Vibration energy damping mechanism

Abstract

In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to a vibration energy damping mechanism (10) having at least one fixing element (20) that can be connected with at least one first structural member (90) and at least one second structural member (100) in order to increase the resistance of structures against events that cause vibrations, such as earthquakes. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one plate (30) configured between said at least two fixing elements (20), and in order to increase the load capacity and energy damping capacity of the structural system by increasing the displacements as a result of vibrations, it comprises at least two friction regions (I) having at least one disk (40) providing damping as a result of friction by being positioned between at least two elements that have the degree of freedom to move relative to each other during vibration.

Description

[0001] VIBRATION ENERGY DAMPING MECHANISM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a vibration energy damping mechanism developed to enhance the resilience of structures against events that cause vibrations, such as wind, traffic, or earthquakes.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Earthquake dampers are systems used in buildings or other structures to absorb or reduce vibrations occurring during earthquakes. These dampers are designed to prevent structural damage or collapse under earthquake loads. Earthquake dampers are examined under two main categories: passive earthquake dampers and active earthquake dampers.

[0006] Friction dampers, which constitute an important part of passive energy damping systems used to reduce earthquake effects in structures, work on the principle that surfaces with friction forces between them move relative to each other.

[0007] The friction dampers in the previous art work with either translational friction or rotational friction principles. Some of these inventions are installed in column-beam joint regions. Types of dampers that are installed in column-beam joint regions are subjected to a small level of displacement since the relative displacements formed in these regions are limited, which limits the energy absorption capacity of the damper. Some inventions, on the other hand, are installed between floors where larger relative displacements occur than in column-beam joint regions. However, this type of damper requires a lot of material and complex designs, takes up space, and is not easy and practical to install. In addition, dampers working with the principle of rotational friction installed between floors are usually placed at angles of 30 degrees or greater relative to the axis of movement in order to prevent locking. In addition, in this type of damper, it is preferred that the displacement-energy damping relationship is linear, which limits the capacity of the damper. As a result, all of the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a vibration energy damping mechanism to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring the new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] One objective of the invention is to introduce a vibration energy damping mechanism to reduce the effects caused by an earthquake to which the structure is subjected.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to introduce a vibration energy damping mechanism that increases the load capacity of structures.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to introduce a vibration energy damping mechanism that can be applied to existing structures in addition to new structures as an external damping mechanism.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to introduce a vibration energy damping mechanism that includes friction regions in multiple joints.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to introduce an angle-adjustable vibration energy damping mechanism.

[0015] In order to achieve all the purposes mentioned above and that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is related to a vibration energy damping mechanism having at least one fixing element that can be connected with at least one first structural member and at least one second structural member in order to increase the resistance of structures against vibrations caused by events such as earthquakes. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one plate configured between said at least two fixing elements, and in order to increase the load capacity and energy damping capacity of the structural system by increasing the displacements as a result of vibrations, it comprises at least two friction regions having at least one disk providing damping as a result of friction by being positioned between at least two elements that have the degree of freedom to move relative to each other during vibration. Thus, an angle-adjustable vibration energy damping mechanism with increased load and energy damping capacity through multiple friction regions, which can be integrated into newly built or already existing structures, is introduced.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that there are essentially three of said friction regions. Thus, the damping capacity can be increased by increasing the number of parts moving under friction and the friction surface.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said friction region is configured by at least one disk provided between at least one fixing element and at least one plate. Thus, a friction region can be obtained not only between the plates, but also in the joints of the mechanism that are connected to the structures.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said friction region is configured by at least one disk provided between at least two plates. Thus, multiple friction regions can be obtained.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the number of disks in said friction region is at least two. Thus, an optimum value of mobility is achieved.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one fastener for forming said fixing region. Thus, the elements can be connected to each other.

[0021] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said fastener comprises at least one elastic element provided at least at one end, and said elastic element is essentially a spring. Thus, it is possible to adjust the clamping force in the friction region to the desired value and to keep this clamping force constant during movement.

