Energy-Absorbing Catch Fence With Movable Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current racetrack fences are rigid and fail to absorb kinetic energy, posing a hazard to drivers and spectators during high-speed crashes, as they do not effectively decelerate vehicles or prevent them from continuing into stands or stadiums.
Innovation Solution
The development of energy-absorbing catch fence systems that include movable poles, catch nets with energy absorbers, and modular designs to cushion and redirect airborne vehicles, featuring components like leaf springs, textile brakes, and hydraulic systems to dissipate energy and minimize impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid cement walls and inflexible fences are used, then structural strength and containment capability are improved, but kinetic energy absorption and vehicle deceleration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid fence structure into a dynamic system where poles can change their structural state from rigid to flexible during impact. The poles are designed to bend and deform under kinetic energy load, converting the fixed parameter of rigidity into a variable parameter that adapts during vehicle impact to absorb energy while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence system incorporates movable poles that can dynamically respond to impact forces. Rather than static rigid structures, the poles are engineered to move, bend, and absorb energy through controlled deformation, creating a dynamic barrier that adapts to the force and angle of vehicle impact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fencing materials are used, then containment capability is improved, but vehicle deceleration safety and driver protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy-absorbing mechanisms within the fence structure itself, where the poles are pre-designed to deform and cushion impact before the vehicle reaches the main containment barrier. This prior cushioning reduces the peak impact forces transmitted to the driver while maintaining the overall containment function of the fence system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fence poles are constructed using composite material structures that combine rigid outer shells with flexible internal components or energy-absorbing cores. This composite design allows the poles to maintain structural integrity for containment while simultaneously providing cushioning through controlled deformation during impact.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid fences are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but repair complexity and time after crash damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fence system is divided into modular pole sections that can be independently replaced. When a pole is damaged during a crash, only that specific segment needs to be removed and replaced rather than repairing the entire fence structure, significantly reducing repair time and complexity while maintaining ease of installation through standardized modular components.
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
These systems provide safer deceleration of vehicles, reduce damage to cars and drivers, and allow for rapid repair and reconfiguration, ensuring spectator safety and minimizing track modifications, while effectively managing high-speed crash forces.
Implementation Method 1
energy-absorbing catch fence systems that include movable poles, catch nets with energy absorbers... to cushion and redirect airborne vehicles... to dissipate energy and minimize impact
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle restraints and fence systems that offer better protection to the driver and vehicle in the event of an accident where the car becomes airborne and leaves the road or track, and catch fences for halting the overrun of a car leaving a racetrack. The catch fences may have pivotable poles and a cable extending between the poles. Net or fencing is installed between the poles, supported by the cable. The poles may be angled or curved, with a plurality of cables extending therebetween or with a net extending from the poles and attached to a Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier.