Elastic Return Member Shock Absorbing Tube Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing street furniture designs, such as those described in KR200381752 and DE-U-9405978, fail to adequately absorb violent impacts from vehicles without breaking, leaving behind hazardous obstacles and requiring complex repairs involving masonry, and lack sufficient dissuasive resistance to vehicle damage.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorption device connecting two tubes with an elastic return member and radially expanding fixing means, allowing the furniture to bend under impact without breaking, and facilitating easy removal and repair without masonry, while maintaining aesthetics and compatibility with various tubular structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bollard uses a polymer part for deformation, then it can withstand moderate impact, but it is destroyed if the impact is too violent and leaves a rigid part protruding from the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The bollard is divided into two separate tubes (first tube anchored in ground, second tube movable) connected by an elastic return member. This segmentation allows the second tube to be completely removed upon destruction, eliminating any protruding hazardous parts while maintaining impact resistance through the elastic member's deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid polymer to elastic return member with specific elasticity properties. This elastic member can deform under impact and return to original shape, providing both impact resistance and complete removal capability when destroyed, eliminating the hazardous protruding part problem.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bollard is anchored to the ground by its base, then it provides stability, but repairing it requires redoing the masonry which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bollard is segmented into an anchored first tube and a removable second tube connected by an elastic return member. This allows the second tube to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the anchored first tube, dramatically simplifying repair operations while maintaining overall stability through the anchored portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return member is extracted as a separate replaceable component between the two tubes. When repair is needed, only the second tube and elastic member need to be removed and replaced, while the anchored first tube remains in place, eliminating the need for complex masonry work.
3Loss of energy
If the bollard is designed to bend under impact, then it absorbs shock, but its bending resistance is low and it does not damage the vehicle thus losing deterrent function
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return member is designed with specific elasticity parameters that allow it to deform under impact forces, absorbing shock energy. Meanwhile, the overall structure maintains sufficient strength through the anchored first tube and the rigid second tube, providing both shock absorption and deterrent function against vehicle damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining an elastic return member (for energy absorption) with rigid tube components (for structural strength and deterrence). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of shock absorption through elastic deformation and deterrent function through maintained structural integrity.
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 solution enables street furniture to absorb shocks without breaking, eliminates hazardous protrusions, simplifies repairs, and maintains aesthetics, ensuring safety and ease of maintenance without requiring specialized craftsmen or complex tools.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing means are radially expanding. Thus, it is possible to adjust the relative position of the tubes before implementing the fixing means
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return member comprising a first part and a second part intended to be inserted respectively into the first tube and the second tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a shock absorption device (1) suitable for connecting a first tube (T1) and a second tube (T2). According to the invention, the device comprises an elastic return member (2) comprising a first part (10) and a second part (20) intended to be inserted respectively into the first tube (T1) and the second tube (T2), and to be secured to them by fastening means (30) suitable for providing radial support inside the first tube (T1) and the second tube (T2).