Self-Centering Energy Dissipation Device for Residual Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy dissipating members in architectural structures exhibit low post-yield stiffness and significant plastic energy dissipation, leading to large residual deformations and concentrated damage during earthquakes.

Innovation Solution

A self-centering energy dissipation device comprising a first base seat, main shaft, second base seats, and elastic members, which allows for the return to initial positions after earthquakes, minimizing permanent deformation and dissipating earthquake energy through relative movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional energy dissipating members are used, then energy dissipation capability is improved, but post-yield stiffness deteriorates and residual deformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy dissipation capabilityVSAvoidpost-yield stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the energy dissipation function into two distinct components: the elastic member handles reversible deformation and post-yield stiffness, while the friction interface handles irreversible energy dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The friction interface acts as an intermediary between the elastic member and the external force. It mediates the energy dissipation process by providing controlled friction resistance, allowing the elastic member to maintain its structural integrity and post-yield stiffness while still achieving effective energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If conventional energy dissipating members are used, then energy dissipation capability is improved, but concentrated damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy dissipation capabilityVSAvoidconcentrated damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the damage distribution by separating the energy dissipation mechanism (friction interface) from the structural connection points. The friction interface dissipates energy through distributed friction forces rather than concentrated plastic deformation, preventing localized damage accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device converts the harmful effect of friction (which causes energy dissipation) into a beneficial protective mechanism. The friction interface deliberately uses friction forces to dissipate earthquake energy while distributing the resulting stresses evenly, preventing concentrated damage at specific locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If elastic members are added to provide self-centering, then residual deformation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual deformationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the self-centering function and energy dissipation function into a single integrated assembly. The elastic member and friction interface work together as one unit, where the elastic member provides both structural support and self-centering capability, while the friction interface provides energy dissipation. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device effectively reduces structural damage by dissipating earthquake energy and restoring structures to their initial positions, minimizing residual deformation and enhancing structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pair of elastic members are sleeved on the at least one main shaft. Each of the at least one pair of elastic members has a first end abutting against the first base seat, and a second end abutting against a respective one of the second base seats

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250243683A1Self-centering energy dissipation device and wall damping assembly

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES

AI summary

A self-centering energy dissipation device is adapted to be connected to first and second objects, and includes a first base seat, at least one main shaft, two second base seats and at least one pair of elastic members. The first base seat is adapted to be connected to the first object. The at least one main shaft extends through the first base seat. The second base seats are connected respectively and movably to two opposite ends of the at least one main shaft and are adapted to be connected to the second object. The at least one pair of elastic members are sleeved on the at least one main shaft. Each of the at least one pair of elastic members has a first end abutting against the first base seat, and a second end abutting against a respective one of the second base seats.