Modular Road Crash Barrier Terminal with Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road crash barrier terminals are bulky, complex, and difficult to install, leading to potential installation errors and increased risk of accidents due to their size and multifaceted design, which limits their effectiveness in protecting fixed obstacles and reducing damage from collisions.
Innovation Solution
A modular terminal system with energy-absorbing modules and flexible anchoring, designed to be easily configured and assembled on-site, featuring a ground rail for reduced friction and cantilevered modules to minimize yaw impact, made from materials like metal, fibre, or plastic, allowing for adaptable deployment and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end terminals are used, then vehicle protection is provided, but the device becomes bulky and complex with difficult installation
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into multiple energy-absorbing modules arranged in series along the longitudinal axis. Each module is a separate hollow section that can independently absorb impact energy through deformation, allowing the terminal to protect vehicles while maintaining a simpler, modular structure that is easier to manufacture and install.
2Reliability
If conventional end terminals are used, then vehicle protection is provided, but installation requires highly skilled personnel and is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal consists of discrete modules that can be assembled in sequence like building blocks. This segmentation allows workers with basic skills to install the terminal by simply connecting modules together along the crash barrier, eliminating the need for highly skilled personnel and complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are designed to be flexible and adaptable during installation, allowing for easy adjustment and positioning. The hollow section structure enables simple connection mechanisms that can be assembled without specialized tools or expertise, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Loss of energy
If energy-absorbing modules are arranged linearly, then collision energy is absorbed effectively, but yaw motion during impact is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are positioned asymmetrically relative to the ground rail, with some modules cantilevered over the rail rather than symmetrically distributed on both sides. This asymmetric arrangement creates a lowering effect during impact that reduces yaw motion, while the modules still absorb collision energy through their hollow section deformation.
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 modular terminal effectively reduces damage from collisions by absorbing energy and minimizing yaw motion, ensuring safer vehicle restraint and easier installation, thus enhancing road safety without the need for highly skilled personnel.
Implementation Method 1
each module defining a hollow section; and at least two anchors for anchoring the energy absorbing modules, wherein at least one of the energy absorbing modules is supported by a flexible linear member between the at least two anchors
Implementation Method 2
A modular terminal system with energy-absorbing modules... The modular terminal effectively reduces damage from collisions by absorbing energy
Implementation Method 3
featuring a ground rail for reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal for an end portion of a road crash barrier, comprising: a plurality of energy absorbing modules arranged in a linear formation along a longitudinal axis, each module defining a hollow section; and at least two anchors for anchoring the one or more energy absorbing modules, wherein at least one of the energy absorbing modules is supported by a flexible linear member between the at least two anchors.