Crash Attenuator Stabilizer Structure for Uniform Tube Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption barriers face stability and crash control issues due to uneven compression of elongated members, leading to eccentric loading and potential system failure under vehicle impact.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus stabilizes relatively movable supports in three planes, ensuring that collapsible metal tubes collapse uniformly about their longitudinal axes by using an elongated track with stabilizer structures and wheel mounts with low-friction materials, preventing tilting and ensuring even compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If elongated members are positioned between relatively movable supports without three-plane stabilization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tubes collapse unevenly causing stability and crash control problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stabilizing supports in one plane to stabilizing them in three planes (x, y, and z dimensions). The stabilizer structure includes elements that constrain support movement in all three spatial dimensions, preventing tilting and ensuring uniform compression of the energy-absorbing tubes during vehicle impact.
2Reliability
If supports are stabilized in three planes with stabilizer structure, then uniform collapse of tubes is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer structure is divided into multiple independent stabilizing elements that can be separately positioned along the track. Each stabilizer segment provides stabilization in specific planes, and the supports are stabilized by the collective action of these segmented stabilizers, allowing modular design and reduced overall complexity.
3Strength
If elongated members are compressed without three-plane stabilization, then the energy absorption process is simpler, but eccentric loading causes potential system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer structure acts as an intermediary between the movable supports and the track. It mediates the interaction by providing stabilization forces in three planes, ensuring that the supports move only in the intended direction and that the elongated members are compressed uniformly without eccentric loading.
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
This solution provides uniform collapse of metal tubes, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the energy absorption system, thereby improving crash control and preventing system failure during vehicle impacts.
Implementation Method 1
wheel mounts with low-friction materials
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for absorbing energy when impacted by a vehicle includes a backstop structure, a track extending to the backstop structure, a plurality of collapsible tubes supported by spaced independently movable supports on the track, and stabilizer structure stabilizing the supports in three planes during movement of the supports on the track and collapse of the tubes.