Self-restoring passive damper

Slider-type seismic damper with zero residual deformation using shape memory wire tensile restoring force

This technology is a self-restoring passive damper featuring a slider inserted into a passage between first and second brackets inside a housing, with two strands of shape memory wire passing through both ends of each bracket and connected to end members on both sides. When the slider moves, one end member moves with it, tensioning the shape memory wire; once the load is removed, the wire's restoring force returns the slider to its original position.

Friction dampers, widely used for seismic control in building structures, have fixed friction and displacement values determined during manufacturing, making them difficult to adjust to the varying load and displacement requirements of different installation sites. Furthermore, once they absorb seismic loads, the friction surfaces remain displaced, causing residual deformation and high costs for replacement and repair.

In this technology, both sides of the slider are in close contact with the brackets to dissipate seismic energy through friction, while the tensioned shape memory wire returns the structure to its original shape after deformation. The system connects to the frame via a coupling part protruding eccentrically through a housing slit, and elastic members can be placed between the end members and the housing to reinforce restoring force. This allows for application in seismic reinforcement systems for column-beam frames, significantly reducing maintenance costs by enabling the damper to return to its original state without replacement after an earthquake.

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Key Features:

• First and second brackets protruding from opposing first and second inner surfaces of a housing with an internal space to form a movement passage between them
• A slider inserted between the brackets to move along the longitudinal direction of the passage, with both sides in close contact with the brackets to dissipate energy through friction
• Two strands of shape memory wire passing through both ends of the first and second brackets parallel to the passage, with both ends coupled to the first and second end members
• A restoring structure where the shape memory wire is tensioned as the end member moves with the slider, with elastic members interposed between the end member and the housing inner surface

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