Hinged Side Barrier for Trucks and Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side barriers on trucks and trailers are too high in urban areas, failing to effectively protect pedestrians and cyclists from entering the gap between wheels, and are not adaptable to varying road conditions, leading to potential damage or injury.
Innovation Solution
A side barrier system with hingedly connected barrier members that can pivot downward and adjust in height, featuring a lower default position and flexible design to accommodate different road surfaces, preventing intrusion and minimizing vehicle damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side barrier height is increased to 550 mm to prevent terrain impact damage, then vehicle damage is reduced, but protection for vulnerable road users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side barrier is designed with hinged support arms that allow it to dynamically adjust its position. In normal operation, the barrier maintains a low protective position for vulnerable road users. When terrain impact is detected or anticipated, the barrier can pivot upward to avoid damage, transitioning from a static to a dynamic protection system that adapts to different threat conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the height parameter of the side barrier from a fixed value to a variable range. The barrier can operate at multiple heights depending on conditions - low (protective) during normal operation and high (avoidance) when terrain impact is expected. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between fixed-height protection and terrain adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the side barrier is lowered to improve protection for vulnerable road users, then pedestrian and cyclist safety is enhanced, but adaptability to varying road conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged support arm mechanism enables the barrier to dynamically respond to different road conditions. The system transitions from a static low barrier to a dynamic system that can pivot upward when encountering speed bumps, potholes, or uneven terrain, while maintaining low position on flat surfaces to maximize protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed height side barrier is used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but flexibility to handle different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of hinged support arms adds rotational freedom to the barrier system, transforming it from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic articulated mechanism. This allows the barrier to adapt its configuration based on operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized hinge components and mounting brackets.
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
Enhances protection for vulnerable road users by lowering the barrier height and allowing it to flex with road irregularities, reducing the risk of injury and damage while maintaining functionality on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
at least two support arms between which the at least one barrier member hingedly extends, the at least two support arms being provided with hinges
Data Source
AI summary
A side barrier for a truck or trailer, the side barrier comprising at least one barrier member and at least two support arms between which the at least one barrier member hingedly extends, the at least two support arms being provided with hinges one for connection to the at least one barrier member and the other for connecting the side barrier to the vehicle in a position lying parallel to the longitudinal length of the vehicle, wherein all the said hinges are arranged with respectively parallel axes. Usually a second barrier member is present via which the other hinges connect the support arms to the truck or trailer. The side barrier is for lowering the window below pre-existing side barriers for preventing or reducing accidents involving vulnerable people such as pedestrians or cyclists and vehicles.