linear elastic element (8) constituting the restoring assembly may be fixed to said connecting shaft.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention further comprises a mechanical system (9) that includes means for fixing at least one linear elastic element (8) and allows applying an initial stretch to the linear elastic element (8). The mechanical system (9) is fixed to at least one linear elastic element (8) at one end thereof and at a second end thereof to the housing (2). In this way, the mechanical system (9) makes it possible to fix one end of the at least one linear elastic element (8) to the housing (2). The mechanical system (9) makes it possible to fix the end of the system of linear elastic elements (8) that faces the interconnecting rigid element (7).

[0042] Thus, for example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, a mechanical system (9) in conjunction with interconnected rigid elements (7) can configure at least one linearly elastic element (8) for its linear distortion in response to the application of a load.

[0043] The mechanical system (9) may comprise a single part or may comprise multiple elements, without limiting the scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the mechanical system (9) may further be configured to apply an initial extension to said at least one linear elastic element (8) by actuation thereof. This operation may be manual or may use a tool such as a wrench, screwdriver, hex key, or other type of tool specifically existing or designed for this purpose.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, without limiting the scope of the invention, the device (1) may have a symmetrical configuration with respect to a plane cutting it transversely at its midpoint. In this regard, for example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device (1) may include at least a third driving rigid element (3a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a third internal point of the housing (2) adjacent the first internal point and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end, at least a fourth driving rigid element (4a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second internal point of the housing (2) adjacent the second internal point and a corresponding hooked second end opposite the first end, at least one second rigid connecting rod (5a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, at least a fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, at least a second rigid interconnecting rigid element (7a) connected to the second ends of the third rigid connecting rod (5a), the fourth rigid connecting rod (6a), and the at least one linear elastic element (8), and a second load. and a second load transfer system (13a) comprising at least a third ring (11a) and at least a fourth ring (12a) arranged annularly with respect to the load transfer element (10a), wherein a first end of the second rigid connecting rod (5a) is connected to a midpoint of at least one third rigid driving element (3a), a second end of the third rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to a second interconnecting rigid element (7a), and a first end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) is connected to a midpoint of at least one fourth rigid driving element (4a), a second end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to the second interconnecting rigid element (7a), each ring having a corresponding plane perpendicular to a radial direction of the second load transfer element (10a), said corresponding plane being in contact with an inner surface of a corresponding driving rigid element (3a, 4a) to transfer a portion of the load imposed by the structural system.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the device (1) may comprise means for tensioning the at least one linear elastic element (8) configured to impart an initial linear strain to the at least one linear elastic element (8) in its symmetrical configuration.

[0046] For example, without limiting the scope of the invention, the tensioning means may be provided in the form of a housing divided into two parts (2a, 2b) connected to each other by a mechanical system (9a) rigidly attached to the first part of the housing (2a) and attached to the second part of the housing (2b), thereby making it possible to vary the overall length of the entire housing (2a, 9a, 2b).

[0047] In this embodiment, the actuation of the mechanical system (9a) may cause the separation or approximation of the two parts (2a, 2b) comprising the housing, thereby applying an initial elongation and prestress load to the at least one linear elastic element (8). The actuation of the mechanical system (9a) may be done manually or with the use of a tool such as a wrench, screwdriver, hex wrench, or other type of tool specially existing or designed for this purpose.

[0048] All options previously mentioned for the first and second driving rigid elements (3, 4) are applicable to the third and fourth driving rigid elements (3a, 4a) without limiting the scope of the present invention. Similarly, all options previously mentioned for the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) are applicable to the second components of the third and fourth rigid connecting rods (5a, 6a) without limiting the scope of the present invention. Similarly, all options previously mentioned for the housing (2) are applicable to its components (2a, 2b) previously mentioned in the preferred embodiment without limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all options previously mentioned for the interconnecting rigid element (7) are applicable to the second interconnecting rigid element (7a) without limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all options previously described with respect to the load transfer system (13), the first and second rings (11, 12) and the load transfer element (10) are also applicable to the second load transfer system (13a), the third and fourth rings (11a, 12a) and the second load transfer element (10a), respectively, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0049] 7-9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and that give the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention a symmetrical configuration, the device (1) can feature rigid connecting elements connected to the first load transmission system (13) and the second load transmission system (13a), without limiting the scope of the present invention. In this way, a device (1) that allows energy dissipation in both compression and tension can be provided, and further, both the elastic response and the energy dissipation capacity are proportional to the imposed displacement demand.

[0050] According to the detailed description above, it is possible to obtain a device (1) that is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0051] Another advantage of the device (1) that is the subject of the present invention is that both its elastic response and its ability to dissipate energy are proportional to the displacement demand imposed on it. This means that it can efficiently protect structures against the action of small, medium, and large dynamic loads. Furthermore, the strain capacity depends on the dimensions of the device, with larger devices being able to achieve higher strains. The restoring force directly depends on the stiffness of the restoring assembly, particularly the stiffness of the at least one linear restoring element (8), so the higher the stiffness, the greater the force capacity of the device for the same imposed displacement. All of the aforementioned attributes allow it to be implemented in structures of different sizes, stiffness, and mass.

