System and method for tuning the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device for a structure in response to a disruptive force

• US 8,851,460 B2
• Filed: 02/29/2012
• Issued: 10/07/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martin A. Muska
• Original Assignee: Martin A. Muska
• Inventors: Muska, Martin A.
• Primary Examiner(s): SCHWARTZ, CHRISTOPHER P
• Application Number:
  US13/408,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20120152676A1
• Time in Patent Office: 951 Days
• Field of Search: 188378-380, 267/136, 248/550, 248/562, 521671-1678
• US Class Current: 267/136
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 9/022 and comprising laminated structures of alternating elastomeric and rigid layers
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 9/0235 Anti-seismic devices with hydraulic or pneumatic damping
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 7/00 Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using fluid F16F5/00, F16F9/00; specific for rotary systems F16F15/10 ; belt tensioners F16H7/12
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/51 Remote controlling of devices based on replies, status thereof

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.

Claims

1. An automatic energy dissipation system, comprising:

a sensor for detecting a disruptive force applied to a a building;

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, comprising an enclosure configured to house an energy absorbing material, the energy absorbing device installed between a superstructure of the building and a foundation of the building, in a manner so that the superstructure is isolated from the foundation; 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 in order to alter a resonance frequency of said building.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said tuning of said energy absorbing device comprises altering a resonance frequency of said building to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said building.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said tuning of said energy absorbing device comprises generating a damping force to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said building.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said damping force further comprises viscous damping.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said damping force further comprises hysteretic damping.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein said energy absorbing device is configured as a variable friction damper.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein said energy absorbing device is configured as a variable viscous damper.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorbing device is a base isolator configured for:

adjusting a resonance frequency of said building; and

generating a damping force to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said building.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said base isolator further comprises:

a base adapted to attach to a support member of said building; and

a cover coupled to said base in a manner so as to form the enclosure, wherein said cover is adapted to attach to said base and said building and

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.

10. The system of claim 9, 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.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said resilient layer of said cover is securely sandwiched between said side plates, said side plates being coupled to said actuator to adjust said damping force when said actuator is activated for said tuning.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein said cover is coupled to said support member of said building near a top portion of said semicircular shape of said rigid and resilient layers.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said respective ends of said cover are coupled to a foundation of said building to provide a constant factor of initial and sliding friction between said rigid layer and said resilient layer for transferring tension and shear forces away from said building.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of actuators adapted to attach to said cover at said respective ends and said top portion of said semicircular shape for:

tuning said constant factor of initial and sliding friction between said rigid layer and said resilient layer; and

tuning said transferring tension and shear forces away from said building.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein said energy absorbing material enclosed in said cover of said base isolator further comprises a granular material, which provides vertical strength and allows for sideways slip when said disruptive force is applied.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein said energy absorbing material enclosed in said cover of said base isolator further comprises a liquid, which provides vertical strength and allows for sideways slip when said disruptive force is applied.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said cover further comprises a valve to transfer said liquid into a spring loaded chamber whenever said disruptive force is applied;

said spring loaded chamber having a spring positioned to push said liquid back into said cover whenever said cover is relieved from said disruptive force.

18. 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;

a base isolator for coupling a lower portion of said structure and a foundation of said structure, wherein said structure rests on and is supported by said base isolator, said base isolator further comprising;

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;

an energy absorbing material situated within said enclosure; and

an actuator, coupled to said processor and connected to said base isolator in a manner so that a stiffness of said enclosure may be controlled by activating said actuator, for tuning said base isolator based on said control signal generated by said processor, wherein said tuning of said base isolator is for altering a resonance frequency of said structure to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said structure, and generating a damping force to reduce a structural response to said disruptive force applied to said structure.