Emergency Response Barrier With Pivoting Impact Attenuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency response barriers lack effective solutions for redirecting and absorbing the impact of vehicles while allowing for flexible deployment across multiple lanes of traffic, and they often require complex hitch systems for towing, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The emergency response barrier features a frame with reinforcing bracing, a planar skin covering the wheels, an adjustable impact attenuator with hydraulic cylinders, and a pivoting assembly that allows for angled deployment, along with a kingpin and alternative hitch options for versatile towing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex hitch system is used for towing the emergency response barrier, then the barrier can be securely attached to various vehicles, but the deployment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates multiple hitch types (fifth-wheel hitch and gooseneck hitch) on the same trailer frame, allowing it to be universally attached to different vehicle types. This multi-functionality enables the single barrier unit to be securely towed by various emergency vehicles without requiring separate hitch systems for each vehicle type, thus maintaining reliability while simplifying operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the impact attenuator is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the barrier cannot be angled to redirect traffic effectively across multiple lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator is designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate and angle relative to the trailer frame. This dynamic capability enables the attenuator to be positioned at different angles to redirect traffic across multiple lanes effectively. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled movement, making the system adaptable to various traffic patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
3Power
If the impact attenuator is positioned directly at the rear, then the towing capacity is maximized, but the impact force directly damages the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer frame acts as an intermediary structure between the impact attenuator and the towing vehicle. The impact attenuator is mounted on the trailer frame rather than directly on the towing vehicle, allowing the trailer frame to absorb and distribute impact forces. This intermediary arrangement protects the towing vehicle from direct impact damage while maintaining full towing capacity through the robust frame structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a substantial skin covers the wheels, then protection from debris and improved aerodynamics is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The skin is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be separately manufactured and then assembled onto the trailer frame. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual skin pieces and simplifies the assembly process, as the skin sections can be attached in stages rather than requiring a single complex manufacturing step. The modular approach maintains wheel protection and aerodynamic benefits while reducing production complexity.
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 effectively redirects and absorbs vehicle impacts, protects emergency responders by shielding multiple lanes, and provides flexible towing options, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected between the rear of the frame and the impact attenuator, wherein retraction and extension of said hydraulic cylinders moves the impact attenuator through an arc of rotation about the vertical pin
Implementation Method 2
an impact attenuator coupling on the rear of the frame, said impact attenuator coupling comprising a vertical pin, wherein said vertical pin is received in a bore disposed in an impact attenuator
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency response barrier is shown and described, the barrier having a cab and engine for propelling the barrier; a frame with reinforcing bracing; two axles coupled to the frame with wheels attached thereto; wherein the frame is covered with a substantially planar skin that extends along the right and left sides of the frame, from a top of the frame down to a lower edge and covers a majority of the wheels on each side of the barrier; an impact attenuator coupling on the frame, having a vertical pin received in a bore disposed on an impact attenuator, and configured for rotation about the vertical axis of the pin; and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame and the impact attenuator, wherein retraction and extension of the hydraulic cylinder moves the impact attenuator through an arc of rotation about the vertical pin.