Crash Attenuator Release Plate Hinge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crash attenuators lack efficient mechanisms for quick assembly, easy replacement of parts, and controlled release forces during impact events, which can affect their performance in protecting road workers and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The crash attenuator employs a release plate hinge assembly that allows for the collapse of the attenuator during an impact, utilizing a combination of hinge assemblies and angled frame members to provide both rigidity and controlled release, with fasteners and release plates designed to ensure consistent force distribution and easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections are used to connect frame members, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to collapse during impact is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions from a rigid connection state during normal operation to a hinged collapse state during impact. The release plate mechanism allows the connection to dynamically change its mechanical properties, enabling both structural integrity and controlled collapse based on impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the connection change based on impact parameters. During normal operation, the connection maintains high stiffness and strength. During impact, the release plate mechanism activates, changing the connection parameters to allow hinged movement and energy absorption.
2Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: hinge assembly, release plate, fastener, and frame members. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and quick installation, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly and release plate mechanism are pre-configured and pre-tested during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that during field assembly, only simple fastening operations are required, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining high connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If simple fastening mechanisms are used, then assembly ease is improved, but connection strength is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The release plate acts as an intermediary component between the simple fastener and the frame members. It transfers and distributes the fastening forces, allowing a simple fastening operation to achieve strong, reliable connections through the engineered geometry and material properties of the release plate.
4Device complexity
If non-controlled release mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but impact force control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The release plate mechanism is self-regulating, using the impact force itself to activate the release. The geometry of the release plate and slot automatically controls the release timing and force distribution, eliminating the need for external control systems while maintaining precise force control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration. The hinge assembly includes a release plate fixedly connected to the first frame member, wherein the release plate comprises a fastener opening and a slot extending between the fastener opening and an edge of the release plate, and a fastener extending through the fastener opening and connecting the release plate to the second frame member when the first and second frames are in the pre-impact configuration. A hinge assembly, and method of using the crash attenuator, are also provided.