[0022] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one nut for fixing said fastener. Thus, fixation can be achieved. A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the fastener comprises an anti-loosening part at least at one end, said anti-loosening part being essentially a lock nut. Thus, loosening of the connection in the friction region is prevented.

[0023] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said first structural member and said second structural member are columns and beams. Thus, it is possible to implement it simply.

[0024] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the fixing element is connected to the plates in precast structures. Thus, it can be assembled during construction and applied in the whole building.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the vibration energy damping mechanism of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a representative side view of the vibration energy damping mechanism of the invention in which it is assembled with a column and beam.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] In this detailed description, the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) of the invention is explained via an example only for better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) of the invention. The vibration energy damping mechanism (10) is essentially a movement amplifying mechanism to improve the earthquake performance of structures. The vibration energy damping mechanism (10) is configured between at least one first structural member (90) and at least one second structural member (100) to increase the earthquake resistance of the structures. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said first (90) and second (100) structural member are column and beam, respectively. However, in alternative structures, it can be used on stairs and roofs in addition to bearing elements such as foundations, shear walls, walls and floor slabs. In other words, although the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) can be used in all structural systems where small displacements occur, one of the types of structures where it can be used most effectively is precast post-tensioned column-beam connections. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided on both sides of a beam separating the two floors. From here on, the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) will be referred to as the "VED mechanism".

[0031] The VED mechanism (10) comprises at least one fixing element (20). Said fixing element (20) enables the VED mechanism (10) to be connected to structural members such as columns and beams. The fixing element (20) is L-shaped. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing element (20) comprises of 4 brackets. The fixing element (20) is manufactured from steel material. However, in alternative embodiments, it can also be manufactured from other metals, alloys or composite materials. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two fixing elements (20) connected to the bearing element such as a beam. The other two are connected to the other structure element. In another embodiment of the invention, the fixing element (20) can also be monolithic instead of consisting of two brackets. The fixing element (20) comprises at least one hole through which at least one fastener (50) passes.

[0032] The VED mechanism (10) comprises at least one plate (30). At least one end of the plate (30) has a radius. The plate (30) is connected to at least at one end with said fixing element (20). The plate (30) is positioned between the joints. Depending on the number of joints, the plate (30) can also be provided between two plates (30). The plate (30) is manufactured from steel material. However, in an alternative embodiment, it can also be manufactured from other metals, alloys or composite materials. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the plates (30) are connected by means of at least one fastener (50) parallel to each other. The plate (30) comprises at least one hole through which said fastener (50) passes.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastener (50) is a bolt. However, in alternative embodiments, there may be various detachable fasteners (50) such as studs, screws, or pins. In alternative embodiments, fasteners (50) can also be rivets. On at least one surface of the plates (30) there is at least one elastic element (60) concentric with the fastener (50). Said elastic element (60) ensures that the bolt clamping force remains constant during movement. The elastic element (60) is essentially a spring. Preferably, it is a disk-shaped spring. There is at least one nut (70) to ensure that the elastic element (60) is fixed. Said nut (70) is inserted onto the bolt and connects the plates (30), disks (40), and elastic element (60).

[0034] The VED mechanism (10) comprises at least one disk (40). Said disk (40) is the friction disk (40) and is provided at least at one joint. The disk is positioned between the fixing element-plate (20) or between plate-plate (30). Thus, the VED mechanism (10), which makes rotational movement from its joints during vibration, is damped by the friction of the disks (40) in the joints with the fixing element (20) and the plates (30). To further clarify, rotations occur on the surfaces created by the friction disks (40) placed between the plates (30) or between the plate-fixing elements (20) due to the movement of one fixing element (20) relative to the other caused by vibrations and these rotations are amplified by taking advantage of the geometric composition of the mechanism and the friction forces generated increase the vibration energy damping capacity of the structural system.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the number of disks (40) is two in each friction region (I). The disk (40) has a circular geometry. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the disk (40) is an aluminum plate. In alternative embodiments, it can be manufactured from any metal, alloys or composite material. The disk (40) comprises at least one hole through which at least one fastener (50) passes. Thus, the fastener (50) can connect the fixing element (20), the plate (30), and the disk (40) to each other.

