Multi-Load Friction Damper for Seismic Energy Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing friction dampers for seismic control in buildings are limited in their ability to effectively manage seismic energy across varying earthquake magnitudes, leading to inefficient energy absorption and potential structural deformation.

Innovation Solution

The development of multi-load and multi-layer friction dampers with multiple frictional engagement points and layers, which include opposed gusset-side plates and brace-side plates with specific frictional engagement configurations, allowing for staged slipping states to manage seismic forces more effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single friction damper design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively manage seismic energy across varying earthquake magnitudes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manage seismic energy across varying earthquake magnitudesVSAvoidmulti-layer and multi-frictional engagement configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The friction damper is divided into multiple layers with multiple frictional engagement points, where each layer can slip independently at different load levels. This segmentation allows the damper to respond to varying earthquake magnitudes through staged slipping states, transforming a single-function device into a multi-level energy dissipation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The damper incorporates multiple frictional engagement points with different slip loads, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its stiffness and damping characteristics based on the applied seismic force. Under small earthquakes, only lower-load friction points slip; under large earthquakes, higher-load points engage, providing dynamic adaptability across varying earthquake magnitudes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If multiple frictional engagement points are used, then energy absorption efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic energy absorption efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of frictional engagement points and layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy dissipation function is segmented across multiple frictional engagement points distributed through different layers. Each friction point acts as an independent energy dissipation unit, and their cumulative effect significantly enhances total seismic energy absorption capacity while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple frictional engagement points and layers are merged into a single integrated damper assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The combined effect of all friction points working in sequence during staged slipping states creates superior energy absorption efficiency compared to the sum of individual dampers, while the integrated design manages structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If friction surfaces are treated to improve frictional engagement, then the frictional force increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional forceVSAvoidsurface treatment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The friction characteristics are modified by changing surface parameters through treatment processes, altering the coefficient of friction and surface properties to enhance frictional engagement. This allows achievement of required frictional forces with standardized manufacturing tolerances, balancing performance enhancement with manufacturability.

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

These dampers enhance the structural integrity of buildings by efficiently converting seismic energy into friction heat across a range of earthquake intensities, reducing the energy absorbed by the building structure and minimizing physical deformation.

Implementation Method 1

The friction dampers are installed in the structure of the building and operate by converting seismic energy from earthquakes into friction/heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10563418B2Friction damper for a building structure

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 PALL AVTAR

AI summary

A multi-load friction damper includes opposed gusset-side plates defining a slip channel. First and second brace-side plates are received within the slip channel and form first and second frictional engagements respectively. The frictional force of the first and second frictional engagements may be different. A multi-layer friction damper includes a central gusset-side plate and first and second outer gusset-side plates. First and second brace-side plates are received between the central gusset-side plates and the first and second outer gusset-side plates to form first, second, third and fourth frictional engagements. A multi-damper assembly includes a gusset engagement member and brace engagement member. A plurality of friction dampers extend between the gusset engagement member and the brace engagement member.