System and method for tuning the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device for a structure in response to a disruptive force
First Claim
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1. An automatic energy dissipation system, comprising:
- a sensor for detecting a disruptive force applied to a structure;
a processor connected to said sensor, configured for determining a control signal based on a sensing data received from said sensor;
an energy absorbing device for coupling to said structure; and
an actuator, coupled to said processor and connected to said energy absorbing device, for tuning said energy absorbing device based on said control signal generated by said processor;
wherein said energy absorbing device is a base isolator configured for;
adjusting a resonance frequency of said structure; and
generating a damping force to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said structure;
further wherein said base isolator comprises;
a base adapted to attach to a support member of said structure;
a cover coupled to said base in a manner so as to form an enclosure, wherein said cover is adapted to attach to said base and said structure; and
further wherein said cover of said base isolator further comprises;
a rigid layer;
a resilient layer; and
a plurality of side plates;
wherein said rigid layer and said resilient layer are substantially semicircular in shape, having substantially the same center and having respective ends configured to attach to said base; and
wherein said rigid layer acts as a restraining material for said resilient layer when said disruptive force is applied to said cover, andan energy absorbing material situated within said enclosure, wherein said enclosure is coupled to said actuator in a manner so that a stiffness of said enclosure may be controlled by activating said actuator.
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Abstract
The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake.
44 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An automatic energy dissipation system, comprising:
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a sensor for detecting a disruptive force applied to a structure; a processor connected to said sensor, configured for determining a control signal based on a sensing data received from said sensor; an energy absorbing device for coupling to said structure; and an actuator, coupled to said processor and connected to said energy absorbing device, for tuning said energy absorbing device based on said control signal generated by said processor; wherein said energy absorbing device is a base isolator configured for; adjusting a resonance frequency of said structure; and generating a damping force to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said structure; further wherein said base isolator comprises; a base adapted to attach to a support member of said structure; a cover coupled to said base in a manner so as to form an enclosure, wherein said cover is adapted to attach to said base and said structure; and
further wherein said cover of said base isolator further comprises;a rigid layer; a resilient layer; and a plurality of side plates;
wherein said rigid layer and said resilient layer are substantially semicircular in shape, having substantially the same center and having respective ends configured to attach to said base; and
wherein said rigid layer acts as a restraining material for said resilient layer when said disruptive force is applied to said cover, andan energy absorbing material situated within said enclosure, wherein said enclosure is coupled to said actuator in a manner so that a stiffness of said enclosure may be controlled by activating said actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification