Description:
Overview
One way to reduce the devastating fatalities and economic losses of earthquakes is to minimize the vulnerability of civil infrastructure. This can be achieved through infrastructure strengthening and/or implementation of structural control. Structural control can be broadly characterized into three categories: active, passive, and semi-active. Of the three, semi-active control has recently received increased attention due to its adaptability, minimal power requirement, and inherent stability. The Resetting Semi-Active Stiffness Damper (RSASD) has proven effective in reducing the response of structures in the presence of near-field ground motions. The device, however, could be much simpler and produce similar results as demonstrated by the RSPSD.
The RSPSD utilizes a primarily mechanical system that achieves resetting without the need for a complex feedback control system. The mechanical system replaces the encoder and micro-controller components of the RSASD, thereby enhancing the reliability of the damper during a seismic event.
Commercial Application
Semi-Passive device installed on structure to add/remove stiffness to the structure in times of near-field vibrations/earthquakes
Also yields potential for use in other fields involving shock absorption including but not limited to automobile suspension, aircraft landing gear, and weapons recoil reduction
Benefits
Semi-passive design reaps benefits of both active and passive systems, enhancing reliability while maintaining stability during earthquakes
Simplicity of system reduces risk of system failure that may occur in sensors, etc. with Semi-active system
Comparable effectiveness to semi-active system with a simpler design at a lower cost•
Can be implemented on a wide variety of structures as well as on non-structural systems subject to shock-type disturbances
Printable Overview
Issued Patents:
US 9,598,862
US 10,591,017
JP 6408486