Negative stiffness device and method

US8857110B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Research Foundation for The State University of New York · US
• William Marsh Rice University · US
• TAYLOR DEVICES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Michael C. Constantinou · Amherst, US
• Andrei M. Reinhorn · Williamsville, US
• Apostolos A. Sarlis · Buffalo, US
• Douglas P. Taylor · North Tonawanda, US
• David A. Lee · Boulder, US
• Satish Nagarajaiah · Houston, US
• Dharma Theja R. Pasala · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 9, 2012
• Grant date: Oct 14, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2228/063
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.