Cable-Reinforced Barrier Rail to Prevent Catastrophic Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barriers fail catastrophically when exceeding their maximum load rating, leading to potential damage and injury from propelled parts during collisions with stock handling equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cable system is integrated into the barrier, featuring a braided steel or nylon cable that extends through a plastic bumper rail and anchored members, distributing impact loads and preventing uncontrolled propulsion of barrier parts, thereby enhancing the barrier's strength and absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional barriers are used, then they provide basic protection, but they fail catastrophically when exceeding maximum load rating causing parts to be propelled into stock or pedestrians
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is pre-installed within the barrier structure to provide cushioning and load distribution before any collision occurs. When impact happens, the cable system is already in position to absorb and distribute the force, preventing catastrophic failure and hazardous propulsion of barrier parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system combines traditional rigid barrier materials with a flexible cable system to create a composite structure. This composite design allows the barrier to maintain structural integrity while the cable system absorbs excess energy, preventing catastrophic failure modes.
2Strength
If conventional barriers are used, then they have simple structure, but they cannot withstand impact forces greater than maximum load rating
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is nested within the barrier structure, with cables positioned inside the barrier framework. This nesting approach allows the cable system to be integrated without significantly increasing external dimensions or visual complexity, while providing enhanced impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as a flexible element within the barrier structure. When impact occurs, the flexible cable system deforms and absorbs energy, complementing the rigid barrier structure to provide enhanced strength without requiring a complete redesign of the overall barrier geometry.
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 cable system prevents catastrophic failure, limits deflection, and ensures the barrier can withstand greater impact forces, minimizing damage and injury risks by distributing loads and absorbing impacts effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a cable system including a first fastener coupled to the first anchoring member, a second fastener coupled to the second anchoring member, and a cable having a first end attached to the first fastener and a second end attached to the second fastener, the cable extending from the first fastener, through the first opening, through the rail, through the second opening, and to the second fastener
Implementation Method 2
The first anchoring member may be a shock absorbing anchoring member and the second anchoring member may be a shock absorbing anchoring member
Data Source
AI summary
A protective barrier includes a first end piece including a first opening and a first anchoring member for securing the first end piece to a surface, a second end piece including a second opening and a second anchoring member for securing the second end piece to the surface, a rail extending between the first end piece and the second end piece, the rail having a first end disposed in the first opening of the first end piece and a second end disposed in the second opening of the second end piece, and a cable system including a first fastener coupled to the first anchoring member, a second fastener coupled to the second anchoring member, and a cable having a first end attached to the first fastener and a second attached to the second fastener, the cable extending from the first fastener, through the first opening, through the rail, through the second opening, and to the second fastener.