Modular Vehicle-Mounted Attenuator for Predictable Impact Crushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators have inconsistent deformation profiles, are bulky, difficult to move and position, and inhibit the use of truck beds for hauling other objects, making them unsuitable for protecting moveable objects and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted impact attenuator assembly with removably attached support plates and energy absorption modules that crush in a coordinated fashion to dissipate impact forces, featuring pivotable and stackable sections for easier transport and storage, and a backup mount for secure attachment to a support vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators are used to protect moveable objects and personnel, then impact protection is provided, but the attenuators are bulky and difficult to move and position
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuator is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently handled, moved, and assembled. Each section contains its own energy absorption elements and can be attached to the support vehicle separately, making the overall system easier to transport and position while maintaining full protective capability when assembled.
2Reliability
If conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators are mounted on truck beds, then impact protection is provided, but the truck bed use for hauling other objects is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuator system is segmented into removable modules that can be attached only when needed for roadwork protection. This allows the truck bed to be used for hauling equipment and materials when the attenuator is not deployed, while still providing full protective capability when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuator mounting system is designed to be dynamically configurable - it can be quickly attached and removed from the support vehicle depending on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the same vehicle to serve multiple functions: roadwork protection when the attenuator is mounted, and equipment transport when it is removed.
3Loss of energy
If conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators are designed for impact absorption, then energy dissipation is achieved, but the deformation profile is inconsistent and cascades with stronger impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is distributed across multiple identical modular sections, each containing standardized energy dissipation elements. This segmentation ensures that each module deforms in a predictable, consistent manner according to its design specifications, preventing the cascading deformation issues seen in conventional single-unit attenuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuator incorporates energy dissipation elements with specifically engineered mechanical properties that control the deformation force-displacement characteristics. By carefully selecting material properties, geometric parameters, and hinge configurations, the deformation profile of each module is optimized to be consistent and predictable across the full range of impact forces.
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 attenuator assembly provides superior deformation properties, ease of mounting and maneuvering, and does not unduly limit the normal use of the support vehicle, effectively absorbing impact forces while allowing flexible deployment and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption modules are designed to crush in a coordinated fashion when an impacting vehicle strikes the attenuator and pushes the support plates towards the support vehicle
Implementation Method 2
If struck by an impacting vehicle, the attenuator crushes in a coordinated fashion toward the support vehicle to dissipate impact forces from the impacting vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-mounted impact attenuator assembly that can be removably attached to a truck or other support vehicle and then driven to a roadway work zone or other area where road repair equipment and/or workers are operating includes a plurality of support plates or bulkheads; a plurality of energy absorption modules sandwiched between and attached to the support plates or bulkheads; and a mount for mounting the attenuator to a support vehicle. When the impact attenuator assembly is struck by an impacting vehicle, the support plates or bulkheads are pushed together toward the support vehicle, compressing the energy absorption modules to absorb the impact forces.