[0052] It is to be understood that the different options described for the technical characteristics of the device (1) can be combined with each other or with other options well known to those skilled in the art, without limiting the scope of the protection claimed.

[0053] Examples of applications of the device (1) that is the subject of this application are given below. These examples are given only for a better understanding of the technology, but should not be understood in any way as limiting the scope of the protection claimed. Furthermore, the details of the technical features described in the different examples may be combined in any manner with each other or with other options previously described or known to those skilled in the art, provided that this does not limit the scope of protection.

[0054] [Application example] The device (1) can be used in bracing systems for low, medium, or high height structures. The device (1) can also be implemented in mooring cables for ships moored at docks. The device (1) can be used in the reconstruction of existing structures by incorporating it as a local energy dissipation mechanism, improving structural performance under dynamic loads. The device (1) can also be used in road barrier systems that use tension cables on either side of the track as a means of protecting drivers from derailment. In general, it can be used in series with any type of structural cable that can be subjected to dynamic loads where strain or force is imposed.

Claims

1. A self-centering strain energy dissipation device (1) for tensile loads for protecting a structural system, comprising: a housing (2); at least one first driving rigid element (3) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a first internal point of the housing (2) and a corresponding hook-shaped second end opposite the first end; at least a second driving rigid element (4) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second internal point of the housing (2) opposite the first internal point and a corresponding hook-shaped second end opposite the first end; at least one first rigid connecting rod (5) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least one second rigid connecting rod (6) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least one interconnecting rigid element (7) connected to said first rigid connecting rod (5), said second rigid connecting rod (6), and at least one linear elastic element (8) of a restoring assembly; a load transfer system (13) comprising at least one cylindrical load transfer element (10) and a first ring (11) and at least a second ring (12) arranged annularly relative to said load transfer element (10); and at least one linear elastic element (8) connected at one end to said interconnecting rigid element (7) and configured to deform linearly in response to application of said load. the first end of the first rigid connecting rod (5) is connected to a midpoint of the at least one first driving rigid element (3); and the second end of the first rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to the interconnecting rigid element (7); the first end of the second rigid connecting rod (6) is connected to a midpoint of the at least one second driving rigid element (4); and the second end of the second rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to the interconnecting rigid element (7); Each ring has a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transfer element (10), the corresponding flat surface contacting an inner surface of a corresponding driving rigid element (3, 4) to transfer a portion of the load imposed by the structural system.

2. the load transfer system (13) comprises a first bearing and a second bearing operatively connected to the first ring (11) and the second ring (12), respectively; 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the load transfer element (10) is inserted into the first bearing and the second bearing.

3. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one linear elastic element (8) is selected from the group consisting of a linear spring, an elastic spring, a gas spring, and combinations thereof.

4. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanical system (9) providing means for tensioning said at least one linear elastic element (8), configured to impart an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear elastic element (8).

5. a mechanical system (9) comprising means for fixing said at least one linear elastic element (8), The mechanical system (9) is fixed at one of its ends to the housing (2), 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear elastic element (8) is fixed to the second end of the mechanical system (9).

6. 6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical system (9) is further configured to apply an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear elastic element (8).

7. at least a third driving rigid element (3a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a third internal point of the housing (2) adjacent to the fourth internal point, and a corresponding hook-shaped second end opposite the first end; at least a fourth driving rigid element (4a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a fourth internal point of the housing (2) adjacent to the third internal point, and a corresponding hook-shaped third end opposite the first end; at least one second rigid connecting rod (5a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least a fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end; at least a second rigid interconnecting rigid element (7a) connected to second ends of said third rigid connecting rod (5a), said fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) and said at least one linear elastic element (8); a second load transmission system (13a) comprising at least a second load transmission element (10a) of cylindrical shape, a third ring (11a) and at least a fourth ring (12a) arranged annularly with respect to said second load transmission element (10a), the first end of the second rigid connecting rod (5a) is connected to a midpoint of the at least one third rigid driving element (3a); and the second end of the third rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to a second interconnecting rigid element (7a); the first end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) is connected to a midpoint of the at least fourth rigid drive element (4a); and the second end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to the second interconnecting rigid element (7a); 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each ring has a corresponding plane perpendicular to the radial direction of the second load transfer element (10a), the corresponding plane being in contact with the inner surface of the corresponding driving rigid element (3a, 4a) to transfer a portion of the load imposed by the structural system.

8. 8. The device (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a mechanical system (9a) providing means for tensioning said at least one linear elastic element (8), configured to impart an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear elastic element (8).

9. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2), the first rigid drive element (3), the second rigid drive element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the interconnecting rigid element (7), the at least one linear elastic element (8), and the first load transmission system (13) are made of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, duraluminum, titanium, and combinations thereof.

10. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) accommodates the first rigid drive element (3), the second rigid drive element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the interconnecting rigid element (7), the at least one linear elastic element (8), and the load transmission system (13).

11. 8. The device (1) according to claim 7, further comprising rigid connecting elements connected to said first load transmission system (13) and said second load transmission system (13a).

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