Bi-Linear Spring Damper for Predictable Cable Tension Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy dissipating devices in geotechnical and geological engineering applications suffer from variability in loading behavior due to workmanship, lack of repeatability, and irreversibility, making it difficult to predict and control energy dissipation during events like debris flow, rockfall, and snow avalanches.
Innovation Solution
A bi-linear energy dissipating and shock absorbing device using two elastic springs with different stiffness encased in a cylindrical shell, where one spring is preloaded and the other relaxed, allowing for predictable and repeatable energy absorption through elastic deformation, mimicking the efficiency of proprietary devices but with full specifiability and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If proprietary energy dissipating devices use non-linear plastic deformation to dissipate energy, then energy dissipation efficiency is improved, but loading behavior variability and unpredictability increase due to workmanship factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the non-linear plastic deformation mechanism with a linear elastic spring mechanism. The energy dissipating device uses two linear springs with different stiffness values that operate in sequence, eliminating the need for complex non-linear plastic deformation while maintaining energy dissipation effectiveness and improving predictability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanical parameter from non-linear plastic deformation to linear elastic deformation. By using springs with defined stiffness values (k1 and k2) and a predefined transition point (δ1), the device achieves predictable bi-linear loading behavior that can be precisely controlled through parameter selection rather than relying on workmanship quality.
2Loss of energy
If compression sleeve is tightly clamped on tube to improve energy dissipation, then energy dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the compression sleeve component entirely from the energy dissipating device. By using a simple cylindrical shell to encase the springs, the device achieves energy dissipation through spring deformation alone, removing the need for complex clamping mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
This principle does not apply to the patent. The patent uses mechanical spring deformation rather than material property changes or visual indicators.
3Loss of energy
If proprietary energy dissipating devices are used to dissipate impact energy, then energy dissipation capability is improved, but reusability is lost due to irreversible strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces irreversible plastic deformation with reversible elastic deformation using springs. After absorbing impact energy, the springs return to their original configuration, allowing the device to be reused multiple times without permanent damage or loss of performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of the energy dissipating device after impact events. The elastic springs store energy during deformation and release it during recovery, allowing the device to maintain its functional integrity and be reused, unlike proprietary devices that must be discarded after plastic deformation.
4Loss of energy
If complex non-linear plastic deformation is used in energy dissipating devices, then energy dissipation efficiency is improved, but ease of operation and control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies control by changing from non-linear to linear elastic parameters. The bi-linear loading behavior is controlled through simple parameters (spring stiffness values k1 and k2, and transition point δ1) that are straightforward to calculate and implement, eliminating the complexity of non-linear plastic deformation analysis.
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 device achieves repeatable and fully specifiable bi-linear loading behavior, effectively attenuating energy from tensile loading, with adjustable stiffness and transition points, ensuring efficient and predictable energy dissipation comparable to proprietary devices while allowing for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
The loading behavior of springs 5 and 6 is defined by their respective stiffness and initial preloads. The combination of the two springs results in a repeatable and fully specifiable bi-linear loading behavior.
Implementation Method 2
Spring 5 is preloaded by spacer 14. The preloading of spring 5 is defined by the thickness of spacer 14.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) comprises: a cylindrical shell (4); a first spring (5) encased inside the cylindrical shell (4); a second spring (6) encased inside the cylindrical shell (4); a separator (13) in the cylindrical shell (4) separating the first and second springs (5, 6); a first end plate (12) on a first side (13a) of the separator (13) and a second end plate (11) on a second side (13b) of the separator (13); a first rod (2) and a second rod (3) passing openings (20a, 20b) provided at each end of the cylindrical shell (4), with the first rod (2) connected to the first end plate (12) and the second rod (3) connected to the second end plate (11); and a spacer (14) inserted between the first end plate (12) and the first spring (5).