Crash Cushion Variable Side Panels for Reverse-Impact Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crash cushions fail to optimize vehicle redirection during reverse impacts, leading to potential vehicle snagging and rolling, especially in bidirectional traffic scenarios, due to constant cross-sectional side panel shapes and vertical panel arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The crash cushion design features moveable diaphragm frames with sloping sides and variable cross-sectional side panels that change in height along their length, allowing for close nesting and energy absorption through deformation during impacts, reducing snagging and rolling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side panels are formed with a constant cross-sectional shape, then the side panels can easily stroke rearward during a head-on crash without interfering with underlying panels, but the side panels may snag on vehicles during reverse impacts and fail to optimize vehicle roll prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are designed with varying cross-sectional shapes at different locations along their length. The upstream end has a first cross-sectional shape optimized for preventing vehicle snagging during reverse impacts, while the downstream end has a second cross-sectional shape that enables easy rearward stroking during head-on crashes. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are configured to be moveable relative to the diaphragm frames in response to impact forces. During head-on crashes, the side panels can stroke rearward to prevent interference with underlying panels. During reverse impacts, the variable cross-sectional shapes enable the panels to deform in controlled ways that prevent vehicle snagging and promote roll prevention, demonstrating dynamic adaptability to different impact scenarios.
2Ease of manufacture
If side panels are arranged in a vertical plane, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the arrangement does not optimize vehicle roll prevention during side impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are arranged in an asymmetric configuration where the panels are positioned at different heights and orientations relative to each other. This asymmetric arrangement creates a more effective barrier that prevents vehicle roll during side impacts by distributing the impact forces more effectively across the structure, while still maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized panel components.
3Ease of manufacture
If side panels have constant cross-sectional shape, then manufacturing is simplified and consistent, but the panels cannot provide optimized protection for different impact directions in bidirectional traffic scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels incorporate different cross-sectional shapes at different locations along their length. The upstream end features a first cross-sectional shape specifically designed to prevent vehicle snagging during reverse impacts, while the downstream end has a second cross-sectional shape optimized for head-on crash performance. This local differentiation enables the panels to adapt to different impact directions while maintaining a consistent manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are segmented into different regions with distinct cross-sectional characteristics. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function - the upstream region for preventing snagging during reverse impacts, and the downstream region for enabling easy stroking during head-on crashes - while the entire assembly can be manufactured using standardized processes.
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 enhances vehicle redirection and energy absorption, minimizing vehicle snagging and rolling during reverse impacts by utilizing movable side panels with varying cross-sectional shapes and sloping frames, improving safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
energy absorption through deformation during impacts
Implementation Method 2
First diaphragm frame is moveable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to a head-on impact
Data Source
AI summary
A crash cushion includes first and second diaphragm frames each having first and second laterally spaced sides defining first and second planes sloping inwardly from a top to a bottom of each side of the first and second diaphragm frames. The first diaphragm frame is moveable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to a head-on impact. The first and second side panels are attached respectively to the first and second sides of the first and second diaphragm frames, wherein the first and second side panels are moveable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to the head-on impact. In one embodiment, the side panels may have variable cross sectional shapes along a length thereof. In addition, each frame may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced guides for engaging a rail.