Resilient connector

Abstract

A resilient connector that provides in-line dissipation and recentering behaviour, comprising an end-plate (1) configured to be engaged with a structure or structural element, and another end-plate (2) configured to be engaged with another structure or structural element. Differential in-line movement between these end-plates (1, 2) is resisted with two independent mechanisms. Firstly, flat side friction plates (4) are bolted to end-plate (1) with fixed connections (8), and are bolted to end-plate (2) with slotted connections (9) to dissipate energy during the movement between the end-plates (1, 2). Secondly, outrigger components (4) are engaged with end-plates (1, 2) and profiled to accept ductile overload shafts (5), and end nuts (6) which host springing components (7) to resist in-line movement between the end-plates (1, 2) and encourage these back to their original position.

Description

[0001] RESILIENT CONNECTOR

[0002] Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a structural connector. In some applications, the connector may be used within a structure or between structures, for resisting and damping external forces from a variety of sources, including earthquakes. In some applications, the connector may aid with returning the structure or structures to their original positions following an external loading event.

[0004] Background

[0005] Resilience is of benefit to structures, particularly in areas with high seismic and environmental risk, such as those around the Pacific Rim. Many of these regions have experienced devastating earthquakes and storm events, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of buildings. Resilient devices are designed to reduce the forces and accelerations acting on a structure, thereby preventing damage in substantial external loading events such as wind and earthquake scenarios.

[0006] To achieve this, resilient devices must allow some movement within or between structures, absorb or dissipate energy, or combine both functions. Various devices have been proposed, many of which use elastic or resilient materials to absorb forces, along with additional materials or friction to dissipate energy imparted on a structure by an external source of some kind. Examples of these materials include steel, rubber, and lead. Rubber absorbs energy by acting as a resilient material, preventing sudden force changes from directly transferring between components of a structure and helping the structure return to its rest position. Lead is often used as a damper to convert energy into heat.

[0007] However, many existing devices are expensive and require specialised construction. Furthermore, materials like rubber can degrade over time and require maintenance or replacement. Some alternatives avoid materials that deform elastically, instead using mechanical friction, springs, or other methods, such as in NZ Patent Application 771538. A drawback of this design is that some critical components are hidden inside a hollow tube, which can obscure any degradation from repeated cycles as well as corrosion which can occur over time.

[0008] Other devices use materials that deform plastically, which can lead to failure during repeated cycles or necessitate repairs or replacements after a major loading event. As a result, there is a need for resilient devices that effectively dissipate energy and recentre structures during external loading events, while being cost-efficient, easy to install, and low- maintenance.

[0009] Summary

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a resilient connector, in particular an in-line dissipator, which at least goes some way toward overcoming disadvantages of prior proposals, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a resilient connector, the connector comprising two attachment elements configured to be engaged with a structure or structures, one or more visible springing elements engaged with the attachment elements, one or more visible flat friction elements independent from and parallel to the springing elements and engaged to the attachment elements, to resist movement in an axial direction between the two attachment elements or dissipate energy through friction in the axial direction, or some combination of both.

[0012] The attachment element at one end may form a dual purpose as a friction element as well and this can be preferable depending on the engagement requirements.

[0013] The resilient connector may form part of a structure. This may include, without limitation, fixing a structure to the ground, within the bracing of a structure, or within other structural elements, racking, tanks and equipment.

[0014] The resilient connector may form a connection between structures or elements. This may include, without limitation, equipment on a plinth. The resilient connector may act in one direction on an axis only, for example tension or compression only.

[0015] The resilient connector may act in both directions on an axis, for example both tension and compression.

[0016] Other aspects may also be said broadly to consist in a system, apparatus or method comprising the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0017] Further aspects are also found in the appended claims.

[0018] Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the device in a tension-only configuration.

[0021] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the device in a compression-only configuration.

[0022] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the device in a combined tension and compression configuration.

[0023] Figure 4 is a front elevation of the device as shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 5 is a side elevation of the device as shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 6 is a plan view of Figures 4 and 5.

[0026] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the end plates only (parts 1 & 2).

[0027] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a side friction plate only (part 3). Figure 9 is an isometric view of the friction assembly which is a combination of Figures 7 & 8 and the associated fixings (parts 8 & 9).

[0028] Figure 10 is an isometric view of the springing componentry from Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 11 shows the springing componentry engaged with the outriggers (part 4).