[0036] The VED mechanism (10) comprises at least two friction regions (I). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are three friction regions (I). Said friction region (I) is the region that performs the damping. The friction region (I) is essentially the region where the joints are located. In other words, the friction region (I) is the region where the fixing plates (20), plates (30), disks (40), and elastic element (60) are joined by means of the fastener (50). Thus, as the joints rotate during the earthquake, the disks (40) rub against the plates (30) or fixing plates (20), resulting in friction and damping. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the friction region (I) is formed by combining two fixing elements (20), two disks (40), two plates (30), or by combining four plates (30), two disks (40). Thanks to at least two friction regions (I), the VED mechanism (10) is much easier to adapt to displacements with rotational movement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, four steel plates (30) and six disks (40) were used. In order to increase the friction resistance of the mechanism, it is possible to successively add friction disks (40) and steel plates (30) to the parts where the bolt connections are located. That is, the number of disks (40) or plates (30) in a friction region (I) can be increased. The wall thickness of the parts of the fixing plates (20) in contact with the disks (40) and the wall thickness of the plates (30) are the same, providing ease of installation.

[0037] In the light of all of the described, the invention operates as follows: Steel plates (30) are placed on each other at the midpoint, and on anchor brackets, i.e., fixing plates (20), for their connection to the bearing structures, with aluminum friction disks (40) in between. The bolts are passed through the holes at the junction points. The elastic element (60) and the nut (70) are placed at the other end of the bolt head. Then, with the help of a torquemeter, the torque determined by analysis is applied to the bolts and thus friction resistance is created on all friction surfaces. After the desired torque is achieved, the nut (70) should not loosen so that the force in the disk (40) springs does not change while the system is working. Therefore, there is at least one anti-loosening part (80). Antiloosening part (80) is a lock nut (70). In alternative embodiments, various non-loosening fasteners (50) can also be used.

[0038] The VED mechanism (10) assembled as shown in Fig. 2 is welded to the anchor plates (II) left during the production phase in the precast columns and beams placed at the construction site or integrated into the bearing structures with bolts. The smallest value of the angle (31 ) between the steel plates (30) and the beam that will not lock the mechanism under the expected earthquake effect is determined by structural and kinematic analysis. This angle (31 ) being below 30 degrees especially increases the efficiency of the VED mechanism.

[0039] This said angle (31 ) is between 15-25 degrees in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus, the displacement demands that occur under the effects of earthquakes increase. Since the earthquake energy damping capacity created by the friction mechanism is directly proportional to the magnitude of the rotational movement occurring on the friction surfaces, the increase of this rotational movement increases the efficiency of the damper. In addition, the VED mechanism limits the out-of-plane behavior of the beams. In this way, the possibility of separation of columns and beams from each other in an earthquake is reduced.

[0040] The VED mechanism (10) can be installed in buildings which will be built or can be used to increase the energy damping capacity of existing buildings. The damping capacity is increased by creating friction from each joint, that is, friction from at least two friction regions (I), and by being symmetrical.

[0041] The amount of energy dampened is directly proportional to the total area of the cyclic load-displacement relationship. In other words, the greater the relative translation or rotation of the damper, that is, the more severe the earthquake, the greater the contribution of the damping mechanism to the earthquake energy damping capacity. Therefore, the capacity is increased by having at least two friction regions (I) and a symmetrical layout.

