Tensioned Cable Vehicle Barrier Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle barrier systems rely on mass-to-mass principles, which may not effectively prevent high-mass vehicles from penetrating protected areas, especially at varying speeds and angles, failing to meet stringent certification standards like K12 for the United States Department of State.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle barrier fence system comprising terminal posts and tensioned cables vertically spaced above ground, with line posts and cable spacers to absorb energy and redirect impacting vehicles, preventing penetration beyond a specified distance, unlike traditional mass-to-mass systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mass-to-mass barrier systems are used, then the barrier structure has great mass to counteract impacting vehicles, but the system fails to effectively prevent high-mass vehicles from penetrating protected areas at varying speeds and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the barrier system from static mass-to-mass confrontation to a dynamic energy absorption system. The cable barrier uses tensioned cables that can deform and absorb kinetic energy through controlled deformation, allowing the same system to effectively handle vehicles at various speeds and impact angles by adapting the energy absorption characteristics rather than relying on fixed mass ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The cable barrier system introduces dynamic characteristics through the tensioned cables that can flex, deform, and absorb impact energy. Unlike rigid mass-to-mass systems, the cables can dynamically respond to different impact scenarios by adjusting their deformation patterns, making the barrier adaptable to varying vehicle masses, speeds, and impact angles while maintaining reliability
2Weight of stationary object
If traditional mass-to-mass systems are used, then the barrier comprises structures of great mass, but the system does not meet stringent certification standards like K12
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the parameter approach from accumulating mass to optimizing energy absorption characteristics. The cable barrier system achieves K12 certification compliance by controlling the tension, spacing, and configuration of cables to absorb and dissipate vehicle kinetic energy within specified distances, rather than relying on massive structures that fail to meet the performance criteria
3Length of stationary object
If cable barrier systems are used, then the system can stop vehicles within a selected distance, but the cables must be held in tension above ground requiring support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cable barrier system is segmented into multiple tensioned cables supported by terminal posts and line posts. This segmentation allows the stopping function to be distributed across multiple cable segments, each contributing to the overall energy absorption. The support structures are positioned at intervals rather than requiring continuous massive support, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required stopping distance through cumulative energy dissipation
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 system effectively stops vehicles of substantial mass within a selected distance, meeting K12 certification standards by distributing impact force across multiple cables and line posts, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a cable having opposing terminal ends connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, wherein the cable is held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground between the pair of terminal posts
Implementation Method 2
distributing impact force across multiple cables and line posts, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a vehicle barrier system for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence includes a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship; at least three cables, each cable having opposing terminal ends hingedly connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the at least three cables held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground and vertically spaced apart from one another in relation to the grade; and a line post secured in the ground and positioned between the pair of terminal posts, the line post holding a portion of each of the cables.