Hollow Drum Connecting Device for Road Equipment Impact Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for road equipment, such as poles, are rigid and designed to withstand mechanical loads but pose safety risks during vehicle impacts, as they either absorb energy inadequately or detach and pose hazards to pedestrians and other road users.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a hollow drum connecting device that deforms and absorbs impact energy by collapsing progressively, reducing vehicle velocity by at least 50% through controlled deformation of its central wall portion and subsequent twisting of the pole's lower end, maintaining rigidity for wind and weight loads while minimizing impact severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pole is designed as a rigid structure to withstand mechanical loads, then it can resist wind loads, own weight, and snow, but it becomes dangerous in case of vehicle impact
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into a lower end portion and an upper portion, with a connecting device linking them. The lower end portion is designed to deform and detach under impact forces, while the upper portion maintains structural integrity to continue supporting road equipment. This segmentation allows the pole to absorb impact energy through controlled failure of the lower portion while preserving the functional upper portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole uses different material properties or structural configurations in different sections. The lower end portion has parameters optimized for energy absorption and controlled deformation during impact, while the upper portion has parameters optimized for withstanding static mechanical loads like wind and snow. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between rigidity for load-bearing and flexibility for impact safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pole is made frangible to reduce impact severity, then it breaks during vehicle impact, but it has low energy absorbing capacity and allows high vehicle exit velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The pole transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that changes its mechanical properties based on applied forces. Under normal conditions, the connecting device maintains a rigid connection for load-bearing. Under impact conditions, the lower end portion dynamically deforms and detaches in a controlled manner, absorbing impact energy while reducing the deceleration force transmitted to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is pre-designed with energy-absorbing characteristics that activate during impact. The lower end portion is configured to deform progressively, absorbing impact energy before the upper portion can transmit full force to the vehicle. This beforehand cushioning reduces impact severity while maintaining adequate energy absorption capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pole detaches during impact to reduce severity, then it reduces deceleration level, but it compromises safety of third parties due to detached mass
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is segmented into a lower end portion that detaches and an upper portion that remains anchored. The lower end portion is designed to detach in a controlled manner, reducing the mass that comes into contact with the vehicle and thereby reducing deceleration forces. The upper portion remains firmly anchored to prevent complete pole detachment, eliminating the hazard to pedestrians while still providing impact protection.
4Loss of energy
If the pole collapses like molted snakeskin to absorb energy, then it reduces vehicle exit velocity, but it produces higher impact severity for occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into sections with different deformation characteristics. The lower end portion is designed to deform in a controlled, progressive manner that absorbs energy while maintaining a relatively constant deceleration force. The upper portion remains rigid to provide structural support. This segmentation prevents the complete collapse behavior that causes high impact severity while still achieving adequate energy absorption.
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 reduces the severity of vehicle impacts by absorbing energy and decelerating the vehicle gradually, minimizing injuries to occupants and third parties while maintaining structural integrity for normal loads.
Implementation Method 1
a central part arranged between said ends, wherein said central part comprises a wall portion, weakened with respect to the ends of the hollow drum, which is configured for deforming in a controlled manner, under compression, when an impact force acts against the pole
Implementation Method 2
the central part comprises a wall portion, weakened with respect to the ends of the hollow drum, which is configured for deforming in a controlled manner, under compression, when an impact force acts against the pole
Implementation Method 3
the lower end of the pole is adapted for being displaced upwards or being raised and twisted in the direction of the impact force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device for a pole of the support structure for road equipment, including a hollow drum, having a circular, elliptical, or polygonal section, comprising a first end for anchoring to the foundation, a second end for fixing to a lower end of the pole, and a central part with a wall portion configured for deforming in a controlled manner when an impact force acts on the pole, such that the lower end of the pole is displaced upwards and twisted in the direction of the impact force. A support structure for road equipment including the connecting device is also an object of the invention.