Elastic Buffer Fastening Element for Bollard Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for public objects like bollards and street furniture lack flexibility, leading to significant damage and high replacement costs when subjected to accidental collisions, as they provide a rigid connection between the object and the ground socket.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with an elastic buffer is used, comprising a two-part connecting piece with a plug-in part and a holding piece, where the elastic buffer is made of polyurethane, allowing for flexible storage and absorption of impact, reducing damage and the need for replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection between the ground socket and the bollard is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the damage to the bollard in accidental collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic buffer element positioned between the bollard and the ground socket that compresses during accidental collisions, absorbing impact energy before it can cause damage to the bollard or ground socket. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows the connection to remain strong while protecting against collision damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastic by introducing the elastic buffer. The buffer material properties and geometric parameters are designed to provide appropriate elasticity, allowing the connection to flex during collisions and return to its original position, thereby reducing damage while maintaining connection strength.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible connection is used to allow the bollard to return to its original position after collision, then the damage reduction is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional components: the rigid ground socket, the elastic buffer element, and the bollard. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the desired flexibility and damage reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buffer is designed as a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than implementing a complex flexible connection system, the patent uses a straightforward elastic buffer that provides the necessary flexibility at minimal cost and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid connection is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the replacement costs after collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating the elastic buffer into the connection system during manufacturing, the patent prevents collision damage that would otherwise require expensive replacements. The buffer absorbs impact energy, protecting both the bollard and ground socket, thereby reducing replacement costs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the connection parameters by adding the elastic buffer, which changes the mechanical behavior from rigid to elastic. This parameter change allows the system to absorb collision energy, preventing damage and eliminating the need for expensive replacements while keeping the manufacturing process 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 elastic buffer system significantly reduces damage to public objects by absorbing impact, resulting in cost savings by minimizing the number of replacements required and providing a secure connection that can absorb vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic buffer (7) consists of polyurethane. The end (9) of the plug-in part (5) directed toward the holding piece (6) is preferably designed in the shape of a segment of a sphere and is mounted in a recess (10) in the form of a segment of a sphere in the holding piece (6).
Implementation Method 2
the fastener can also be used to secure buildings against vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4e
AI summary
The fastening element (1) has an embedding sleeve inserted in a ground. Two-part connection piece (1a) contains an insertion part (5) projecting in an opening of an object such as bollard, street furniture, street sign and playground equipment. A holding piece (6) is locked in an embedding sleeve and is fixed between a flexible buffer (7) that is made from polyurethane and the insertion part.