Self-restoring brace damper device

Self-restoring seismic brace damper device based on a tension-only deformation unit

This technology is a brace damper device configured so that a deformation unit is placed under tension regardless of whether tensile or compressive force is applied. It features first and second moving units slide-coupled to a guide unit along the load-bearing line, with a deformation unit connecting the two and an operating unit that pushes and pulls them. It also functions as a friction damper through the friction between fixing pins and guide holes.

Conventional friction dampers have fixed values for friction force and relative displacement set during manufacturing, making it impossible to adjust them to the specific energy absorption or displacement requirements of different installation locations. Furthermore, once external force is absorbed, the friction surfaces remain displaced, leading to significant costs for replacement and maintenance.

This technology ensures the deformation unit is always under tension regardless of the load direction, simplifying deformation prediction and damper design. It returns to its original state after deformation due to restoring force, and the friction load during tension and compression can be adjusted to be the same or different by varying the fixing pin tightening force. It is also possible to apply shape-memory alloys or self-healing polymers to the deformation unit. This device can be applied to seismic reinforcement vibration control brace systems for building frames, reducing the burden of damper replacement after an earthquake and lowering maintenance costs.

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Key Features:

• A guide unit arranged at a predetermined length along the load-bearing line where tensile or compressive force is applied, and first and second moving units that reciprocate along it
• A deformation unit that connects the first and second moving units and is tensioned and then recovers in a direction parallel to the load-bearing line
• An operating unit with a moving rod and pressure flange structure that pulls the second moving unit or pushes the first moving unit to tension the deformation unit in either load direction
• First and second fixing pins that are screw-coupled to the moving wall, slide-coupled to the guide holes of the guide wall, and generate friction between them and the guide wall

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for experimental research on the development and performance verification of original systems for seismic retrofitting bracing damper devices using new materials.

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