Interlocking Barrier Connectors with Flange Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for roadway barriers are complex, require multiple components, and depend on correct orientation, often using extrinsic components like pins or rods, which increases manufacturing costs and can lead to instability due to single-point contact systems.
Innovation Solution
A simple, self-contained connection system using a pair of connectors with inwardly and outwardly extending flanges that engage each other, eliminating the need for extrinsic components and ensuring stability with multiple contact points, allowing for independent orientation of barrier units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connection systems use multiple components and extrinsic components like pins or rods, then the connection can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection components into a single integrated connector unit. The connector includes a mounting section with first and second connector elements that are part of the same component, eliminating the need for separate pins or rods. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design where the flanges work together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component. The mounting section provides attachment to the barrier, the first connector element provides engagement structure, and the second connector element provides the engaging flange. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate extrinsic components while achieving reliable connection.
2Reliability
If existing connection systems use male and female components requiring correct orientation, then connection can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric design where the first connector element has an inwardly extending flange and the second connector element has an outwardly extending flange. This asymmetric configuration allows the connectors to engage with each other in a specific orientation, ensuring correct alignment while maintaining ease of operation through the self-aligning nature of the flange engagement.
3Device complexity
If single-point contact systems are used to connect barriers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional elements: a mounting section for attachment and two separate connector elements for engagement. The first connector element includes an inwardly extending flange while the second includes an outwardly extending flange. This segmentation allows multiple contact points through the interaction of these elements, enhancing stability while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements extend in different spatial dimensions - the first connector element extends inwardly while the second extends outwardly. This dimensional arrangement creates multiple contact points in different directions, providing stability through distributed contact rather than single-point contact, while keeping the overall structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An example barrier connection system comprises at least one pair of connectors, each connector including a mounting section for attachment to a barrier, the mounting section having inner and outer faces, and first and second connector elements at respective sides of the mounting section. In one example, the first connector element comprises an inwardly extending flange that is spaced from the inner face of the mounting section to at least partially define a recess there between. The second connector element comprises an outwardly extending flange. The inwardly and outwardly extending flanges are dimensioned and orientated such that, in use, the outwardly extending flange of each connector is receivable within the recess of the other connector.