Impact Extension Frame Assembly for Road Barrier Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road barrier systems are inadequate in absorbing and redirecting head-on impact forces effectively, particularly for vehicles colliding with solid barriers, which can lead to inadequate protection for drivers during such impacts.
Innovation Solution
An impact extension frame assembly with left and right side frames connected via a top plate and cross member, and a shearing member at the downstream end, which redirects impact forces to barrier sections, allowing for controlled force absorption and preventing vehicles from entering protected areas by projecting ahead of the terminal barrier section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If barrier sections alone receive head-on impact force, then the structure is simple, but the force absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The impact extension frame assembly divides the force absorption function into separate components: the carriage frame assembly (with side frames, top plate, cross member) and the barrier sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the carriage frame absorbs and redirects impact force while the barrier sections provide structural support, thereby improving overall force absorption capability without creating an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage frame assembly acts as an intermediary between the impacting vehicle and the barrier sections. It receives the head-on impact force and redirects it to the barrier sections in a controlled manner, serving as a mediator that enhances force absorption capability while maintaining structural simplicity through its modular design.
2Strength
If the impact extension frame assembly is made robust to handle head-on impacts, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage frame assembly uses segmented construction with separate side frames, top plate, and cross members that can be independently optimized. This allows the structure to achieve necessary strength for impact resistance while minimizing weight by using only the required amount of material in each component, rather than making the entire structure uniformly robust.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the carriage frame assembly have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The side frames provide lateral strength, the top plate provides connection strength, and the cross members provide rigidity, allowing the overall structure to achieve high impact resistance with minimized weight by avoiding unnecessary material in less critical areas.
3Strength
If the shearing member connects the carriage frame assembly to the barrier section, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: the shearing member and the carriage frame assembly. This segmentation allows the shearing member to be manufactured independently with optimized geometry for strength, while the carriage frame assembly can be assembled from pre-fabricated components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to a monolithic integrated connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shearing member is extracted as a separate connection component from the main carriage frame assembly. This extraction allows the connection function to be optimized independently, improving connection strength through specialized geometry while simplifying the manufacturing of the main assembly by reducing the number of integrated features that require precision manufacturing.
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 absorbs and redirects impact forces, enhancing safety by allowing more controlled force absorption and preventing vehicles from entering protected zones, thereby improving driver protection during head-on collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the left and right side frames are also connected at a downstream end thereof via at least one shearing member
Data Source
AI summary
An impact extension frame assembly for an impact attenuator system wherein the carriage frame assembly includes left and right side frames connected at an upstream end via: i. a top plate adapted to receive a connection component; and ii. a cross member; wherein the left and right side frames are also connected at a downstream end thereof via at least one shearing member.