ENERGY DISSIPATOR FOR TRACTIVE LOADS

Abstract

A strain energy dissipative device for tensile loads with self-centering capability comprising: a housing accommodating a first pivoting rigid element and a second pivoting rigid element, connected in corresponding intermediate positions to corresponding first and second rigid connecting rods; an interconnecting rigid element, connected to the first rigid connecting rod, second rigid connecting rod and to a system of linear resilient elements; a mechanical system, connected to the housing, for deforming the resilient element system; first and second load transmission ring systems in contact with the first and second pivoting rigid elements, respectively, and sliding in their corresponding length; and a cylindrical shaft for transferring the external tensile load to the first and second load transmission ring.

Claims

1. A strain energy dissipative device for tensile loads with self-centering capability for protecting a structural system, comprising: a housing; at least one first pivoting rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a first inner point of the housing and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; at least a second pivoting rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second inner point of the housing which is opposite to the first inner point, and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; at least one first rigid connecting rod having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the first rigid connecting rod is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one first pivoting rigid element and wherein the second end of the first rigid connecting rod is pivotally connected to an interconnecting rigid element; at least one second rigid connecting rod (6) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the second rigid connecting rod is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one second pivoting rigid element and wherein the second end of the second rigid connecting rod is pivotally connected to the interconnecting rigid element; at least one interconnecting rigid element connected to the first rigid connecting rod to the second rigid connecting rod and to at least one linear resilient element of a restitution assembly; a load transmission system comprising at least one load transmission element of cylindrical shape, a first ring and at least a second ring arranged annularly in relation to the load transmission element each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transmission element said corresponding flat surface being in contact with the inner face of a corresponding pivoting rigid element for transmitting part of the load imposed by the structural system; and at least one linear resilient element connected at one end to the interconnecting rigid element and configured to deform linearly in response to the application of said load.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the load transmission system comprises a first bearing and a second bearing operatively connected to the first ring and the second ring respectively, and wherein said load transmission element is inserted into said first bearing and said second bearing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one linear resilient element is selected from the group consisting of linear springs, elastic springs, gas springs, as well as a combination thereof.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical system providing means for tensioning the at least one linear resilient element configured to provide an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear resilient element.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical system comprising means for anchoring the at least one linear resilient element said mechanical system being fixed to the housing at one of its ends, wherein said linear resilient element is fixed to the second end of said mechanical system.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the mechanical system is additionally configured to apply an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear resilient element

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least a third pivoting rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a third inner point of the housing adjacent to the fourth inner point, and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; at least a fourth pivoting rigid element having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a fourth inner point of the housing which is adjacent to the third inner point, and a corresponding third end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; at least one second rigid connecting rod having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the second rigid connecting rod is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one third rigid pivoting element and wherein the second end of the third rigid connecting rod is pivotally connected to a second interconnecting rigid element at least a fourth rigid connecting rod having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the fourth rigid connecting rod is connected to an intermediate point of the at least a fourth rigid pivoting element and wherein the second end of the fourth rigid connecting rod is pivotally connected to the second interconnecting rigid element at least a second rigid interconnecting rigid element connected to the third rigid connecting rod to the fourth rigid connecting rod and to a second end of the at least one linear resilient element a second load transmission system comprising at least a second load transmission element of cylindrical shape, a third ring and at least a fourth ring arranged annularly in relation to the second load transmission element each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the second load transmission element said corresponding flat surface being in contact with the inner face of a corresponding pivoting rigid element for transmitting part of the load imposed by the structural system.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a mechanical system providing means for tensioning the at least one linear resilient element configured to provide an initial linear deformation to said at least one linear resilient element

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing the first rigid pivoting element the second rigid pivoting element the first rigid connecting rod the second rigid connecting rod the interconnecting rigid element the at least one linear resilient element and the first load transmission system are made of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, duraluminum, titanium, and a combination thereof.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing houses the first rigid pivoting element the second rigid pivoting element the first rigid connecting rod the second rigid connecting rod the interconnecting rigid element said at least one linear resilient element and the load transmission system

11. The device of claim 7, further comprising a rigid connection element connected to the first load transmission system and the second load transmission system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an undeformed state.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in a state of maximum strain.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of the load transmission system (13) comprising a cylindrical rigid element (10) and its load transmission rings (11 and 12) in a deformed state of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a second embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a third embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an intermediate state of strain.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in an undeformed state.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in a first state of maximum strain.

