Concrete Barrier Element with Integrated Wheel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road barriers, particularly New Jersey-type concrete barriers, face challenges in quickly and easily opening emergency gates for rescue operations without requiring complex machinery or multiple operators, and often incur high costs and aesthetic issues with metal structures.
Innovation Solution
A concrete barrier element with integrated wheel assemblies and a movement mechanism that allows for manual operation by a single operator, enabling quick and easy movement without lifting or dragging, using a gearbox and drive shaft accessible for manual or motorized tools, and featuring seals and anchoring elements for stability and debris prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile metal structures are used to open emergency gates in road barriers, then the barrier can be opened for rescue operations, but the aesthetic impact deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a concrete barrier element that copies the appearance and material characteristics of fixed barrier elements, replacing metal structures with concrete counterparts that maintain aesthetic consistency while providing emergency gate functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The movable barrier element is made of concrete material matching the fixed elements, creating visual homogeneity across the entire barrier structure while enabling emergency opening capability through integrated wheel assemblies
2Ease of operation
If complex lifting and handling devices with jacks and crank gears are integrated in barrier elements, then the elements can be moved for emergency gates, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function by placing wheel assemblies directly on the ground, eliminating the need for complex jack and crank gear mechanisms while maintaining the ability to move barrier elements for emergency access
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element serves itself by incorporating simple wheel assemblies that enable self-movement without requiring external lifting equipment or complex mechanical systems, reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If barrier elements are moved using traditional lifting devices, then the elements can be repositioned, but the time required for lifting and moving becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional lifting-based mechanical systems with a wheel-based rolling system, dramatically reducing the time required to move barrier elements from hours to minutes for emergency gap creation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental movement parameter from vertical lifting to horizontal rolling, enabling rapid repositioning of heavy concrete barrier elements by converting the motion mode to reduce time requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If barrier elements are made to be movable for emergency gates, then rescue operations can be facilitated, but the impact resistance and structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the barrier system into fixed elements and movable elements, allowing selective mobility while maintaining overall structural integrity and impact resistance through the reinforced concrete construction of each element
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making fixed elements movable through complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by designing elements that are inherently movable through simple wheels while maintaining fixed-element characteristics for impact resistance
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
Enables rapid opening of large gaps in road barriers, reducing operational time and costs, while maintaining impact resistance and aesthetic appeal, allowing a single operator to create significant openings efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel assembly is also mounted in a rotatable manner around a vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
the jacks are actuated to lift the element resting on the wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a road barrier element comprising a concrete block having a base (15), side walls (16,17), two end faces (18, 19) and an upper wall, said block being elongated in a development direction extending between the two end faces. The barrier element further comprises at least two wheel assemblies housed in respective housings formed in the base (15), wherein each wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel mounted on a support so as to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis and parallel to the direction of development of the barrier element. The wheels protrude at least partially from the base so that the barrier element can translate in support of said wheels. At least one of said wheels is connected to a handling mechanism for rotating said at least one wheel to translate the barrier element.