Dynamic Pedestrian Access Terminal with Compressible Attenuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pedestrian access terminals in roadside barriers often compromise safety due to inadequate energy absorption, potential spearing hazards, and high maintenance costs, especially when vehicles impact at higher speeds, and they require extensive roadway modifications which are not practical in many locations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic pedestrian access terminal system with range-limited translatable terminal blocks that utilize substantial weight and compressible attenuators to absorb energy, reducing the impact force on vehicles and preventing destructive collapse, while maintaining pedestrian access and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gating terminal systems are used to provide pedestrian access, then access points are created through the barrier system, but the effective length of the gap increases making it hazardous for vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal system transitions from a static gating mechanism to a dynamic response system. The terminal block remains stationary during normal conditions but dynamically responds to vehicle impacts by allowing controlled translation along the barrier while maintaining the access gap for pedestrians. This dynamic behavior prevents the gap from becoming hazardous while preserving pedestrian access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the terminal block based on impact conditions. Under normal conditions, the terminal maintains a fixed position defining the access gap. Upon vehicle impact, the terminal translates along the barrier to a new position, changing the gap's effective length parameter to prevent vehicle penetration while maintaining pedestrian access.
2Reliability
If standard crashworthy terminal systems are installed, then crash protection is provided, but roadway widening and grading requirements increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential crash protection function from the complex gateway terminal system. Instead of requiring extensive roadway widening and grading, the system uses a simplified terminal block that translates along the barrier to absorb impact energy. This extraction maintains crash protection reliability while eliminating the need for complex roadway modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is designed as a relatively simple, replaceable component that can be easily installed and removed without extensive roadway modifications. The system accepts that the terminal may be damaged or displaced during impacts but can be quickly replaced, avoiding the need for expensive and complex permanent roadway restructuring.
3Ease of manufacture
If static terminal blocks are used, then installation is simpler, but energy absorption capability is insufficient for higher speed impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains installation simplicity by using a single terminal block that translates along the barrier rather than requiring complex multi-component static systems. This dynamic translation mechanism provides superior energy absorption for higher speed impacts while keeping the installation process straightforward and the structure relatively simple.
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 system effectively absorbs more energy during impacts, enhancing safety for vehicle occupants and reducing maintenance costs by allowing for greater energy absorption within the structural confines of the terminal blocks, without the need for extensive roadway modifications.
Implementation Method 1
compressible attenuators to absorb energy
Implementation Method 2
absorb energy during impacts
Implementation Method 3
utilize substantial weight
Implementation Method 4
impact force on vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic pedestrian access terminal is disclosed having a pair of spaced apart terminal blocks for pedestrian passage along a roadway. The bottom portions of the terminal blocks are set beneath the surface. Foundation posts are vertically positioned below the surface and extend upward into each terminal block. A tensioning member extends between the foundation posts and beneath the terminal blocks to increase resistance to lateral movement. Soil plates may be attached to the foundation posts to further resist lateral movement. An internal attenuator is positioned in a compression chamber within each terminal block. An external attenuator may be positioned in a recess positioned at the bottom rear of each terminal block.