Friction devices for energy dissipation

A friction device for dissipating energy, comprising:

• a first friction assembly comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first friction assembly is configured to generate a first friction force by a movement of the first plate relative to the second plate,
• a first fastener assembly configured to exert a first normal force onto the first friction assembly,
• a second friction assembly comprising a plurality of auxiliary pads, wherein the second auxiliary pads is configured to generate a second friction force by a movement of one or more of the plurality of auxiliary pads relative to the second plate in response to a movement of the first plate that exceeds a predetermined value, and
• a second fastener assembly configured to exert a second normal force onto the second friction assembly, wherein:
• the first friction force relates to the first normal force;
• the second friction force relates to the second normal force;
• and
• the friction device is configured to dissipate the energy by a total friction force that is a sum of the first friction force and the second friction force;
• wherein each of the plurality of auxiliary pads includes a friction shim and a bearing plate, the friction shim being configured to form a sliding interface with the second plate, and the bearing plate being configured to be coupled to the first plate to cause the friction shim to move.

An energy dissipation system for a structure, comprising:

• a plurality of friction devices, wherein each of the plurality of friction devices comprises:
• a first friction assembly comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first friction assembly is configured to generate a first friction force by a movement of the first plate relative to the second plate,
• a first fastener assembly configured to exert a first normal force onto the first friction assembly,
• a second friction assembly comprising a plurality of auxiliary pads, wherein the second friction assembly is configured to generate a second friction force by a movement of one or more of the plurality of auxiliary pads relative to the second plate when the one or more of the plurality of auxiliary pads are coupled to the first plate in response to a movement of the first plate that exceeds a predetermined value, and
• a second fastener assembly configured to exert a second normal force onto the second friction assembly, wherein:
• the first friction force depends on the first normal force;
• the second friction force depends on the second normal force;
• the friction device is configured to dissipate energy by a total friction force that is a sum of the first friction force and the second friction force, wherein the plurality of friction devices are configured to be operatively connected to a structural framework of the structure;
• and
• each of the plurality of auxiliary pads includes a friction shim and a bearing plate, the friction shim being configured to form a sliding interface with the second plate, and the bearing plate being configured to be coupled to the first plate to cause the friction shim to move.