Impact Absorbing Barrier Posts with Energy Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial facilities, stock handling equipment often inadvertently encroaches on prohibited areas, posing risks to pedestrians and causing damage to obstacles, as existing safety measures are inadequate in absorbing and distributing collision forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

An impact absorbing barrier system comprising anchored posts with integrated impact absorption mechanisms and securely coupled rails, which distribute collision forces across the barrier, allowing for modular installation and easy maintenance, while being resistant to damage from collisions with heavy machinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rigid barriers are used to protect prohibited areas, then pedestrian safety is improved, but damage to stock handling equipment occurs during collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedestrian safetyVSAvoidequipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system incorporates impact-absorbing posts with energy-absorbing mechanisms that are pre-configured to cushion collisions before they can cause damage to equipment. The posts are designed to deform or collapse in a controlled manner during impact, absorbing the kinetic energy of colliding stock handling equipment and preventing force transmission to the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier system changes the physical parameters of the barrier structure by using posts with varying degrees of flexibility and energy absorption characteristics. The impact-absorbing posts are designed with specific material properties and structural configurations that allow them to change their mechanical response based on impact force, providing both protection and equipment safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If firmly anchored rigid barriers are installed to prevent equipment encroachment, then area protection is improved, but the barrier cannot absorb collision forces effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea protectionVSAvoidimpact force absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The impact-absorbing posts are pre-configured with energy-absorbing mechanisms that activate during collision to cushion the impact forces. The posts are designed to deform in a controlled manner, absorbing kinetic energy and preventing force transmission through the barrier system, thereby protecting both the prohibited area and the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the impact-absorbing posts can change their mechanical properties during impact. The posts are designed to remain rigid during normal operation for effective area protection, but become flexible and energy-absorbing during collision to protect equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If modular barrier systems with multiple posts and rails are used, then barrier effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is divided into modular segments consisting of individual impact-absorbing posts connected by rails. Each post is a self-contained unit with integrated energy-absorbing mechanisms, allowing the barrier to be configured in various lengths and configurations while maintaining consistent protective performance. The modular design simplifies installation, maintenance, and replacement of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 barrier effectively protects pedestrians, equipment, and facilities by absorbing and distributing collision forces, preventing damage to the equipment and infrastructure, and allowing for safe operation and easy installation, with visible hardware that minimizes snag hazards and operates across various temperature ranges.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the impact absorbing posts is capable of absorbing the force of an impact and then returning to its original shape and position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The coupling between the first end and the first post and the coupling between the second end and the second post cause at least some of a force of a collision on the first post to be transferred to the impact absorption mechanism of the second post

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transfer: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9644393B2Impact absorbing barrier

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 MCCUE CORP

AI summary

An impact absorbing barrier includes a plurality of posts and a plurality of rails. Each post of the plurality of posts includes an impact absorption mechanism. Each rail of the plurality of rails includes a first end coupled to a first post of the plurality of posts and a second end coupled to a second, different post of the plurality of posts. The coupling between the first end and the first post and the coupling between the second end and the second post cause at least some of a force of a collision on the first post to be transferred to the impact absorption mechanism of the second post.