Deformable Fiber Rope Seismic Restraint for Non-Structural Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between non-structural and structural components in buildings, such as façade panels and primary structures, lack sufficient strength to withstand seismic demands during strong earthquakes, leading to potential collapse and damage.
Innovation Solution
A seismic restraint system comprising a deformable fiber rope anchored by sockets, which acts as a backup system, activated upon failure of primary connections, providing additional protection by maintaining non-structural components attached to the primary structural system while reducing impact forces during earthquakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strength of existing connections between non-structural and structural components is increased, then the seismic resistance is improved, but the connections become impractically massive and impact the response of the primary structural system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a deformable fiber rope as a backup restraint system that remains inactive during normal conditions and weak earthquakes, but activates automatically when primary connections fail during strong earthquakes. The fiber rope is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to provide immediate protection without interfering with primary structural response, thus improving seismic reliability without adding excessive mass or complexity to the primary connection system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable fiber rope is used, then the strength-to-stiffness ratio is appropriate and impact forces are reduced, but the connection strength may be insufficient compared to rigid connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a deformable fiber rope with specific material properties that optimize the strength-to-stiffness ratio. The fiber rope's deformability allows it to absorb impact forces through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing peak forces while maintaining sufficient strength through high-strength fiber materials. The parameters of the fiber rope (material composition, diameter, length, pre-tension) are carefully selected to balance strength and energy absorption capabilities.
3Reliability
If the fiber rope is installed loose in normal operating conditions, then the seismic restraint is activated only when primary connection fails, but the connection provides no protection during weak earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the fiber rope restraint system to transition from an inactive, loose state during normal and weak earthquake conditions to an active, tensioned state when primary connections fail. The dynamic activation mechanism allows the fiber rope to remain non-interfering during routine operations while automatically engaging to provide backup protection during severe seismic events, optimizing both reliability and operational ease through conditional activation.
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 seismic restraint effectively prevents human casualties, equipment damage, and indirect losses by providing enhanced seismic protection without compromising the architectural appearance or primary structural design, ensuring the non-structural components remain attached to the primary structure during moderate to strong earthquakes.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber rope is sufficiently flexible to reduce the impact forces exerted onto the seismic restraint when the restraint is activated
Data Source
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AI summary
A seismic restraint (106) is configured to be installed between a non-structural component (104) and a structural component (102) of a building. The seismic restraint (106) comprises a deformable fiber rope (108), and two sockets (110) in which the fiber rope (108) is anchored by its end portions (114). Each socket (110) is configured to be connected to one of the components (102, 104) of the building.