Composite Axial Energy Consumption Device Using Piezoelectricity and Shape Memory Alloy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steel truss members in construction are prone to fatigue cracks and defects under long-term dynamic cyclic loading, leading to reduced structural bearing capacity and durability, which affects their performance and service life.

Innovation Solution

A composite axial energy consumption device combining piezoelectricity and shape memory alloy (SMA) technology, where mechanical energy is converted into electric energy using piezoceramics and then into heat energy through resistance wires, while SMA wire bundles manage tension and deformation, effectively consuming energy and reducing structural dynamic response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional steel truss members are used under long-term dynamic cyclic loading, then the structure can maintain simple construction and good overall performance, but fatigue cracks and defects occur leading to reduced bearing capacity and durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural bearing capacity and durabilityVSAvoidservice life under dynamic cyclic loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful mechanical energy from dynamic cyclic loading into useful electrical energy through piezoelectric materials. The vibration and stress that would normally cause fatigue damage are transformed into electrical signals that can be harvested and used, thereby reducing the harmful effects and extending service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials including piezoelectric ceramics, shape memory alloys, and damping materials integrated into the steel truss structure. These composite materials provide multiple functions simultaneously: energy harvesting, damage mitigation, and structural reinforcement, thereby improving reliability and durability under dynamic loading

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If piezoelectric energy consumption device is added to steel truss members, then energy consumption efficiency is greatly increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into single components: the piezoelectric elements serve both as structural elements and energy harvesting devices; the shape memory alloy wires provide both structural reinforcement and energy dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high energy consumption efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If SMA wire bundles are used to bear tension, then large allowable deformation and recoverable deformation are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension resistance and deformabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the unique properties of shape memory alloys that allow large deformations and full recovery through temperature or stress changes. By selecting appropriate SMA wire specifications and preloading parameters, the system achieves high tension resistance and deformability without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the material properties themselves provide the necessary functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances energy consumption efficiency, improves mechanical performance, and extends the service life of steel truss structures by converting mechanical energy into heat energy and utilizing SMA wire bundles for high tension resistance and self-centering capabilities, offering adjustable and maintainable structural solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The axial pressure on a steel pipe is converted into electric energy by using a piezoelectric effect principle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the electric energy is converted into heat energy for consumption by using a resistance wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

Shape memory alloy (SMA) wire bundles are used to bear tension to realize the advantages of large allowable deformation and recoverable deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11293415B2Composite axial energy consumption device based on piezoelectricity and shape memory alloy
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
  • US11293415B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention belongs to the technical field of structural vibration control, and provides a composite axial energy consumption device based on piezoelectricity and shape memory alloy, comprising a screw, steel pipes, stiffening ribs, steel sheets, bolt-nuts, piezoceramics, screw caps and SMA wire bundles. The mechanical energy of the structure under pressure is converted into the electric energy of the piezoceramics and then the electric energy is converted into heat energy, so that energy consumption efficiency is high and mechanical performance is good. The SMA wire bundles have large tensile bearing capacity, shape memory effect and good corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The number of the segments and the specifications of the piezoceramics and the SMA wire bundles can be adjusted according to the actual needs, so that the structure can be adjusted according to the size of an axial force and specific stress conditions.