Bi-directional Vehicle Arresting Net with Brake-in-Spool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for arresting vehicle movement are primarily uni-directional and lack the ability to be rapidly reset and reused, which can lead to inefficiencies in stopping vehicles and potentially increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Innovation Solution
Bi-directional systems using retractable nets and brake-in-spool assemblies with sheave rollers, mechanical net deployment controllers, and laterally-slotted beams that can accommodate varying road widths and conditions, allowing for efficient deployment and reuse by utilizing available stopping space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uni-directional barrier systems are used to arrest vehicle movement, then the system can effectively stop vehicles in one direction, but the system cannot be rapidly reset and reused, leading to inefficiencies and increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single barrier system that can effectively arrest vehicles traveling in either direction along the roadway. The net barrier is configured to be deployable across the road surface, creating a universal solution that replaces the need for separate uni-directional barriers for each travel direction, thereby enabling rapid reset and reuse while maintaining adaptability to bidirectional traffic conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional energy absorbing systems are used, then vehicle arrestment is achieved, but the available stopping space is not fully utilized, increasing the risk of injury to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a deployable net barrier system that can dynamically extend across the roadway to maximize the use of available stopping space. The net is stored in a retracted position and then deployed horizontally across the road surface when activation is required, allowing the system to utilize the full length of the barrier structure for energy absorption during vehicle arrestment, thereby reducing injury risk to occupants while optimizing stopping space utilization.
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 bi-directional systems effectively impede vehicle movement in both directions, reduce the likelihood of injury to occupants, and enable rapid resetting and reuse, optimizing energy absorption and deployment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of energy absorbers, in the form of brake assemblies, positioned at opposite sides of a roadway, runway, or other to-be-travelled surface
Implementation Method 2
sheave rollers through which the tapes pass rotate suitably to impede motion of the object engaging the net
Implementation Method 3
They additionally may include brake-in-spool assemblies and arresting tapes similar to those of the commonly-owned Lopez patent
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment and comprise mechanical controllers for facilitating suitable deformation of the barriers. Modular slotted beams also may be employed to accommodating differing widths and crowns of roadways.