Distributed Swinging-Mass Damping for High-Rise Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) for vibration reduction in tall buildings require significant space and capital investment, with calibration challenges and inefficiencies due to mass distribution, especially when applied at the top of the structure.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vibration damping system utilizing multiple small swinging masses distributed across building façades, slabs, and partition walls, each with horizontal springs and dampers, to absorb energy and reduce acceleration, allowing for a more sustainable and space-efficient solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is used to reduce vibrations in tall buildings, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but the space occupied at the top of the building increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single large TMD mass into multiple smaller masses distributed across different locations (façades, slabs, partition walls). Each small mass acts as an independent damping unit, collectively providing vibration reduction equivalent to or better than a single large TMD, while occupying significantly less concentrated space at the building top.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from placing all damping mass at the top of the building (vertical concentration) to distributing masses across multiple spatial dimensions (façades, slabs, partition walls). This spatial distribution maintains vibration control effectiveness while reducing the footprint at any single location, particularly preserving valuable rooftop space.
2Reliability
If a conventional Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is installed at the top of the building, then vibration control is achieved, but valuable rental space is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the damping system into multiple small masses placed in non-rental areas (façades, structural slabs, partition walls), the invention preserves all potentially rentable rooftop space while maintaining vibration control functionality through the collective action of distributed masses.
3Reliability
If a large single mass TMD is used, then vibration damping is effective, but the system occupies a big part of the top of the building
Solution Approach 1:
The large single mass is segmented into multiple smaller masses distributed across façades, slabs, and partition walls. Each small mass requires minimal space, and their collective damping effect matches or exceeds that of the large single mass, significantly reducing the volume occupied at the building top.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple small damping units are distributed across the building, then space usage is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple units does increase component count, each unit is a simple, standardized assembly. The modular nature allows for simplified installation, maintenance, and calibration compared to a single complex large-mass system, making the increased complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of mass distribution from concentrated to distributed, and from single-unit to multi-unit configuration. This parameter change enables the use of smaller, simpler individual units whose collective behavior achieves the desired damping effect with reduced spatial requirements.
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 system achieves significant acceleration reduction with less capital investment and space usage, offering greater profitability by utilizing valuable rental areas and providing redundancy, while maintaining effective vibration control with reduced logistical impact.
Implementation Method 1
this effect in reality is produced by an inertial action of the secondary mass, which vibrates in phase opposition to the vibrating primary system
Implementation Method 2
one or more horizontal springs fixed to the swinging mass to absorb the energy generated by the movements of the swinging mass
Implementation Method 3
one or more dampers fixed to the swinging mass able to damp movements of the swinging mass
Implementation Method 4
The TMD consists of a secondary mass, having the precise stiffness to tune the TMD natural frequency to the critical resonance frequency of the vibrating primary system
Implementation Method 5
an effective solution to reduce the vibrations of a structural mass, like a building, excited by forces with relevant energy content at the resonance frequency
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The dynamic vibration damping system for a building, comprises damping units inserted in housings located in the building façades, or slabs, or partition walls. The damping units comprise a swinging mass (2) sliding horizontally in opposite directions on a swinging plane parallel to the façade or to the slab or to the partition wall when the building vibrates, horizontal springs (3) to absorb the energy generated by the movements of the swinging mass (2), and dampers (4) to damp movements of the swinging mass (2).