Cable friction damper
AssigneeVSL International AG
InventorYves Bournand
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and a device for damping relative motion between structural elements (4a, 4b, 5), and in particular for damping oscillations in a stay cable of a building or a civil engineering structure. A damping device is disclosed which provides motion damping by means of frictional engagement (1a, 1b) between friction surfaces composed of low-friction polymeric material (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b). The polymeric material preferably includes a dispersed lubricant. The use of low friction polymers results in a constant damping which is effective over a broad range of displacements and forces.
Claims15
A damper device for damping relative motion between a first structural member and a second structural member in a construction, the damper device comprising
- a first friction element (2a, 2b) mechanically associated with the first structural member, the first friction element (2a, 2b) including a first friction surface made of a first friction material,
- a second friction element (3a, 3b) mechanically associated with the second structural member, the second friction element (3a, 3b) including a second friction surface made of a second friction material,
- the first and second friction surfaces being in mutual frictional engagement (1a, 1b) such that relative motion between the first and second friction surfaces is damped by the frictional engagement (1a, 1b) between the first and second friction surfaces,
- the damper device being characterized in that at least one of the first and second friction materials is a low-friction polymer material.
Method of damping relative motion between a first structural member and a second structural member, the method comprising the steps of:
- a first step of providing the first structural member with a first friction surface comprising a first friction material,
- a second step of providing the second structural member with a second friction surface comprising a second friction material,
- a third step of applying a force to press the first and second friction surfaces together in mutual frictional engagement (1a, 1b) such that relative motion between the first and second friction surfaces is damped by the frictional engagement (1a, 1b) between the first and second friction surfaces,
- the method being characterized in that at least one of the first and second friction materials is a low-friction polymeric material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.