Modular Impact Attenuator Structure for Reusable Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact attenuators often suffer significant damage during collisions, making them unusable after a single event, and their construction is complex and costly, especially when using closed sections which are difficult to manufacture and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A set of impact attenuators comprising deformable elements with a casing and guide system that allows for controlled deformation, where the deformable element can be easily replaced, and the structure is designed to absorb impact energy without damaging the casing, enabling partial or full reuse after an impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If closed sections are used in impact attenuators, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator is divided into modular components: a reusable frame structure and replaceable deformable elements (open or closed sections). This segmentation allows the complex closed sections to be manufactured separately and installed only when needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be made from difficult-to-manufacture closed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs replaceable deformable elements that can be inexpensive open sections for normal use. When high strength is required or after deformation, these can be replaced with closed sections. The disposable/replaceable nature of these elements resolves the contradiction by allowing cheap manufacturing for routine applications while providing strength options when necessary.
2Strength
If closed sections are used in impact attenuators, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator is divided into modular components: a reusable frame structure and replaceable deformable elements (open or closed sections). This segmentation allows the complex closed sections to be manufactured separately and installed only when needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be made from difficult-to-manufacture closed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs replaceable deformable elements that can be inexpensive open sections for normal use. When high strength is required or after deformation, these can be replaced with closed sections. The disposable/replaceable nature of these elements resolves the contradiction by allowing cheap manufacturing for routine applications while providing strength options when necessary.
3Loss of energy
If traditional impact attenuators are used, then impact energy is absorbed, but significant damage occurs making them unusable after collision
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator is divided into modular components: a reusable frame structure and replaceable deformable elements (open or closed sections). This segmentation allows the complex closed sections to be manufactured separately and installed only when needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be made from difficult-to-manufacture closed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the frame and certain components are designed to be recovered and reused after impact, while only the deformable elements are discarded or replaced. This selectively discards and recovers approach maintains reliability by preserving the intact structural components while replacing only the elements that absorbed the impact energy.
4Reliability
If long attenuating structures are used to stop high-speed vehicles, then safety is improved, but transport and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator is divided into modular components: a reusable frame structure and replaceable deformable elements (open or closed sections). This segmentation allows the complex closed sections to be manufactured separately and installed only when needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to be made from difficult-to-manufacture closed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable elements are designed to be inserted into or nested within the frame structure. The open sections can be stored in a compact form and inserted into the frame when needed, similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach reduces transport complexity by allowing the attenuator components to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner while maintaining the full length and safety performance when deployed.
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 solution allows for easy manufacturing and cost-effective open sections that can absorb impact energy, with the ability to reuse most structural elements after a central impact, and the attenuator configuration minimizes space for easy transport.
Implementation Method 1
Currently existing embodiments are based on plastic strain of tubular elements
Implementation Method 2
When the vehicle with the attached, above described, mobile impact attenuator is hit by another vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
In an Impact attenuator (10) comprising a deformable element (20) with a first end and a second end as well as a deformable element deformation system (20) having a casing (30) with an empty space and a guide (40) sliding along the casing (30), a part of the deformable element (20) Is disposed In an empty space of the casing (30), whereby the deformable element (20) at the first end (21) located outside the empty space (31 ) of the casing (30) has a grip (22) to fix to the guide (40) whereas the second end (23) of the deformable element (20) is free and between the first end (21 ) and the second end (23) of the deformable element (20) there is a bend with a deformation zone (24) of the deformable element (20), which translocates during pulling out of the deformable element (20) from the casing (30) during moving of the guide (40) in relation to the casing (30) of the deformable element (20).