Slip Friction Structural Connector With Spring Recentering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural connectors for resisting and damping external forces, such as seismic and vibration forces, require maintenance due to plastic deformation and may not effectively return structural members to their initial position after displacement, leading to increased vulnerability to further damage.
Innovation Solution
A double acting slip friction energy damping connector is introduced, comprising an elongate casing with a spring and damper assembly that allows relative displacement between structural members while providing damping through frictional resistance, and a connection rod with stops to facilitate the return of structural members to their initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If plastic deformation is used for damping, then energy absorption is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and structural reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces plastic deformation mechanisms with a friction-based mechanical system consisting of a slider, friction surfaces, and spring elements. This substitution allows energy dissipation through controlled frictional sliding rather than permanent material deformation, eliminating the need for maintenance while maintaining reliable damping functionality throughout the service life of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in friction parameters and spring stiffness to control damping behavior. By adjusting the normal force on friction surfaces and selecting appropriate spring constants, the system achieves energy absorption through reversible elastic deformation and controlled friction, avoiding plastic deformation entirely and eliminating maintenance requirements.
2Loss of energy
If friction dampers are used, then energy damping is improved, but the ability to return to initial position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges friction damping elements with spring restoring elements into a unified system. The friction surfaces provide energy dissipation during relative motion, while the pre-loaded spring simultaneously provides a restoring force that drives the connector back to its initial position after displacement, achieving both damping and recentering functions in a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary that stores energy during displacement and releases it to restore the initial position. The friction surfaces serve as another intermediary that dissipates energy during the sliding motion. Together, these intermediary elements mediate between the applied load and the connector's position, achieving both damping and return-to-origin functionality.
3Loss of energy
If viscous dampers with piston and cylinder are used, then damping is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential damping function from complex viscous damper systems and implements it through simple friction surfaces and spring elements. By removing the piston, cylinder, and fluid sealing components, the invention achieves comparable damping performance with a dramatically simplified mechanical structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive friction surfaces and spring elements instead of complex viscous damper assemblies. These components are inherently more durable and require no sealing or fluid management, effectively creating a maintenance-free, long-lasting damping solution that is both simpler and more reliable than viscous alternatives.
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 connector effectively resists and damps external forces, reduces maintenance needs by minimizing plastic deformation, and ensures that structural members return to their initial position, enhancing structural stability and reducing the risk of further damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least two spaced apart damper members each damper member having a friction surface or surfaces contacting the interior surface of surfaces of the casing to be able to slide with frictional resistance along the axis along at least part of the interior surface or surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a pre-loaded spring arrangement intermediate of and forcing, when the first and second structural members are in their initial static position, the two adjacent damper members apart in the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting two structural components. The connector has a casing engaged and to move with a first of said structural components. The casing is of an elongate constant cross section interior within which is operative in a frictional sliding engagement a spring and damper assembly. This comprising of at least one damper to move with a second of said structural components and contacting the interior of the casing and able to slide in frictional contact with the casing. A spring is able to be elastically deformed by and between the damper and the casing when the damper and casing are in relative motion to bias the two structural components towards their initial relative position.