Guardrail Fixing Device with Hydromechanic Inertial Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guardrail junction systems fail to effectively manage thermal dilation and impact deformations, leading to safety issues and damage during vehicle collisions, with complex and inefficient solutions like hydraulic systems prone to hygroscopic problems.
Innovation Solution
A guardrail fixing device with elastic means and a hydromechanic organ, featuring a piston and toothed bar mechanism that selectively blocks longitudinal extension based on speed and force impulse, allowing adaptation to thermal changes while preventing vehicle exit during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional simple bars with slotted holes are used for guardrail joints, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they fail to provide adequate safety and cannot adapt to thermal dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device transitions from a static simple bar to a dynamic system with movable components including a piston that can slide within a cylinder, allowing the joint to adapt its configuration based on operational conditions (thermal expansion vs. impact)
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (length, rigidity) based on operating conditions - during thermal expansion it allows length changes, while during impact it locks to maintain rigidity and prevent excessive deformation
2Reliability
If hydraulic systems with lock off valves are used to prevent movement during crashes, then impact protection is improved, but the systems are complex and subject to hygroscopic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex hydraulic systems and implements it through a simpler mechanical inertial block using a piston-cylinder arrangement with elastic means, eliminating hydraulic fluids and associated problems
Solution Approach 2:
The piston-cylinder system with elastic means automatically responds to impact conditions through inertial forces, activating the locking mechanism without external control systems, sensors, or complex calibration
3Reliability
If pre-contraction strands with active and passive blocks are used for guardrail junctions, then some impact management is achieved, but the active block rests damaged and the device is not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means (springs) are pre-loaded to provide cushioning during normal operation and thermal expansion, while the inertial block mechanism is prepared in advance to activate only when impact forces exceed the threshold, preserving the device for reuse
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies preliminary counter-action through the elastic means during normal operation to accommodate thermal changes, while the inertial block is pre-positioned to provide anti-action only when impact forces exceed the predetermined threshold
4Adaptability or versatility
If the joint device allows free movement to adapt to thermal dilation, then thermal adaptation is improved, but the device cannot prevent vehicle exit during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device dynamically transitions between two states: a flexible state during normal operation allowing thermal expansion/contraction, and a rigid locked state during impact to prevent excessive movement and vehicle exit
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, length) based on operating conditions - maintaining flexibility for thermal adaptation during normal operation, and locking to a rigid configuration when impact forces exceed the inertial threshold
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 device effectively adapts to thermal changes and blocks elongation during impacts, ensuring road safety without risking vehicle exit, and is reusable, reducing maintenance and substitution costs.
Implementation Method 1
said device comprises elastic means operating in combination with a hydromechanic organ linearly extensible
Implementation Method 2
said threshold value is determined in accordance to a retention force exerted by said elastic means and by a viscous friction force exerted by said piston
Implementation Method 3
causing a selective blocking of the longitudinal extension on said second configuration of greater extension according to a speed and/or impulse of force exerted between a first and a second end of said device, and in particular when said speed and/or impulse of force exerted exceeds a predetermined threshold value realizing an inertial block
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Fixing device (100) for guardrails and method of installation of said device (100), the device suitable for being interposed between a first and a second portion of guardrail, comprising at least one first configuration of lower longitudinal extension and a second configuration of greater extension, wherein said second configuration of greater extension takes place in case said device (100) is slowly stretched da said portions of guardrail per thermal dilation. in case of potential impact of a vehicle in a point of the guard-rail adjacent to the device, the block (151) engages into the guide (140) and blocks the relative motion between the guide (140) and the profile (101). the device (100) comprises elastic means (140) operating in combination with a hydromechanic organ (120) linearly extensible and causing a selective blocking of the longitudinal extension according to a speed and/or impulse of force exerted between a first and a second end of said device (100), and in particular in case said speed and/or impulse of force exerted exceed a predetermined threshold value.