[0030] Figure 12 is a plan view of the device in Figure 1, showing an extreme of its movement in the tensile direction.

[0031] Figure 13 is a plan view of the device in Figure 2, showing an extreme of its movement in the compression direction.

[0032] In this document, like numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote like features in the various constructions, embodiment or examples disclosed.

[0033] Detailed Description

[0034] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0035] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", both. The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features prefaced by that term in each statement all need to be present, but the other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same matter.

[0036] In Figure 1, an isometric view of the resilient connector shows first and second components which in the example described comprise end plates 1 and 2 which are configured to be engaged (for example by mounting holes provided therein) with two structures or components to be connected together. End plate 1 is shown adjacent to another end plate 2. A friction assembly is provided being configured to allow relative movement between the end plates under load. In this example the friction assembly has flat friction plates 3 on one or either side of the end plates. At end plate 1, these flat friction plates 3 are fixed in position in this case by bolts 8. These flat friction plates 3 are fixed to end plate 2 with bolts in slotted holes 9 in order to allow a zone of movement along an axis in a desired direction whilst damping energy through friction between the flat friction plates 3 and end plate 2 as they move relative to one another. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the slotted connection 9 could occur in either one or both ends of the resilient connector, and also that the side friction plates 3 could be extended at one end to also serve the same purpose as end plate 1 or 2. An aspect is that a single zone of movement is enabled between the two structures or components.

[0037] As well as friction, the resilient connector utilises a biasing assembly, such as springing componentry, to resist the relative movement between the two connected structures or components. This can also encourage them back to their original position through a recentering or restoring force. This mechanism is formed by an outrigger structure 4 on one or both sides of the zone of movement, engaged with the end plates 1 and 2 respectively. These outrigger components 4 can be passed through holes in the end plates 1 and 2 or can be fixed in place using some form of physical connection such as a weld. The outrigger components 4 can also be formed from multiple parts. Rod components 5 are passed through these outrigger components 4 and fixings 6 are used at each end of the rod components 5. In this embodiment, the rod components 5 are sized to provide a ductile fuse in the event that the resilient connector is overloaded to avoid a sudden failure. However, this feature could be omitted entirely, or could be formed in another location in the resilient connector. Springing components 7 in the form of springs, Belleville washers, disc springs (or other form) are included at various positions on the rod components 5, depending on the desired behaviour of the structural connector.

[0038] To further describe these behaviours, Figure 1 outlines one configuration of the resilient connector for acting in tension only. This means that the attachment point 1 remains fixed to the structure, element, or component that it is configured to be attached to and attachment point 2, and the structure, element or component configured to be attached to it, is able to move away from attachment point 1. The arrangement of the springing componentry 7 and orientation of the slotted hole connection 9 allows for this movement while providing the desired recentering and friction characteristics. Figures 2 and 3 show isometric views of two alternative arrangements of the connector, with Figure 2 showing a compression arrangement where the attachment points 1 and 2 can move toward one another. Figure 3 shows a combined arrangement which enables movement in both directions, tension and compression.

[0039] By utilising independent friction and springing behaviours across one zone of movement, a resilient connector can be formed in a compact form and enable each behaviour to be adjusted independently. For example, the tension or preload can be adjusted on the slotted connection 9 to adjust the level of friction in the resilient connector. Independent to this, the number, strength or orientation of springing componentry 7 can be modified to alter the stroke and recentering force of the resilient connector. These behaviours superimpose to provide the overall behaviour of the resilient connector.

[0040] In some embodiments the device system relating to the present invention comprises a plurality of resilient connectors acting in the same and / or varied directions.

[0041] Turning to Figure 4, a front elevation of Figure 1 shows how end plates 1 and 2 are associated but not fixed rigidly together in this tension-only embodiment. For the end plates 1 and 2 to move apart, the slotted connection 9 in the flat plate friction connection and the springing components 7 must activate simultaneously.

[0042] The end elevation of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 5. As can be seen in Figure 5, the rod components 5 are equidistant from the central axis of the resilient connector in order to maintain balance in the resilient connector.

