Bi-Directional Cable Barrier Delineator with Secure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway cable barrier systems lack effective and secure bi-directional reflective markers that can be easily attached and remain visible in both daylight and nighttime conditions, with a high cost-to-effectiveness ratio.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional cable delineator with apertured cable engagement tabs and adjustable flexible ties for secure attachment to steel wire ropes, featuring highly reflective sheet material on both sides for maximum visibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reflective delineators are mounted on cable barriers, then visibility is provided, but the mounting is not secure and allows unauthorized removal
Solution Approach 1:
The delineator is divided into separate functional components: the reflective body, the cable engagement tab with aperture, and the flexible tie. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while being easily assembled and secured to the cable barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tie acts as an intermediary element between the delineator body and the cable barrier, providing secure attachment while allowing for easy installation and removal by authorized personnel. The tie mediates the connection without requiring permanent modification to the cable or delineator.
2Illumination intensity
If reflective material is applied to both sides of the delineator, then bi-directional visibility is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delineator body is designed to serve multiple functions: providing reflection from both sides for bi-directional visibility, maintaining structural integrity, and facilitating secure cable attachment. The same structure that provides visibility also serves as the mounting platform, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing overall cost.
3Reliability
If the delineator is designed with cable engagement features, then secure attachment to steel wire ropes is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable engagement tab is integrated directly into the delineator body structure, merging the mounting function with the visible reflective element. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or attachment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.
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 provides a cost-effective, secure, and highly visible bi-directional reflective marker system that can be easily attached to steel wire ropes, ensuring maximum visibility under various lighting conditions while preventing unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
Highly reflective sheet material is applied to both sides of the delineator in recessed receiving surfaces providing a high reflective bi-directional cable delineator
Data Source
AI summary
A cable barrier delineator for selective attachment on roadway barrier cable systems that utilize steel cables between posts as a vehicle safety barrier along highways. The cable barrier delineator is a rectangular one-piece cable attachment having double sided reflective insert surfaces with a split apertured mounting tab for cable engagement extending therefrom. An attachment tab retainment tie stays selectively positioned through apertures in said mounting tabs, stabilizes and prevent unauthorized removal once installed and secured on the cable.