Self-Centering Energy Dissipator for Seismic Tensile Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic protection technologies, particularly energy dissipation devices, fail to effectively dissipate strain energy from tensile loads and do not fully recover their original shape after seismic movement, lacking a device that proportionally dissipates strain energy and has self-centering capability.
Innovation Solution
A strain energy dissipative device with self-centering capability, comprising pivoting rigid elements, connecting rods, a restitution assembly, and a load transmission system, which proportionally dissipates energy through frictional and elastic forces, allowing the device to return to its original shape post-seismic movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If frictional dissipation devices are used to dissipate energy in structures, then energy dissipation is achieved, but permanent strain remains after dynamic action is terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the energy dissipation function into two independent components: a frictional dissipation component (pivoting elements and connecting rods) and an elastic recovery component (resilient element). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - friction dissipates energy while elasticity ensures recovery, resolving the contradiction between energy dissipation and permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges frictional dissipation mechanisms with elastic recovery mechanisms into a single integrated device. The frictional components (pivoting rigid elements and connecting rods) work together with the elastic component (resilient element) to simultaneously achieve energy dissipation and shape recovery, eliminating the permanent strain issue while maintaining effective energy dissipation.
2Loss of energy
If conventional energy dissipation devices are used, then energy dissipation capability is provided, but self-centering capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides self-service by automatically recovering the device to its original shape after seismic action without requiring external intervention. The elastic potential energy stored during deformation is released to return the pivoting elements and connecting rods to their initial positions, achieving self-centering capability while maintaining energy dissipation function.
3Loss of energy
If a device dissipates strain energy proportional to strain is required, then effective seismic protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of simple mechanical components to achieve proportional energy dissipation. By designing the frictional components (pivoting elements and connecting rods) and elastic component (resilient element) with specific geometric and material parameters, the device achieves strain-proportional energy dissipation without requiring complex control systems or multiple sophisticated components.
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 efficiently dissipates strain energy proportional to displacement, ensuring structural resilience and self-centering, effectively protecting structures from seismic forces by maintaining its original shape post-seismic activity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one linear resilient element of a restitution assembly; said restitution assembly having at least one linear resilient element connected at one end to the interconnecting rigid element and configured to deform linearly in response to the application of external load
Implementation Method 2
a load transmission system comprising at least a first ring and at least a second ring arranged annularly in relation to the load transmission element, each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transmission element, said corresponding flat surface being in contact with the inner face of a corresponding pivoting rigid element for transmitting part of the load imposed by the structural system
Data Source
AI summary
A strain energy dissipative device for tensile loads with self-centering capability comprising: a housing accommodating a first pivoting rigid element and a second pivoting rigid element, connected in corresponding intermediate positions to corresponding first and second rigid connecting rods; an interconnecting rigid element, connected to the first rigid connecting rod, second rigid connecting rod and to a system of linear resilient elements; a mechanical system, connected to the housing, for deforming the resilient element system; first and second load transmission ring systems in contact with the first and second pivoting rigid elements, respectively, and sliding in their corresponding length; and a cylindrical shaft for transferring the external tensile load to the first and second load transmission ring.