Impact Barrier with Deflection Elements for Storage Rack Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures, such as warehouse storage racks, are prone to damage from direct impact by moving vehicles, leading to potential collapse and increased risk of injury, along with associated repair and disruption costs.
Innovation Solution
An impact barrier with deflection elements and living hinges is designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy, featuring an arcuate outer wall with non-contiguous deflection elements that deform upon contact, and hinges facilitating easy installation and removal, allowing the barrier to securely attach to the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective barriers are used, then protection is provided, but installation and removal require tools and anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier incorporates dynamic attachment mechanisms such as spring-loaded clips, cam-locked systems, or friction-fit interfaces that allow the barrier to be quickly installed and removed by hand without tools. These dynamic mechanisms provide secure attachment during use while enabling easy release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is designed with self-attaching features such as self-expanding frames, self-locking clips, or gravity-assisted mounting that enable the barrier to secure itself to the support structure without external anchoring or tools. The barrier serves its own installation needs, eliminating the requirement for additional equipment or complex procedures.
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 impact barrier effectively reduces the likelihood of damage to support structures by absorbing impact energy, preventing collapse and minimizing disruption, while allowing for easy installation and removal without requiring tools or anchoring.
Implementation Method 1
In response to an impact, at least one of the first, second or third deflection elements deform to dissipate the energy generated from the impact
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first, second or third deflection elements deform to dissipate the energy generated from the impact
Implementation Method 3
the first and second hinges facilitate movement of the first and second ends between a locked position to secure the protector to the storage rack and an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
An impact barrier for a storage rack support structure includes an arcuate outer wall having opposed first and second ends, the first and second ends being spaced apart to form a gap therebetween. The impact barrier further includes a first deflection element, a second deflection element, and a third deflection element, wherein the third deflection element is positioned between the first and second deflection elements. The first deflection element extends from the first end to a first medial position on the outer wall between the first end and the third deflection element, and the second deflection element extends from the second end to a second medial position on the outer wall between the second end and the third deflection element. Upon impact, the first, second and third deflection elements deform to dissipate the energy generated by the impact.