Energy Absorbing Apparatus with Fold Points

Solution Overview

Problem

Temporary plastic barriers designed for side redirects are inadequate for head-on collisions, as they lack effective energy absorption mechanisms, and existing solutions with weaker plastic regions are costly and unpredictable in energy absorption performance.

Innovation Solution

A hollow elongate barrier section with longitudinally spaced fold points positioned at the vehicle's center of gravity, facilitating controlled folding and energy absorption during a head-on impact, utilizing a single material like high-density polyethylene for the outer shell with corrugated side walls and slotted holes as fold points to create a concertina effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a weaker plastic region is used to fail first during impact, then energy absorption is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and energy absorption consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier section is segmented into multiple fold points positioned at specific locations along the length of the barrier. These fold points create discrete folding zones that control where and how the barrier deforms during impact, replacing the need for weaker plastic regions while ensuring consistent energy absorption behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the barrier structure by introducing fold points at specific positions and configurations. This transforms the barrier from a uniform structure to one with controlled deformation zones, achieving consistent energy absorption without requiring different materials or increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If a weaker plastic region is used to fail first during impact, then energy absorption is improved, but energy absorption consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidenergy absorption consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier section is segmented into multiple fold points positioned at specific locations along the length of the barrier. These fold points create discrete folding zones that control where and how the barrier deforms during impact, replacing the need for weaker plastic regions while ensuring consistent energy absorption behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the barrier structure by introducing fold points at specific positions and configurations. This transforms the barrier from a uniform structure to one with controlled deformation zones, achieving consistent energy absorption without requiring different materials or increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If the barrier is designed for side redirects, then lightweight and ease of transport are improved, but head-on impact protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier weightVSAvoidhead-on impact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is designed with fold points that enable dynamic deformation during head-on impacts. The fold points allow the barrier to collapse in a controlled concertina fashion, transforming from a rigid structure into a dynamic energy-absorbing system that protects against frontal collisions while maintaining lightweight construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier utilizes a flexible hollow shell structure with strategically positioned fold points. This flexible design allows the barrier to deform controllably during impact, absorbing energy through the folding action of the shell walls while maintaining the lightweight characteristics necessary for easy transport and deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 controlled energy absorption during head-on collisions, reducing the risk of fatal impacts by ensuring consistent and efficient energy dissipation, independent of the failure point in the barrier section, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

the fold points facilitate a controlled folding up of the sides and at least part of the shell, at or around, the fold points, during a head on impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

the energy absorbing apparatus may have left and right side walls which are corrugated when viewed in transverse cross section. The ridges being the strongest points of the barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrugation: Corrugation

Data Source

PatentUS10689817B2Energy absorbing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 VALMONT HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

AI summary

An energy absorbing apparatus is provided and includes an outer shell having opposed ends and a left side wall, a right side wall and a hollow core. The shell includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fold points positioned on the left and right side walls only located at a height in the middle region of the shell relative to the height of the left and right side walls. The fold points facilitate a controlled folding up of the left and right side walls and at least part of the shell, at or around, the fold points, during an end on impact.