Free-Floating Inflatable Rockfall Attenuators for Slope Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rockfall barrier systems are complex, require significant resources and manpower to install and maintain, and are prone to damage from direct hits, compromising their integrity and necessitating frequent repairs and replacements, especially on difficult-to-access sloping surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a primary and secondary mesh barrier layer with free-floating, inflatable rockfall attenuators made of resilient materials that absorb energy by compressing and expanding, allowing rocks to flow beneath and around them, and a single support cable for easy installation and minimal anchor points, enabling the system to withstand direct hits without destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flexible barrier systems with multiple anchors and posts are used, then rockfall protection is provided, but the system becomes complex and requires significant resources and manpower for installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into modular energy dissipating elements that can be independently installed and function autonomously. Each element acts as a separate unit that can absorb rockfall energy, allowing the system to be scaled and configured without requiring complex interconnections between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for traditional anchor systems and support posts by using self-contained energy dissipating elements. These elements derive their anchoring and energy absorption capabilities from their own结构设计, removing the complex anchor-post-barrier configuration required in conventional systems.
2Strength
If traditional barrier posts are used to secure fencing, then structural support is provided, but the posts are prone to damage from direct hits and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipating elements are designed as replaceable modules that can absorb impact forces without requiring complex repair procedures. When damaged, individual elements can be quickly replaced without affecting the overall system structure, reducing maintenance downtime and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the barrier system by using materials and structures specifically engineered to deform and absorb impact energy. The energy dissipating elements are designed with controlled deformation characteristics that allow them to withstand direct rock hits while maintaining system integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal posts and anchors are installed on sloping surfaces, then barrier stability is achieved, but installation becomes difficult on difficult-to-access slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipating elements are designed to self-anchor and self-stabilize on sloping surfaces without requiring external support structures. Each element incorporates features that allow it to securely attach to the slope and maintain its position independently, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures on difficult terrain.
4Reliability
If traditional barrier systems are deployed, then rockfall energy is contained, but the systems require significant resources and manpower for installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into independent energy dissipating elements that can be rapidly deployed and configured. This modular approach allows for parallel installation of multiple units, significantly improving installation productivity while maintaining reliable rockfall protection through the collective action of all elements.
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 system effectively mitigates rockfall damage by absorbing energy, allowing easy installation and re-use on various slopes with reduced exposure time for personnel, and minimizes the need for frequent repairs and resource-intensive maintenance, ensuring cost-effective and safe rockfall protection.
Implementation Method 1
rockfall attenuators made of resilient materials that absorb energy by compressing and expanding
Implementation Method 2
free-floating, inflatable rockfall attenuators made of resilient materials that absorb energy by compressing and expanding
Data Source
AI summary
A system of the invention includes at least one barrier layer, a plurality of rockfall attenuators, and two primary anchor points to anchor opposite lateral sides of the barrier layer. The attenuators may be secured to an upper portion of the barrier layer. The attenuators create a gap or separation between the surfaces of the slope upon which the barrier layer is installed. The attenuators may be secured to the barrier mesh by a single cable routed through cable eyes formed on each of the attenuators. Opposite ends of the cable are secured to the sloping surface by the two primary anchor points. The attenuators are free floating members in that they are not attached to the sloping surface. The invention further includes attenuators as a sub-combination and a method of installing the system.