Damper Frame Lever Amplifies Seismic Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stiff low-rise structures, such as light-framed wood residential buildings, are not suitable for viscous dampers due to reduced displacement input and limited space for damper placement, making existing seismic energy dissipation methods ineffective and costly.
Innovation Solution
A damper frame design that includes a structural frame with a damper assembly featuring a diagonal link and lever mechanism, which amplifies displacement and transfers energy to a vertically oriented damper, allowing for efficient seismic energy dissipation with a smaller, less expensive damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dampers are positioned horizontally to provide good displacement and energy dissipation, then seismic resistance is improved, but space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the damper orientation from horizontal to diagonal positioning within the frame. This dimensional change allows the damper to utilize vertical space more efficiently while still capturing sufficient seismic displacement through the diagonal configuration, thereby reducing the horizontal space footprint without significantly compromising seismic resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly is integrated within the existing structural frame members, with the damper positioned diagonally between frame elements. This nesting approach allows the damper to occupy space that would otherwise be unused within the frame geometry, reducing additional space requirements while maintaining effectiveness
2Area of stationary object
If dampers are positioned diagonally to reduce space consumption, then space usage is improved, but displacement to dampers is reduced making them less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces linkages or connection elements that mediate between the horizontal seismic motion and the diagonally positioned damper. These intermediaries transform and transmit the horizontal displacement forces to the diagonal damper, ensuring that the damper receives sufficient effective displacement to function properly despite its diagonal orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the diagonal angle and linkage geometry to change the mechanical parameters of the system. By carefully selecting the diagonal angle and linkage lengths, the system maximizes the displacement transfer efficiency to the damper while maintaining compact space utilization, effectively tuning the parameter relationship between input motion and damper response
3Area of stationary object
If diagonal configuration is used to reduce space, then space efficiency is improved, but force in the damper is amplified requiring larger more costly dampers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force transmission path into multiple segments through the use of linkages and connection points distributed along the frame. This segmentation allows the total force to be distributed and managed through multiple smaller force vectors rather than concentrating excessive force in a single diagonal damper, reducing the required damper size and cost
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 design enables effective seismic energy dissipation in light-framed structures by amplifying displacement and velocity while reducing the force on the damper, allowing for the use of smaller, more economical dampers in limited spaces, thus enhancing the seismic resistance of light-framed buildings.
Implementation Method 1
A lever is secured to the damper support and the damper adjacent a second end of the damper opposite the first end of the damper. The lever is connected to the diagonal link so displacement of the diagonal link relative to the damper support is amplified and transferred to the second end of the damper by the lever.
Implementation Method 2
The addition of viscous damping to wood framed structures can significantly increase seismic resistance and reduce building lateral displacements, thereby reducing damage to the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A damper frame includes a structural frame and a damper assembly secured to the structural frame. The damper assembly includes a damper support secured to the structural frame. A damper is secured to the damper support. A diagonal link is secured to the structural frame. A lever is secured to the damper support and the damper. The lever is pivotally connected to the diagonal link so displacement of the diagonal link is amplified and transferred to the damper. The damper support includes a laterally-extending cantilevered portion and the damper is secured to the damper support at the cantilevered portion.