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present invention, in a second state of maximum strain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the following, the present invention will be described in detail, referring to the figures accompanying the present application.

[0019] The present invention provides a strain energy dissipative device (1) for tensile loads with self-centering capability for protecting a structural system, which essentially comprises: [0020] a housing (2); [0021] at least one first pivoting rigid element (3) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a first inner point of the housing (2), and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; [0022] at least a second pivoting rigid element (4) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second inner point of the housing (2) which is opposite to the first inner point, and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; [0023] at least one first rigid connecting rod (5) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the first rigid connecting rod (5) is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one first pivoting rigid element (3) and wherein the second end of the first rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to an interconnecting rigid element (7); [0024] at least one second rigid connecting rod (6) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the second rigid connecting rod (6) is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one second pivoting rigid element (4) and wherein the second end of the second rigid connecting rod (5) is pivotally connected to the interconnecting rigid element (7); [0025] at least one interconnecting rigid element (7) connected to the first rigid connecting rod (5), to the second rigid connecting rod (6) and to at least one linear resilient element (8) of a restitution assembly; [0026] a load transmission system (13) comprising at least a first ring (11) and at least a second ring (12) arranged annularly in relation to the load transmission element (10), each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the load transmission element (10), said corresponding flat surface being in contact with the inner face of a corresponding pivoting rigid element (3, 4) to transmit part of the load imposed by the structural system; and [0027] at least one linear resilient element (8) connected at one end to the interconnecting rigid element (7) and configured to deform linearly in response to the application of said load.

[0028] This device seeks to increase the resilience of structural systems to seismic action. This problem is not only present in Chile but in many countries near seismic risk zones.

[0029] In the context of the present application, without limiting the scope of the present application, the expression at least one shall be understood as one or more of the elements referred to. The number of elements referred to with the expression at least one does not limit the scope of the present application. Additionally, when more than one element referred to with the expression at least one is provided, such elements may or may not be identical to each other without limiting the scope of the present application.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, without limiting the scope of the present invention, a pivot connection will be understood as a connection that allows modifying the angle between the two connected elements on a plane defined by an axis to be determined as the pivot axis. The means by which such a pivoting connection is provided does not limit the scope of the present invention and any alternative known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art may be used.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, without limiting the scope thereof, an intermediate portion or position of an element will be understood as a portion or position comprised between two ends of said element. Said intermediate portion or position may be at or near the center of said element, which will be referred to as a central portion or position, or away from the center, which will be referred to as an eccentric portion or position, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, without limiting the scope thereof, a mechanical system shall be understood as a mechanical system consisting of a set of mechanical parts such as bolts, nuts, gears and moving parts, which can have relative movements among themselves in known and reversible paths. Such a mechanical system may eventually be able to impose relative strain between two points of the system by means of manual or ad-hoc tool operation. The operation may be, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, by the application of torque to a bolt allowing the approach or departure of a rotationally restricted nut disposed thereon, or by some other more complex mechanism. The means by which such ability to impose relative strain between two points is provided does not limit the scope of the present invention and any alternative known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art may be used.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7, when a strain is applied to the device (1), it reacts with a force F. Product of the external force F applied on the load transmission element (10) of the device (1), the latter moves in the direction of the force pushing the first pivoting rigid element (3) and the second pivoting rigid element (4). Furthermore, the load transmission system (13), in particular the first ring (11) and the second ring (12), allows to distribute on a surface the load transmitted to the first pivoting rigid element (3) and second pivoting rigid element (4), respectively, coming from the load transmission element (10), which is connected at its two ends with the structural system that the device (1) protects.

[0034] As a non-limiting explanation of the principle of operation of the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention, it should be understood that in the device (1), all parts are considered to be much stiffer than the restitution assembly, in particular, stiffer than the at least one linear resilient element (8) inside. Because of this, the applied displacement u is kinematically related to the strain of said restitution assembly. The applied force F is greater the larger the displacement u imposed due to the contribution of the elastic force of the restitution assembly and the frictional force between the load transmission element (10) and the load transmission system (13), as well as between the latter and the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4). The elastic force of the at least one linear resilient element (8) is transmitted to the interconnecting rigid element (7) which pulls the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6); these in turn compress the first and second rigid pivoting elements (3, 4) against the first ring (11) and the second ring (12), respectively. In turn, the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) are compressed against the load transmission element (10), which receives at its two ends the force F transmitted by the protected structural system. The compressive force exerted by the at least one linear resilient element (8) between the aforementioned components generates frictional force that dissipates energy by working with the displacement imposed on the device (1) by the structural system it protects.

