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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 9, 2012
Date of Patent:
October 14, 2014
Assignees:
The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, William Marsh Rice University, Taylor Devices, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael C. Constantinou, Andrei M. Reinhorn, Apostolos A. Sarlis, Douglas Taylor, David A. Lee, Satish Nagarajaiah, Dharma Theja R. Pasala