[0042] Below are the comparative force-displacement graphs of the situation in which the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) contains a friction region (I) only in the middle joint and the situation in which the friction region (I) is included in all three joints. The area inside the force-displacement curve is small when there is one friction region (I), while the area inside the force-displacement curve is large when there is a friction region (I) in all three joints. When the area inside the force-displacement curve increases, the energy damping capacity of the damping mechanism increases.

[0043]

[0044] In the VED mechanism (10), unlike the prior art, the displacement-energy damping relationship is non-linear. Thus, the energy damping capacity (I) increases significantly at high displacements.

[0045] Below is the force-displacement graph of the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) at different amplitudes. For example, when the maximum amplitude increases from umax to 3 times umax (3*umax), the area inside the force-displacement curve increases more than 3 times. Therefore, the energy damping capacity does not increase linearly with the amplitude, but increases exponentially at high amplitudes.

[0046] In addition, unlike other dampers that have almost zero stiffness after movement, since there is friction in all joints, it contributes to the stiffness of the system to which the damper is applied after the movement.

[0047]

[0048] In addition to all these, the VED mechanism (10) significantly increases the efficiency of the damper by magnifying the above-mentioned limited displacements due to its geometric composition where it is placed with angle values of less than 30 degrees.

[0049] Below is the force-displacement graph of the vibration energy damping mechanism (10) at different angles. When the placement angle of the mechanism is 30 degrees, the force-displacement curve is rectangular or parallelogram-like, while the angle is 15 degrees, a bell-shaped expansion is seen at high displacements. Therefore, the area inside the force-displacement curve becomes very large and the energy damping capacity of the damper increases.

[0050] »»«»♦ ♦ Angte=30 degrees ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■" Angte=15 degrees

[0051] In a possible embodiment of the invention, it can be connected to precast structures that do not have a plate for anchoring after the anchor plate is fixed by epoxy or other methods.

[0052] In another possible embodiment of the invention, it can also be used in cast-in-place structures. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0053] REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0054] 10 Vibration Energy Damping Mechanism

[0055] 20 Fixing Element 30 Plate

[0056] 31 Angle

[0057] 40 Disk

[0058] 50 Fastener

[0059] 60 Elastic Element 70 Nut

[0060] 80 Anti-Loosening Part

[0061] 90 First Structural Member

[0062] 100 Second Structural Member

[0063] (I) Friction Region (II) Anchor Plate

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) having at least one fixing element (20) that can be connected with at least one first structural member (90) and at least one second structural member (100) in order to increase the resistance of structures against vibration-causing events such as wind, traffic, or earthquakes characterized in that it comprises at least one plate (30) configured between said at least two fixing elements (20), and in order to increase the load capacity and energy damping capacity of the structural system by increasing the displacements as a result of vibrations, it comprises at least two friction regions (I) having at least one disk (40) providing damping as a result of friction by being positioned between at least two elements that have the degree of freedom to move relative to each other during vibration.

2. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that there are essentially three of said friction regions (I).

3. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said friction region (I) is configured by at least one disk (40) provided between at least one fixing element (20) and at least one plate (30).

4. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said friction region (I) is configured by at least one disk (40) provided between at least two plates (30).

5. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the number of disks (40) is two in said friction region (I).

6. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it is possible to successively add friction disks (40) and plates (30) to the parts where the bolt connections are located to increase the friction capacity in said friction region (I).

7. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one fastener (50) for forming said fixing region.

8. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic element (60) provided at least at one end of said fastener (50).

9. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said elastic element (60) is essentially a disk spring.

10. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one nut (70) for fixing said fastener (50).

11. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastener (50) comprises an anti-loosening part (80) at least at one end.

12. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 11 , characterized in that said anti-loosening part ( 80) is essentially a lock nut (70).

13. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said first structural member (90) and second structural member (100) are column and beam.

14. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing element (20) is connected to the anchor plates (II) in precast structures.

15. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the angle (31) between the plates (30) and the beam is below 30 degrees.

16. A vibration energy damping mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it provides increasing amounts of energy damping as the displacement increases.

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