Angled Profile Rail for Road Boundary Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delimitation elements for traffic areas, particularly in confined spaces like bridges or narrow roads, fail to effectively absorb collision energy due to lack of space, resulting in energy being absorbed by the impacting vehicle, leading to potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A delimitation element with a profile rail of U- or I-shaped cross-section, angled greater than 45°, which absorbs deformation energy by tilting and distributing forces across its length, allowing for efficient energy dissipation through deformation work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If delimitation elements are anchored rigidly to the ground in confined spaces, then stability and positioning are improved, but energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The profile element is designed to transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic energy-absorbing structure through controlled deformation. During normal operation, the element remains stable and rigid. Upon collision, it intentionally deforms through buckling and bending to absorb kinetic energy, then can reset for subsequent impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the anchoring system by introducing a profile element with specific geometric characteristics (thin-walled cross-section, specific dimensions) that enable controlled deformation. The element's wall thickness, cross-sectional area, and material properties are optimized to achieve desired energy absorption while maintaining initial stability.
2Loss of energy
If rod-shaped deformable elements are used for energy absorption, then energy dissipation is improved, but structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional rod-shaped deformable elements to a two-dimensional profile element with a developed thin-walled cross-section. This dimensional change provides additional geometric stiffness and load-bearing capacity while maintaining the ability to absorb energy through deformation. The profile's cross-sectional geometry (area and moment of inertia) is optimized to balance strength and energy absorption.
3Loss of energy
If braked carriage or rail constructions are implemented, then energy absorption is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential energy absorption function from complex braked carriage or rail constructions and implements it through a simple profile element with optimized geometric properties. By removing unnecessary components and mechanisms, the solution achieves energy dissipation through pure structural deformation, significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile element is designed as a simple, inexpensive structural component that absorbs energy through controlled deformation. Rather than using complex reusable mechanisms, the element provides effective energy dissipation through its geometric design, accepting that it may need replacement after significant deformation while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable absorption of collision energy as deformation energy, reducing the risk of injury by distributing and dissipating forces effectively, even in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the profile element itself absorbs a considerable part of the energy as deformation energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A boundary element for road surfaces, in particular bridges, has a device for connecting the boundary element to a foundation (8). The boundary element has a basic body (1) with a longitudinal axis in the direction of travel, and also has a bearing surface (9) and a connecting element (7), which is connected to the basic body (1). A profile element (6) with a longitudinal direction (10) is connected to an anchoring element (3), wherein the anchoring element (3), which is used for the connection to the foundation (8), is connected to the profile element (6), and wherein the connection between the profile element (6) and the anchoring element (3) is at a distance from the bearing surface (9). The longitudinal direction (10) of the profile element extends at an angle (β) of greater than 45°, preferably approximately 90°, to the longitudinal axis of the basic body (1).