[0035] Said frictional force is added to the strength provided by the at least one linear resilient element (8), increasing the resultant force with which the device (1) responds to the imposed displacement. This makes both the elastic force and the dissipative force proportional to the imposed displacement. As a consequence, the energy dissipation capacity is also proportional to the imposed displacement.

[0036] The specific form that the device (1) acquires both in the absence of load and in the presence of load does not limit the scope of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in the figures and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) form a variable angle with respect to each other depending on the applied load. The specific angle formed between the first and second rigid pivoting elements (3, 4) does not limit the scope of the present invention. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first pivoting rigid element (3) and the second pivoting rigid element (4) can rotate with respect to the pivot point with the housing (2) at an angle close to 0 when the device is in a state of minimum strain.

[0037] In another example, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first pivoting rigid element (3) and the second pivoting rigid element (4) can rotate with respect to their respective pivot points with the housing (2) at an angle of less than 90 over a wide range, when the device (1) is in a state of maximum strain.

[0038] The materials of the various elements forming part of the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention do not limit the scope of the protection claimed. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the housing (2), the first rigid pivoting element (3), the second rigid pivoting element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the interconnecting rigid element (7), the load transmission element (10) and the load transmission system (13) can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, duraluminum, titanium, as well as a combination thereof or other materials ensuring the required rigidity condition.

[0039] Similarly, the at least one linear resilient element (8) can be made of the same materials mentioned above, having a geometric configuration that gives it the flexibility and strain capacity required by design, or of some other more flexible and resistant material that gives it the same properties.

[0040] On the other hand, the shape and dimensions of the different elements forming part of the device (1) which is the subject matter of the present invention do not limit the scope of the present invention insofar as they allow to realize the connections, both fixed and pivoting, mentioned and defined above. A person ordinarily skilled in the art would understand, for example, and without this limiting the scope of the present invention, that the housing (2), the first rigid pivoting element (3), the second rigid pivoting element (4), the first rigid connecting rod (5), the second rigid connecting rod (6), the system of linear resilient elements (8) and, in general, all the components of the device (1), may have dimensions in a wide range not defined a priori, such dimensions having to be compatible with the strain and strength requirements of the structural system that the device (1) protects. For example, it would be possible that the higher the strain and strength demand of the protected structural system, the larger the dimensions of the components of device (1).

[0041] In an example embodiment, if the device is used to protect a rigid structure, where small displacements, but high strengths are expected, the lengths of the components will be small if the structure were flexible, but their cross sections will be relatively large. In another example, if the device (1) is used as an energy dissipation add-on at the isolation interface of a structure, then its lengths will be much greater, since a large strain demand is expected.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first ring (11) and the second ring (12) of the load transmission system (13), working in conjunction with the load transmission element (10), may comprise a first bearing and a second bearing that decreases friction between said assembled parts. In this preferred embodiment, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the load transmission element (10) can be inserted in both said first bearing and said second bearing. In this way, the condition is given that the friction coefficient between the load transmission element (10) and the first and second rings (11, 12) is much lower than the friction coefficient between the first and second rings (11, 12) and the corresponding first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4), due to the bearing existing between them. In other preferred embodiments, in addition, it is possible to provide a load transmission system (13) comprising an interchangeable first and second rings (11, 12). In this way, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, by changing the materiality of the first and second load transmission ring system (11, 12) it is possible to modify the energy dissipation capacity of the device by modifying the friction coefficient between them and the components in contact with them, which are the first and second rigid pivoting elements (3, 4) and the load transmission element (10).

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sacrificial surface on the first and second rigid pivoting elements (3, 4), on the first and second rings (11, 12) or on both, so as not to damage the permanent structure of the first and second rigid pivoting elements (3, 4) and/or of the first and second rings (11, 12). The means by which said sacrificial surface is provided do not limit the scope of the present invention and any option known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art may be used.

[0044] In the context of the present application, without limiting the scope of the present application, a restitution assembly shall be understood as one or more elements that, as a whole, perform the function of presenting an elastic response to a linear strain, where the magnitude of the response varies proportionally with the magnitude of the strain. The restitution assembly comprises at least one linear resilient element (8). The elastic constant presented by the at least one linear resilient element (8) does not limit the scope of the present invention and may depend, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, on the dimensions and materials of the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention, as well as on the magnitude of the energies sought to be dissipated and/or on the strain demands imposed by the structural system protected by the device (1) and the dynamic loads requesting it.

