Gravity-Driven Deployable Brace for Seismic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic protection systems lack effective deployable structural units that can rapidly transition from a retracted to a deployed condition to mitigate structural damage during earthquakes, especially with the advent of early earthquake warning systems.
Innovation Solution
A deployable unit comprising a retractable brace that transitions from a retracted to a deployed condition through gravity-driven movement, assisted by a latching arrangement and guiding system, and controlled by a hydraulic jack and control system, allowing for tension-only resistance to seismic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable brace system is implemented for seismic protection, then structural damage mitigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic protection system is divided into multiple independent deployable units, each comprising a brace, latching arrangement, and guiding arrangement. This segmentation allows the complex function of seismic protection to be distributed across simpler modular components that can be independently installed, maintained, and triggered
Solution Approach 2:
The brace transitions from a static retracted configuration to a dynamic deployed configuration through gravity-driven movement. The system incorporates movable latching arrangements and guiding mechanisms that enable the brace to dynamically adapt its position and function based on seismic events, transforming a static structure into a dynamically responsive protective system
2Speed
If rapid deployment is achieved through gravity-driven movement, then response speed is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the gravity-driven force and the brace. It controls the deployment process by engaging and disengaging at specific positions, ensuring that the rapid gravity-driven movement results in precise deployment to the correct operational position without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding arrangement enables the brace to self-guide its own deployment movement through predefined geometric constraints. The gravity-driven force automatically guides the brace along the correct trajectory and positioning path without requiring external control inputs, achieving both rapid deployment and positional precision through the system's own geometric design
3Ease of operation
If the brace remains in a retracted condition, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is pre-positioned in a retracted configuration during normal operations, requiring no active intervention or monitoring. The system is prepared in advance with the brace ready for rapid deployment, maintaining operational simplicity while being primed for immediate action when seismic events occur, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protective effectiveness
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 enables rapid deployment of the brace upon an early earthquake warning, providing ductile resistance to seismic forces, minimizing building deformation and potential for catastrophic collapse, while allowing for easy repair and reducing economic losses.
Implementation Method 1
transition from the retracted condition to the deployed condition occurs through gravity driven movement of the brace
Data Source
AI summary
Deployable units and systems made of deployable units are described. The units have a retractable brace transitioning from a retracted condition to a deployed condition through a gravity driven movement, a latching arrangement contacting the brace and keeping the brace in position when the brace is in the deployed condition, and a guiding arrangement to guide the movement of the brace. The systems comprise plural deployable units to be arranged in a building structure, each unit to be located in a respective bay per story space of the building structure.