[0043] Figure 6 is a top view of Figure 1 and is included to show the end plates 1 and 2 related to one another. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the end plates 1 and 2 do not need to be touching, they simply cannot be fixed in position relative to one another. Turning to Figure 7, these end plates 1 and 2 are shown in isometric view. In this embodiment, they are profiled to receive continuous outrigger components 4 (omitted from this Figure for clarity) in a manner which avoids the need for welding or some form of other physical connection. However, the outrigger components could be split into pieces and fixed on either side of the end plates 1 and 2. In other words, the outrigger components are not required to be continuous.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of one of the flat friction plates 3. One knowledgeable in the field will appreciate that the location of the slotted holes could be at either end of the flat friction plate 3, or both, or that the plate could be split into multiple pieces by omitting the bridge between the two sides.

[0045] An isometric view of the entire flat friction assembly for this embodiment is shown in Figure 9.

[0046] Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the springing componentry of this embodiment in isolation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disc springs 7 could be replaced with Belleville washers, traditional coil or die springs or some other springing element. It should also be appreciated that these springing elements 7 could all be located at just one end of each of the rod elements 5 in this embodiment to achieve the same outcome. The springing elements 7 are balanced on each of the rod components 5 so that the resilient connector remains stable and balanced.

[0047] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of the outrigger components 4 added to the componentry from Figure 10.

[0048] The resilient connector is formed by the springing assembly in Figure 11, combining with the friction assembly in Figure 9 to enable dissipation and recentering across a single zone of movement between two structures or between elements of a structure.

[0049] To further describe the behaviour of the resilient connector, two additional isometric views of resilient connector embodiments have been included in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 shows the tension-only resilient connector embodiment of Figure 1 in its extended position. It shows how the springing componentry 7 compresses in order to provide a restoring force and how the slotted connection 9 has moved through movement between side friction plates 3 and end plate 2.

[0050] Figure 13 shows the compression-only resilient connector embodiment of Figure 2 in its compressed position. It shows how the springing componentry 7 compresses in order to provide a restoring force and how the slotted connection 9 has moved through movement between side friction plates 3 and end plate 2. Means to detect or means to indicate whether (or to what extent) relative movement between the first and second components has occurred can also be provided. This may take a variety of forms. For example, a scriber component can be provided on one of the end plates or on a part of the friction assembly, the scriber being configured to mark (e.g. scratch) movement at a visible location on another component of the connector which moves relative to it in use. In another example, a sensor can be provided.

Claims

Claims1. A resilient connector comprising: a first component configured to engage with a first element or structure; a second component configured to engage with a second element or structure; a friction assembly configured to allow relative movement between the first and second components of the connector under a level of loading to thereby provide a zone of movement along an axis of movement; and a biasing assembly bridging the zone of movement and configured to act in parallel with the axis of movement of the connector and independent of the friction assembly, wherein the biasing assembly resists relative movement of the first and second components.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the friction assembly comprises a clamping assembly.

3. The connector of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the biasing assembly comprises a springing assembly.

4. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing assembly is further configured to encourage the first and second components to return to a rest position after they have been displaced therefrom.

5. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means to detect or means to indicate relative movement between the first and second components.

6. A resilient connector comprising: a component configured to engage with an element or structure at one end of the connector; a component configured to engage with a different element or structure at the other end of the connector; a bolted flat friction assembly clamping one or more parts between the connection points and oriented to allow axial movement between the end components of the connector under a level of loading thus creating a zone of movement; and a springing assembly bridging the zone of movement and running parallel with the axis of movement of the connector and independent to the friction assembly which resists relative movement of the connection points towards one another and encourages them back to their at-rest position.

7. A resilient connector comprising: a component configured to engage with an element or structure at one end of the connector; a component configured to engage with a different element or structure at the other end of the connector; a bolted flat friction assembly clamping one or more parts between the connection points and oriented to allow axial movement between the end components of the connector under a level of loading thus creating a zone of movement; and a springing assembly bridging the zone of movement and running parallel with the axis of movement of the connector and independent to the friction assembly which resistsrelative movement of the connection points away from and toward one another and encourages them back to their at-rest position.

8. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the springing assembly includes an overload component.

9. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the friction assembly includes an overload component.

10. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the connection components include an overload component.

11. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes an overload component.

12. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are multiples of any components or assemblies.

13. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolted friction assembly and springing assembly are both concentric to the axis of movement of the connector.

14. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolted friction assembly and springing assembly are not both concentric to the axis of movement of the connector.

15. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolted friction assembly also includes springing components to aid with clamping the friction assembly components.

16. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolted friction assembly and the springing assembly are attached together by way of welding and / or mechanical connectors.

17. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolted friction assembly and the springing assembly are engaged and held captive with one another but not attached together.

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