[0045] Moreover, the specific nature of the at least one linear resilient element (8) does not limit the scope of the present invention, so long as it exhibits an elastic response to strain. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the at least one linear resilient element (8) may be selected from the group consisting of linear helical steel springs, hyper-elastic materials, gas springs arranged in an ad-hoc manner, as well as a combination thereof.

[0046] Additionally, without limiting the scope of the present invention, it is possible to provide a damping element to the restitution assembly that prevents excessive oscillation of the device (1) when the tensile force F has ceased to be exerted. In a more preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present application, it is possible to provide a unidirectional damping element such that damping only occurs during compression of the at least one linear resilient element (8) but not during its elongation.

[0047] As previously mentioned, the design of the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention allows both the magnitude of the elastic component and the magnitude of the dissipative component to be proportional to the strain. In this way, it is possible for the device (1) to be designed so that the first and second rings (11, 12) of the load transmission system (13) do not reach the free ends of the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) in view of the expected tensile forces F during operation. However, in other preferred embodiments, it may be advantageous to incorporate stroke limiters for the first and second rings (11, 12) along the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) respectively. In this way, for example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device locks upon reaching the available stroke limit, restricting the maximum displacement of the structure it protects.

[0048] However, in some preferred embodiments, when the maximum stroke is reached, the device (1) may be subjected to large forces, so it must be designed very robust taking into account the characteristics of the structure it protects and the dynamic force that requests it.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention comprises a interconnecting rigid element (7) to which the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) are pivotally connected and to which the at least one linear resilient element (8) is attached. Said interconnecting rigid element (7) allows interaction between the at least one linear resilient element (8) and the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) which are connected by means of the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) to the interconnecting rigid element (7). In this way, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the at least one linear resilient element (8) can be configured for its linear strain in response to the application of the load on the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention.

[0050] The nature of said interconnecting rigid element (7) does not limit the scope of the present invention insofar as it permits such interaction. For example, as illustrated in the figures and without limiting the scope of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, the interconnecting rigid element (7) may be a bridge having two ends. In this case, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the first rigid connecting rod (5) can be pivotally connected to one end of the bridge and the second rigid connecting rod (6) can be pivotally connected to the other end of the bridge.

[0051] In addition, the restitution assembly, which has at least one linear resilient element (8), can be attached to a central portion of the bridge. However, in other embodiments, which are not illustrated in the figures and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the interconnecting rigid element (7) may be a connection shaft to which the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) may be pivotally connected. In this example of embodiment, the at least one linear resilient element (8) that makes up the restitution assembly, can be fixed to said connection shaft.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention further comprises a mechanical system (9) which includes means for anchoring the at least one linear resilient element (8) and allows an initial elongation to be applied to the latter. To said mechanical system (9) is fixed at one of its ends the at least one linear resilient element (8), its second end being fixed to the housing (2). In this way, it is possible to anchor one end of the at least one linear resilient element (8) to the housing (2) by means of the mechanical system (9). Said mechanical system (9) allow to fix the end of the system of linear resilient elements (8) that opposes the interconnecting rigid element (7).

[0053] In this way, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, said mechanical system (9) in conjunction with the interconnecting rigid element (7) allow configuring said at least one linear resilient element (8) for its linear strain in response to the application of load.

[0054] Said mechanical system (9) may comprise a single part or a plurality of elements without limiting the scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, said mechanical system (9) may be further configured to apply an initial elongation to said at least one linear resilient element (8), through its actuation. This operation can be manual or with the use of tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches or any other type of tool existing or designed specifically for this purpose.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device (1) may comprise a symmetrical configuration with respect to a plane that cuts it transversely at its midpoint. In this regard, for example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the device (1) may additionally comprise: at least a third pivoting rigid element (3a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a third inner point of the housing (2) adjacent to the first inner point, and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; [0056] at least a fourth pivoting rigid element (4a) having a corresponding first end pivotally connected to a second inner point of the housing (2) which is adjacent to the second inner point, and a corresponding second end, opposite to the first end, which is hook-shaped; [0057] at least one second rigid connecting rod (5a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the second rigid connecting rod (5a) is connected to an intermediate point of the at least one third rigid pivoting element (3a) and wherein the second end of the third rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to a second interconnecting rigid element (7a); [0058] at least a fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) having a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end, wherein the first end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) is connected to an intermediate point of the at least a fourth rigid pivoting element (4a) and wherein the second end of the fourth rigid connecting rod (5a) is pivotally connected to the second interconnecting rigid element (7a); [0059] at least a second rigid interconnecting rigid element (7a) connected to the third rigid connecting rod (5a), to the fourth rigid connecting rod (6a) and to a second end of the at least one linear resilient element (8); and [0060] a second load transmission system (13a) comprising at least a third ring (11a) and at least a fourth ring (12a) arranged annularly in relation to the second load transmission element (10a), each ring having a corresponding flat surface perpendicular to the radial direction of the second load transmission element (10a), said corresponding flat surface being in contact with the inner face of a corresponding pivoting rigid element (3a, 4a) for transmitting part of the load imposed by the structural system.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the device (1), in its symmetrical configuration, may comprise means for tensioning the at least one linear resilient element (8) configured to provide an initial linear strain to said at least one linear resilient element (8).

