Air-Floating TMD Damping Structure With Low-Friction Seismic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping devices for structures face issues with increased size and cost due to frictional influences and large deformation under vibrations, particularly during seismic events, leading to safety and habitability concerns, and existing solutions like floating-system seismic isolation devices also incur scale and price increments.
Innovation Solution
A damping device configuration featuring an air floating mass, guiderail units, slider units, an attenuation mechanism, and a restoration mechanism, allowing the damping mass to float and slide with low resistance, thereby executing damping operations with reduced noise and promoting rotation prevention, while using an air leakage prevention mechanism to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional damping devices are used, then vibration suppression is achieved, but device size and price increase due to frictional influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical friction-based damping mechanisms with an air bearing system that uses compressed air to create a non-contact support surface. The air bearing reduces frictional resistance to negligible levels, allowing the damping mass to move freely while still providing vibration suppression through controlled air flow and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing compressed air between the damping mass and the support surface, creating an air bearing that enables low-friction movement. The air pressure and flow are controlled to provide both support and damping functions, eliminating the need for large mechanical friction-based components.
2Reliability
If conventional damping devices are used, then vibration suppression is achieved, but device price increases due to frictional influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical friction-based damping mechanisms with a simpler pneumatic air bearing system. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts, eliminates the need for precision mechanical clearances, and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining vibration suppression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
By using compressed air as the damping medium, the system eliminates expensive mechanical components such as friction pads, brake systems, and complex linkages. The pneumatic system can be implemented with relatively simple infrastructure (air supply, flow control valves, and pressure regulators), making the overall device more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If floating-system seismic isolation devices are used, then seismic isolation is achieved, but device scale and price increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the damping mass itself as a counterbalancing element that moves in opposition to structural vibrations. By utilizing the inertia of the damping mass and controlling its movement through the air bearing system, the device achieves seismic isolation without requiring additional heavy counterweights or large isolating structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of friction from high (conventional mechanical systems) to near-zero (air bearing system). This parameter change allows for a more compact device configuration, as the damping mass can move freely with minimal resistance, reducing the need for large travel clearances and bulky mechanical guidance structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If structures with low dominant frequency are used, then structural flexibility is achieved, but bending deformation and shear deformation increase under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes controlled mechanical vibration of the damping mass to counteract and reduce the amplitude of unwanted structural vibrations. By tuning the damping mass system to resonate at specific frequencies, the device can effectively reduce bending and shear deformations in flexible structures, thereby improving their vibration resistance without compromising flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves suppression of relative displacement, diversification of natural periods, and reduction in device size and price, ensuring safety and habitability by effectively controlling vibrations with low sliding resistance and noise, and enabling precise attenuation and restoration actions.
Implementation Method 1
a damping mass which is disposed above the base frame and floats with a pressure of air sent from the air floating mass
Implementation Method 2
one pair of guiderail units which are disposed on X-direction both sides of the base frame along the X direction respectively, a required number of slider units which are disposed to be slidable in the X direction relative to the one pair of guiderail units
Implementation Method 3
an attenuation mechanism which is attached to the base frame to be disposed in the X direction and exerts an attenuation action on the damping mass when the damping mass vibrates
Implementation Method 4
a restoration mechanism which is attached to the base frame to be disposed in the X direction and exerts a restoration action on the damping mass when the damping mass vibrates
Data Source
AI summary
A damping device for structure includes a base frame installed on a target place, an air floating mass disposed on the base frame to blow off air, a TMD mass disposed above the base frame to float with an air pressure, one pair of guiderail units disposed on X-direction both sides of the base frame along the X direction respectively, slider units disposed to be slidable in the X direction relative to the guiderail units, coupled to each X-direction side face of the TMD mass and each including a slider moving up/down mechanism part which moves down a slider when the TMD mass floats, an oil damper attached to the base frame to exert an attenuation action on the TMD mass and a coil spring attached to the base frame to exert a restoration action on the TMD mass.