Crash Attenuator with Deformable Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truck-mounted crash attenuators (TMAs) face challenges in stabilizing energy absorption during vehicle impacts, leading to potential instability and the creation of hazardous debris, while also being costly and complex to manufacture, and failing to meet safety standards for occupant and worker safety.
Innovation Solution
A crash attenuator design featuring laterally spaced deformable attenuator members with a circular cross-section, which are bent in a non-outboard direction during impact, serving as both energy dissipators and structural components, reducing complexity and debris generation, and incorporating a movable impact member and energy-absorbing configuration to manage vehicle deceleration effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If collapsible frame linkages are used to prevent buckling of energy absorbing materials, then stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy absorbing function and the structural support function into a single integrated component. The attenuator members are designed to perform both energy absorption through deformation and provide structural stability to prevent buckling, eliminating the need for separate collapsible frame linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuator members are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously serve as energy absorbing elements and structural support elements. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that were previously required separate components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional energy absorbing structures are used, then energy absorption capability is improved, but harmful debris is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters and deformation characteristics of the attenuator members. By selecting appropriate materials and designing specific cross-sectional geometries (such as circular or oval sections), the members deform in a controlled manner that absorbs energy while preventing the generation of sharp, hazardous debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of material deformation into a beneficial outcome. The controlled deformation of the attenuator members is designed to absorb impact energy effectively while the deformation pattern itself prevents the creation of dangerous debris, turning what could be a harmful fragmentation process into a safe energy dissipation mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If large bearing areas are used to prevent buckling, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or rounded cross-sectional geometries for the attenuator members (such as circular or oval sections). This curvature provides inherent resistance to buckling and instability during compression while maintaining a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process. The curved geometry naturally distributes stresses more evenly, reducing the need for complex reinforcement structures.
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 design effectively decelerates vehicles within specified safety limits, reduces debris hazards, and lowers manufacturing costs by integrating energy dissipation and structural functions, ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing a safer, more efficient impact management system.
Implementation Method 1
When a vehicle impacts the crash attenuator, at least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position
Implementation Method 2
The deformable attenuator members are configured to bend in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from a pre-impact position to an impact position, thereby absorbing energy
Data Source
AI summary
A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.