Energy absorber
AssigneeRobinson Seismic Limited
InventorWilliam Henry Robinson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention described is a system for seismic isolation or vibration of structures which is simple, relatively inexpensive and readily used for smaller structures. It involves use of bearings comprising a ball (10) and ball seats (12, 18) interposed between the structure and its foundation. Either the ball itself (24) or the seat surface (15) on which it rolls is compressible, the resistance to that compression providing a frictional braking force resisting rolling of the ball. This serves to dampen relative movement between the structure and its foundation. There are described several alternative constructions of the friction ball which is the preferred central element in the bearing device. There may be a plurality of balls (44, 47) in each combination of balls and seats.
Claims15
An external force damping bearing assembly for a structure, said assembly comprising:
- an upper surface which in use supports the structure,
- a lower surface co-operable with said upper surface, and
- a friction ball which in use is positioned between said upper surface and said lower surface to support said structure,
- said friction ball comprising a core of particulate material and an outer layer enclosing said core, said ball, when supporting said structure, being deformed, said deformation generating frictional forces between particles of said particulate material which resists rolling motion within said ball to dampen an external force applied to said lower surface or to said upper surface.
A method of seismically isolating a structure said method comprising the steps of:
- interposing a plurality of bearing assemblies,
- using an upper surface to support the structure,
- using a lower surface co-operable with said upper surface,
- positioning a friction ball between said upper surface and said lower surface to support said structure, and
- providing said friction ball with a core of particulate material and an outer layer enclosing said core, said ball, when supporting said structure, being deformed, said deformation generating frictional forces between particles of said particulate material which resists rolling motion within said ball to dampen an external force applied to said lower surface or to said upper surface between the structure and a predetermined number of foundation points upon which said lower surfaces are positioned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.