Highly effective seismic energy dissipation apparatus
AssigneeThe Research Foundation of SUNY at Buffalo
InventorMichael C. Constantinou
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.
Claims14
An apparatus for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic energy transmitted to said structure, said apparatus comprising:
- a first end and a second end opposite said first end;
- a first pair of elongated members extending from said first end, said first pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a second pair of elongated members extending from said second end, said second pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of one of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of one of said second pair of elongated members;
- a second pivot joint opposite said first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of the other of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of the other of said second pair of elongated members;
- and
- an energy dissipating device connected between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint for dissipating energy incident to displacement occurring between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint.
A structure adapted for seismic excitation, said structure comprising:
- a beam;
- a column connected to said beam;
- and
- an apparatus for dissipating seismic energy, said apparatus comprising:
- a first end fixed to said beam at a location spaced from said column;
- a second end fixed to said column at a location spaced from said beam;
- a first pair of elongated members extending from said first end, said first pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a second pair of elongated members extending from said second end, said second pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of one of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of one of said second pair of elongated members;
- a second pivot joint opposite said first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of the other of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of the other of said second pair of elongated members;
- and
- an energy dissipating device connected between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint for dissipating energy incident to displacement occurring between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint.
A structure adapted for seismic excitation, said structure comprising:
- a first beam and a second beam spaced from said first beam;
- a column connected to said first beam and said second beam;
- and
- an apparatus for dissipating seismic energy, said apparatus comprising:
- a first end fixed to said first beam at a location spaced from said column;
- a second end fixed to said second beam at a location spaced from said column;
- a first pair of elongated members extending from said first end, said first pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a second pair of elongated members extending from said second end, said second pair of elongated members being equal to each other in operative length;
- a first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of one of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of one of said second pair of elongated members;
- a second pivot joint opposite said first pivot joint for pivotally connecting a distal end of the other of said first pair of elongated members to a distal end of the other of said second pair of elongated members;
- and
- an energy dissipating device connected between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint for dissipating energy incident to displacement occurring between said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint;
- wherein said column is surrounded by said first pair of elongated members and said energy dissipating device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.