Roadside Barrier Side Wall Deformation for Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadside barrier elements face a trade-off between structural rigidity and energy dissipation, as their internal support structures reduce deformation capabilities, thereby limiting their ability to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy during collisions.
Innovation Solution
The barrier element features side walls connected to a support structure at spaced-apart locations, creating a mutual transposition space that allows the side walls to deform inwardly without contacting the support structure, enhancing energy dissipation while maintaining structural integrity by preventing the support structure from deforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an internal support structure is provided in the barrier element, then structural rigidity is improved, but energy dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented by spacing connection locations along the side wall, creating discrete connection points rather than continuous support. This segmentation allows the side wall to deform in the spaces between connection points while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure provides localized support only at specific connection locations rather than continuous support along the entire side wall. This allows different regions of the side wall to have different properties: rigid at connection points and deformable in between, enabling simultaneous structural integrity and energy dissipation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is positioned close to the side wall, then structural integrity is improved, but deformation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the support structure and side wall is optimized to allow dynamic deformation during impact while preventing excessive displacement. The spaced-apart configuration enables the side wall to dynamically deform into the transposition space during collision, then return to its original position, providing both deformation capability and structural integrity.
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 design allows for increased energy absorption and dissipation, reducing deceleration forces on vehicle occupants and minimizing damage, while maintaining the barrier's structural integrity and redirecting vehicles effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the side wall to deform inwards without directly contacting the support structure. This ability of the side wall to deform allows the barrier to absorb and consecutively dissipate the kinetic energy of a vehicle colliding into said side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier element for bounding a carriageway including an elongated casing, having two opposing longitudinal side walls and an upper wall joining the two side walls; and at least one casing support structure located in the elongate casing and connecting to both the side walls. Additionally, a support structure for use in a barrier element.