Arcuate Bollard Base Plate Energy Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bollard systems lack effective energy dispersion and trip-hazard prevention, particularly in impact scenarios, due to hard edges and inefficient mounting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The improved bollard system features an arcuate outer wall base plate with inwardly projecting foundation mounting notches and a post collar member secured by set screw fasteners, providing uniform energy dispersion and reinforced strength, while avoiding trip hazards through outward extending mounting feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base plate uses hard edges for mounting, then the mounting structure is simple, but energy dispersion is ineffective and creates trip hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate employs an arcuate outer wall structure that replaces hard edges with curved surfaces. This curvature distributes impact energy uniformly across the base plate perimeter, eliminating concentration points that create trip hazards, while maintaining structural integrity and mounting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate wall structure converts the potentially harmful concentration of impact energy at hard edges into a beneficial uniform dispersion pattern. The curved geometry transforms concentrated stress into distributed energy absorption, protecting both the structure and surrounding area from damage while eliminating trip hazards.
2Strength
If the post collar member is added to reinforce strength, then impact resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post collar member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it reinforces the post structure, provides a mounting interface for the energy-absorbing element, and distributes lateral forces during impact. This consolidation strengthens the bollard while minimizing the increase in component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The post collar member appears to combine different material properties or structural characteristics to achieve enhanced strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance, creating a composite structure that provides superior performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 enhances impact resistance and energy absorption, ensuring efficient operation by dispersing energy uniformly and preventing trip hazards, thereby improving the overall performance of the bollard system.
Implementation Method 1
an obliquely, downwardly directing sliding movement of the post relative to the base plate was obtained, which was dampened by the energy-absorbing element
Implementation Method 2
energy-absorbing element, not only in the lengthwise direction of the bollard, but also in the direction perpendicular to that lengthwise direction
Implementation Method 3
an outer arcuate wall structure which eliminates hard edges and allows for dispersion of energy into a uniform arcuate wall
Implementation Method 4
a post collar member is affixed to the bottom portion of the main impact post by set screw fasteners and provides reinforced strength to the system
Data Source
AI summary
A bollard system having a main post; a post collar; a base plate; and an energy-absorbing element. The base plate has an arcuate outer wall and inwardly projecting mounting fastener notches around the bottom of the base plate. The post, the post collar and the base plate are shaped such that when the post is loaded above the base plate, an obliquely, downwardly directed sliding movement of the post and post collar relative to the base plate is obtained and is damped by the energy-absorbing element.