Collapsible Hinge for Roadway Barrier Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway barrier systems lack a mechanism to effectively absorb and distribute the impact of a vehicle collision, leading to potential damage to the barriers and surrounding infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible hinge system is introduced, comprising a first and second hinge assembly, each connected to adjacent barriers, and a pin that allows the arms of the hinge assemblies to buckle or bend during a front impact, thereby absorbing and distributing the force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional rigid hinges are used in roadway barrier systems, then the structural strength and stability are maintained, but the ability to absorb and distribute impact force during vehicle collision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple separate components including first and second hinge assemblies with multiple arms each. This segmentation allows individual arms to buckle or bend during impact, distributing the force across multiple elements rather than concentrating it in a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where arms can buckle, bend, and rotate during impact. The arms are designed to change their structural state under load, allowing controlled deformation to absorb energy while maintaining overall system integrity.
2Loss of energy
If the hinge components are designed to buckle or bend during impact, then the impact energy is absorbed and distributed, but the structural integrity and stability of the barrier system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge arms are pre-designed with specific buckling and bending characteristics to absorb impact energy in a controlled manner. The geometry and material properties are selected beforehand to ensure that deformation occurs predictably, cushioning the impact before it reaches the barrier system.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the hinge arms (dimensions, material properties, geometry) are carefully selected to control when and how buckling and bending occur. By changing these parameters, the system achieves optimal energy absorption while maintaining structural integrity at critical connection points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hinge assemblies are used to connect adjacent barriers, then the barrier system flexibility and collapse capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into multiple barriers connected by hinges, allowing each segment to move independently during collapse. This segmentation provides flexibility and adaptability to absorb impacts from different directions and magnitudes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple hinge assemblies are combined in series to connect adjacent barriers. The first and second hinge assemblies work together as an integrated system, sharing the impact load and providing coordinated collapse behavior that enhances overall system adaptability.
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 collapsible hinge system effectively absorbs and distributes the impact of a vehicle collision, reducing the risk of damage to the barriers and surrounding infrastructure, while maintaining the structural integrity of the barrier system.
Implementation Method 1
the first left arm, the first right arm, the second left arm, and the second right arm each buckle or bend during a front impact to the roadway barrier system
Implementation Method 2
components which buckle or bend when a vehicle impacts the system from the front
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible hinge for use with a roadway barrier system including a plurality of barriers comprises a first hinge assembly, a second hinge assembly, and a pin. The first hinge assembly is connected to an end wall of a first barrier and includes a first base and a second base. The first base includes upper and lower surfaces and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The second base includes upper and lower surfaces and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The second hinge assembly is connected to an end wall of a second barrier and includes a first base and a second base, each having the same construction as the first and second base, respectively, of the first hinge assembly. The pin is positioned in the opening of each base of each hinge assembly.