Articulated Beam Connection for Impact Energy Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road barriers, particularly those designed for hostile vehicle mitigation, face challenges in effectively distributing impact energy and preventing mechanical failures during vehicle ram attacks, while also needing to be non-obstructive in public spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a barrier system with longitudinally displaceable beams connected by an articulating link, which translates the movement of one beam into the opposite direction of another, distributing impact energy and reducing stress concentrations through a connection plate and pin system, and reinforcement members within the beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beams are rigidly connected to posts to withstand high impact energy, then the barrier's strength and reliability improve, but the barrier becomes more visually and physically obstructive
Solution Approach 1:
The beam connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic articulated connection. The articulating link allows the second beam to rotate relative to the first beam about a horizontal axis, enabling the barrier to adapt its configuration in response to impact forces while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability allows the barrier to withstand high impact energy without requiring overly rigid connections that would obstruct public spaces.
2Device complexity
If impact energy is concentrated at connection points to simplify structure, then device complexity reduces, but stress concentrations increase causing mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a first connection to the post, an articulating link with rotational capability, and a second connection to the second beam. This segmentation distributes the impact energy across multiple connection points and structural elements rather than concentrating it at a single rigid joint, reducing stress concentrations while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating link serves as an intermediary element between the first beam and the second beam. It mediates the transmission of impact forces by allowing controlled rotation, thereby distributing the mechanical stress across the link's rotational mechanism and connection points rather than creating a concentrated stress point at a rigid joint.
3Strength
If beams are fixed in position to maintain barrier integrity, then barrier strength improves, but impact energy distribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating link provides controlled movement capability, allowing the second beam to rotate relative to the first beam during impact events. This dynamic movement enables the barrier to absorb and distribute impact energy through the rotational motion of the articulating link, reducing energy loss while maintaining overall barrier strength through the interconnected beam system.
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
This solution enhances the barrier's ability to absorb impact energy, reduces stress concentrations, and maintains a non-obstructive appearance by distributing force along the barrier, thereby improving its resilience and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the articulating link translates a longitudinal movement of the first beam in a first direction to a longitudinal movement of the second beam in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a connection plate which extends between and is connected to the first and second beam. The connection plate may be connected to each of the first beam and second beam via a connection pin
Implementation Method 3
Either or both of the first and second beam may comprise a reinforcement member which extends between respective first and second ends of the first and second beams. The reinforcement member may comprise a wire rope
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a barrier, comprising: a plurality of posts; a first beam and a second beam arranged in an end-on relation to one another and extending between respective posts of the plurality of posts, wherein the first beam and second beam are longitudinally displaceable with respect to one another; and, an articulating link connecting the first beam and the second beam, wherein the articulating link translates a longitudinal movement of the first beam in a first direction to a longitudinal movement of the second beam in a second direction.