Inertial Barrier Insert Radially Expands to Prevent Sand Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inertial barrier systems require multiple sizes of pedestals or cores to achieve desired weight configurations, leading to inventory management issues, or use a single core that necessitates orientation changes for different weights, complicating setup and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A standard size frangible plastic container with a single orientation insert that supports dispersible granular energy-absorbing material, allowing for varying weight configurations without the need for multiple core sizes or orientation changes, using a design with a ledge for insert support and radially expanding insert to prevent material leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of pedestals or cores are used to achieve different barrier weight configurations, then the desired weight variations are achieved, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pedestal size is used across all barrier units, serving multiple functions: structural support, weight contribution, and center of gravity positioning. This universal pedestal design eliminates the need for multiple pedestal inventories while achieving diverse barrier weight configurations through variable sand filling amounts in standardized containers.
2Device complexity
If a single size core is used inside a standard container, then inventory management is simplified, but the core orientation must be reversed to achieve different weight configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is designed with an asymmetric geometry featuring a substantially flat top surface that provides stable, unique orientation. This asymmetric design eliminates the need to reverse the core for different weight configurations, as the flat top surface naturally orients the pedestal correctly in all applications.
3Reliability
If the center of gravity is maintained at bumper height, then vehicle ramping and nosing under is prevented, but barrier construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal height and the amount of sand filling are carefully calibrated to position the center of gravity at a specific height corresponding to vehicle bumper level. This creates an equipotential condition where the barrier's mass distribution is optimized to prevent vehicle ramping and nosing under, while the standardized pedestal and container design keeps construction simple.
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
Enables efficient and simplified construction of inertial barriers with reduced inventory needs and streamlined setup, ensuring effective deceleration of errant vehicles while maintaining the center of gravity alignment with vehicle bumpers for optimal impact absorption.
Implementation Method 1
The insert has an axially upwardly, radially inwardly extending top wall and is made of a suitable plastic material that permits some downward flexing of the insert inside the container as the weight of the material that is placed on top of the insert builds up, causing the insert to expand and push radially outwardly against the side wall, preventing the material from leaking past the insert.
Data Source
AI summary
An inertial barrier includes a standard size plastic container and a single size insert that is supported by a ledge inside the container for supporting different amounts of sand or other dispersible granular energy absorbing material thereon to achieve different barrier weight configurations. The insert has an axially upwardly, radially inwardly extending top wall that permits some downward flexing of the insert inside the container as the weight of the material that is placed on the insert builds up, causing the sides of the insert to expand and push radially outwardly against the container side wall, preventing the material from leaking past the insert inside the container. Axially extending ribs may be provided in the container side wall for increased strength and rigidity.