Prefabricated Infilled Panel-Frame Structure for Seismic Energy Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infilled wall-frame structures face challenges such as low prefabricated ratios, weak structural lateral resistance capacity, difficult functional recovery after earthquakes, and poor bidirectional deformation cooperation under seismic loads.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated infilled panel-frame structure with a frame body, prefabricated infilled panel group, panel group fastener, disc spring assembly, and U-shaped connector, which allows for anti-seismic and seismic energy dissipation working states, improving lateral stiffness, energy dissipation, and deformation cooperation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional infilled wall-frame structure is used, then construction flexibility and light weight are improved, but seismic energy dissipation capability and structural lateral resistance capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction flexibilityVSAvoidseismic energy dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The infilled wall is divided into multiple panel units that can slide relative to each other, creating controlled weak seams that dissipate seismic energy while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation allows the wall to deform in a controlled manner during earthquakes rather than failing catastrophically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Friction materials and viscoelastic layers are introduced as intermediary elements between panel units to provide controlled energy dissipation. These intermediary materials allow relative movement while dissipating seismic energy through friction and viscous damping, bridging the gap between rigid structural components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If infilled wall is treated as non-structural member, then design simplicity is improved, but lateral stiffness amplification and bearing capacity consideration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidlateral stiffness amplification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The infilled wall is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to actively participate in seismic response. The panel units can slide and deform dynamically during earthquakes, providing energy dissipation while maintaining lateral stiffness. This transforms the wall from a static non-structural element to a dynamic energy-dissipating component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral stiffness and bearing capacity parameters of the infilled wall are explicitly considered in the structural design. By changing the design approach to account for the wall's actual mechanical properties rather than treating it as a simple linear load, the structure achieves more accurate and reliable seismic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If vertical strip type prefabricated panels are used, then existing construction process compatibility is improved, but transverse continuity splice and large-span adaptation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction process compatibilityVSAvoidtransverse continuity splice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical strip type prefabricated panels are designed with universal connection features that enable both traditional construction processes and new large-span applications. The panels can be spliced transversely using standardized connection details, making them adaptable to various building scales and span requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing construction methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If damping infilled wall with multiple panel units is used, then seismic energy dissipation is improved, but prefabricated ratio and wall assembly degree deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseismic energy dissipationVSAvoidprefabricated ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The panel units and damping components are pre-assembled into complete infilled wall modules at the factory before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary assembly maximizes the prefabricated ratio while ensuring the seismic energy dissipation functionality is properly integrated. The modules are designed to be installed as complete units, reducing on-site assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the prefabricated ratio and lateral resistance capacity, improves recoverability after earthquakes, and ensures effective bidirectional deformation energy dissipation, reducing structural damage and residual displacement.

Implementation Method 1

friction materials, viscoelastic layers, or metal dampers and other materials (or elements) are provided between the panel units. Under the action of horizontal earthquakes, the horizontal (or vertical) seams between the panel units will dissipate seismic energy due to the dislocation deformation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

friction materials, viscoelastic layers, or metal dampers and other materials (or elements) are provided between the panel units. Under the action of horizontal earthquakes, the horizontal (or vertical) seams between the panel units will dissipate seismic energy due to the dislocation deformation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12252898B2Prefabricated infilled panel-frame structure capable of accommodating seismic loading and seismic energy dissipation, and construction method
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 CHINA CONSTR FOURTH ENG DMSION GREEN BUILDING TECH (GUANGDONG) LTD
  • US12252898B2 patent drawing
  • US12252898B2 patent drawing
  • US12252898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a prefabricated infilled panel-frame structure capable of accommodating seismic-loading and seismic energy dissipation, and a construction method thereof, including a frame body, a prefabricated infilled panel group, a panel connector, and a disc spring assembly. During an earthquake, the present invention slides to dissipate energy only after the maximum starting sliding force is exceeded, thus providing the structure with a relatively high lateral stiffness prior to sliding. After an earthquake, the disc spring assembly of the present invention may provide a certain restoring force due to being compressed so as to reduce the residual displacement. Further, the present invention achieves the bidirectional deformation cooperation of the prefabricated infilled panel under earthquakes, so that the infilled panel may still achieve the function of seismic energy dissipation under the coupling action of in-plane and out-of-plane loads.