Asymmetric Brace Intersection for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration control devices for beam-and-column frames face challenges in minimizing compression forces on braces, leading to enlarged cross-sections and reduced durability, with load-deformation characteristics often resulting in slippage types rather than spindle types, which limits energy absorption and restorability.
Innovation Solution
A vibration control device with a parallel member and rotary supporting member, where the intersection point of the first and second braces is positioned closer to the first member, allowing only tensile forces to act on one brace and minimal compression forces on the other, and utilizing damper members for stable support and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If braces are designed to withstand compression deformations, then structural stability is improved, but the cross section of the braces must be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the intersection point of the first and second braces asymmetrically closer to the first member, creating an unequal distribution of forces. This asymmetric configuration allows one brace to primarily承受 tensile forces while the other承受 minimal compression forces, eliminating the need for both braces to have large cross sections designed for compression resistance.
2Area of moving object
If compression forces are reduced on braces, then the cross section can be reduced, but the load-deformation characteristic becomes slippage type rather than spindle type
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the brace intersection point creates a mechanical configuration where one brace is predominantly in tension and the other in minimal compression. This asymmetric force distribution, combined with the rotational support mechanism, enables continuous load-deformation behavior (spindle type) while maintaining reduced brace cross sections, as the tensile brace provides the necessary restorability.
3Shape
If the intersection point of braces is positioned centrally, then structural symmetry is improved, but compression forces increase on both braces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by positioning the brace intersection point closer to the first member rather than at the central position. This asymmetric positioning strategically redistributes the forces, allowing one brace to carry tensile loads while the other experiences minimal compression, thereby reducing overall compression forces despite sacrificing geometric symmetry.
4Strength
If larger cross section braces are used, then compression resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost and assemblability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the brace intersection asymmetrically, the patent enables the use of smaller cross section braces since only one brace needs to withstand significant tensile forces while the other experiences minimal compression. This reduces material consumption, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves assemblability, as smaller diameter steel rods are easier to handle and install.
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
This configuration achieves a spindle-type load-deformation characteristic, enhancing restorability and vibration control performance while reducing the second moment of area of the braces, allowing for the use of smaller, less expensive steel rods and improving assemblability, and preventing deformations that compromise durability.
Implementation Method 1
damper members being disposed respectively so as to be interposed between the parallel member and the first member
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to absorb seismic energies because the plastic body deforms in a case where a beam-and-column frame has deformed horizontally
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary supporting member supports a parallel member rotatably with respect to an upper beam. A first brace connects an opposite-end side of the parallel member with an opposite-end side of a lower beam. A second brace connects another opposite-end side of the parallel member with another opposite-end side of the lower beam. An intersection position of the first brace with the second brace is positioned more adjacent to a side of the upper beam than where an intermediate position between the upper beam and the lower beam is present. Damper members dispose respectively so as to be interposed between the parallel member and the upper beam, connecting the parallel member with the upper beam, and being disposed to make a pair at least on both sides each of which is separated away from the rotary supporting member to interpose the rotary supporting member therebetween.