Self-Righting Delineator Protective Collar Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible traffic control delineators are prone to damage from vehicle strikes, particularly at high speeds, leading to fatigue and failure of the hinge section, which compromises their ability to maintain a vertical position and effectively mark roadways.

Innovation Solution

A self-righting traffic control delineator system featuring a ground anchor with a protective collar that covers the overlapping end portions and engagement member, allowing for easy assembly by hand without tools, and providing a surface for the delineator to bend around during impacts, reducing the risk of vehicle tire punctures and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate flexible hinge piece is used to couple the marker and anchor, then the delineator can return to its upright position after being struck, but the hinge section becomes vulnerable to fatigue and failure from repeated high-speed vehicle strikes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelineator upright position maintenanceVSAvoidhinge section durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The delineator is divided into distinct segments (marker portion, hinge section, base/anchor) that can independently respond to impact forces. The hinge section is specifically designed as a separate flexible element that can bend and return, isolating the stress from the rigid connection points and preventing catastrophic failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge section is pre-designed with flexible properties and appropriate material characteristics to absorb and dissipate impact energy before it reaches critical stress levels. This preemptive cushioning effect allows the hinge to withstand repeated strikes without fatigue failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If multiple fasteners are used to assemble the hinge piece, then the connection between marker and anchor is secured, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated fastener design. The engagement member combines threading, locking, and securing functions in one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: securing the hinge to the anchor, providing threading for adjustment, and incorporating a locking mechanism. This universal design reduces the total number of parts needed and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the ground anchor has exposed end portions and engagement members, then the assembly is structurally sound, but sharp edges create vehicle tire puncture hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtire puncture hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective collar is introduced as an intermediary element between the sharp metal components (anchor and engagement member) and the vehicle tire. This collar acts as a mediator that maintains the structural integrity of the anchor assembly while eliminating the harmful sharp edges that could puncture tires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the protective collar is designed to cover the anchor and engagement member, then tire puncture hazards are reduced, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire puncture hazard reductionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to modify the anchor and engagement members to eliminate sharp edges (which would complicate the core structural components), the protective collar is designed as a separate oversize component that naturally covers and masks the sharp edges when installed, simplifying the overall design approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective collar is designed as a flexible or semi-rigid shell that can be easily installed over the anchor assembly. This shell structure provides protection against tire punctures while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10006178B2Self-righting flexible delineator with protective collar

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A delineator system includes an anchor having an end portion and a post extending along a longitudinal direction and having an end portion overlapping with the end portion of the anchor. The overlapping end portions are coupled together with an engagement member. A protective collar is moveable relative to the post and the anchor along the longitudinal direction from a non-installed position to an installed position. The protective collar is disposed over and covers the overlapping end portions and the engagement member when in the installed position. Methods of manufacturing and installing a post, and other delineator systems and delineator posts are also provided.