Resetting Semi-Passive Stiffness Damper Triggering Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-active stiffness dampers for structural control, such as RSASDs, are complex and prone to noise-induced errors, requiring feedback systems and accurate structural property information, which increases costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A resetting semi-passive stiffness damper (RSPSD) design that replaces the feedback system with a simpler mechanism using a piston connected in series with a grooved rack and a spring-loaded triggering lever, eliminating the need for feedback components and relying on a proximity sensor to control the bypass valve, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a feedback system with encoders and microcontrollers is used to control the bypass valve, then the damper can achieve resetting mode operation, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering lever assembly automatically detects piston movement and triggers the bypass valve without external feedback systems. The lever is mechanically engaged by the piston rack, and its movement automatically actuates the valve through the channel, eliminating the need for encoders, microcontrollers, and complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic feedback control system with a purely mechanical triggering mechanism. The triggering lever, channel, and rack form a mechanical system that automatically senses piston position and velocity changes, converting them into valve actuation through mechanical contact and movement along the channel.
2Measurement precision
If feedback components and accurate structural property information are required, then control precision is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering lever assembly self-regulates the bypass valve operation based on its own mechanical engagement with the piston rack. The lever's position along the channel automatically corresponds to piston displacement, providing precise control without external sensors or knowledge of structural properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering lever acts as an intermediary between the piston rack and the bypass valve. It translates piston movement into valve actuation through its mechanical engagement and movement along the channel, providing accurate position detection without requiring direct measurement or feedback components.
3Extent of automation
If a complex feedback system is used, then control functionality is enhanced, but reliability decreases due to noise-induced errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical triggering system is inherently immune to electrical noise and signal interference. The lever's physical engagement with the rack and its movement along the channel provide robust, noise-free detection of piston velocity changes, ensuring reliable valve actuation in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing electronic sensors and control circuits with a mechanical triggering mechanism, the system eliminates susceptibility to electrical noise, electromagnetic interference, and signal processing errors. The mechanical contact and movement provide inherent noise immunity and improved reliability.
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 RSPSD achieves comparable energy dissipation and structural control to RSASDs with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing reliability and acceptability in structural control applications.
Implementation Method 1
A resetting semi-passive stiffness damper (RSPSD) includes a triggering lever assembly having a lever biased in an initial position by a spring
Implementation Method 2
A piston, a double-acting cylinder filled with compressed air or hydraulic fluid, and a bypass loop with a valve
Implementation Method 3
a double-acting cylinder filled with compressed air or hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A resetting semi-passive stiffness damper (RSPSD) triggering assembly and a RSPSD and method of use for damping movement of an object. Exemplary embodiments of a RSPSD triggering assembly include, for example, a rotatable disc and a spring-loaded lever arranged between the disc and a slotted channel. A sensor is provided and communicates with a bypass valve on the cylinder. A change in the direction of movement of the disc causes reciprocation of the lever in the channel, which causes the sensor to send open and close signals to the bypass valve. In some embodiments, a single disc may be replaced with two interacting discs. A RSPSD equipped with such a triggering assembly is usable to damp movement of an object of interest.