[0062] For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, said tensioning means may be provided in the form of a housing divided into two parts (2a, 2b), connected to each other by a mechanical system (9a) which is rigidly attached to the a first portion (2a) of the housing, and which is attached to a second portion (2b) thereof, allowing to modify the total length of the housing as a whole (2a, 9a, 2b).

[0063] In this embodiment, by actuating the mechanical system (9a), an initial elongation and pre-stressing load can be applied to said at least one linear resilient element (8), by separating or approaching the two parts composing the housing (2a, 2b). The actuation of the mechanical system (9a) can be manual or with the use of tools such as wrench, screwdriver, Allen wrench or any other type of tool existing or designed specifically for this purpose.

[0064] All the alternatives previously set forth for the first and second pivoting rigid elements (3, 4) are applicable for the third and fourth pivoting rigid elements (3a, 4a) without limiting the scope of the present invention. Similarly, all of the alternatives previously set forth for the first and second rigid connecting rods (5, 6) are applicable for the second component of the third and fourth rigid connecting rods (5a, 6a), without limiting the scope of the present invention. Similarly, all the previously stated alternatives for the housing (2) are applicable to its components (2a, 2b) mentioned previously in the preferred embodiments, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all the alternatives previously set forth for the interconnecting rigid element (7) are applicable for the second interconnecting rigid element (7a) without limiting the scope of the present invention. Additionally, all of the previously stated alternatives for the load transmission system (13), as well as for the first and second rings (11, 12) and the load transmission element (10), are applicable for the second load transmission system (13a), for the third and fourth rings (11a, 12a) and for the second load transmission element (10a), respectively, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0065] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present invention, in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and which give a symmetrical configuration to the device (1) which is the subject of the present invention, the device (1) may feature a rigid connection element connected to the first load transmission system (13) and to the second load transmission system (13a). In this way, a device (1) can be provided that allows energy dissipation in both compression and tension, where, additionally, both the elastic response and the energy dissipation capacity are proportional to the imposed displacement demand.

[0066] According to the previously detailed description, it is possible to obtain a device (1) that makes it possible to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0067] Another advantage of the device (1), which is the subject of the present invention, is that both its elastic responsiveness and its ability to dissipate energy are proportional to the imposed displacement demand. This means that it can work efficiently protecting a structure against the action of small, medium and large dynamic loads. In addition, its strain capacity depends on the size of the device; a larger device will allow higher strains to be achieved. The resilient capacity depends directly on the stiffness of the restitution assembly, in particular of the at least one linear resilient element (8), so that the greater the stiffness, the greater the force capacity of the device for the same imposed displacement. All the aforementioned qualities allow it to be implemented in structures of different sizes, stiffness and mass.

[0068] It should be understood that the different options described for the technical characteristics of the device (1) can be combined with each other, or with other alternatives known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art, without limiting the scope of the protection claimed.

[0069] Examples of application of the device (1) which is the subject of the present application will be given below. These examples are given only for a better understanding of the technology, but in no case should they be understood as limiting the scope of the protection claimed. Additionally, details of technical features described in different examples may be combined with each other, or with other options previously described or known to a person ordinarily skilled in the art, in any manner, provided that this does not limit the scope of protection.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

[0070] The device (1) can be used in a bracing system for low, medium or high height structures. It can also be implemented in mooring cables for ships berthed at docks. It can be used for the rehabilitation of existing structures by incorporating the device (1) as a localized energy dissipation mechanism, improving structural performance under dynamic loads. It can also be used in road barrier systems that use tensioned cables at the sides of the track as a means of protecting the driver from derailment. In general, it can be used in series with any type of structural cable that may be subjected to dynamic loads that impose strain and force.