Assembly and Method for Damping Vibrations of a Structure

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This invention relates to an assembly and method for damping structural vibrations, particularly in buildings such as high-rise towers. It uses a wall element (e.g., part of a facade or internal wall), a casing or cladding element, and an intermediate damping device that links the two, allowing any relative movement—induced by wind, earthquakes, or other causes—to be absorbed and dissipated in a controlled, parallel direction using various damping mechanisms (mechanical, electrical, or active systems). This setup can be installed as part of new construction or retrofitted in existing structures, aiming to increase structural stability and comfort by reducing vibration effects.

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• Reducing wind-induced vibrations in skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.
• Damping vibrations caused by earthquakes in building structures.
• Improving occupant comfort in tall, slender towers prone to swaying.
• Retrofitting existing buildings to meet stricter vibration or seismic requirements.
• Enhancing the performance of building facades with integrated damping functions.
• Harvesting kinetic energy from building movements for energy storage or self-powered sensors.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables efficient vibration damping without the need for massive, cumbersome damping systems at the building's top.
• Utilizes existing facade or wall masses for damping, saving space and weight.
• Can be customized for different building geometries, amplitudes, and frequencies of expected vibrations.
• Possible integration of energy-harvesting technologies to power sensors or control systems autonomously.
• Improves structural safety and reduces fatigue in materials caused by repeated vibrations.
• Can be implemented in both new buildings and as retrofits for existing structures.
• Flexible configuration allows for tuning to dampen not just lateral but also torsional (twisting) vibrations.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for damping vibrations of a structure (1), having a wall element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) to be fitted in a upright position, a casing element (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) and a damping device (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d), which is connected to the casing element (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) and to the wall element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) such that a relative movement between the wall element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and the casing element (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is transmitted to the damping device (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d). The damping device (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) is designed to damp a vibrating movement of the wall element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) in a damping direction and is arranged such that the damping device is oriented substantially parallel to a surface of the wall element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). The invention further relates to a method for damping vibrations of a structure.