Modular Vehicle Restraint System with Tongue-and-Groove Guide Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle restraint systems face challenges in adaptability and ease of handling, as they require frequent conversion between different containment capacities during construction site changes, and are cumbersome for transport and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle restraint system featuring a tongue and groove connection between the base body and guide rail, with a spring-shaped cover plate and C-shaped guide rail, allowing for modular expansion and easy assembly using tie rods, enabling flexible containment levels and efficient transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle restraint system uses a fixed design with high containment capacity, then the containment capacity is sufficient for high-risk areas, but the system cannot be easily adapted when roadway rehabilitation progresses and requirements change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing containment requirementsVSAvoidsystem conversion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle restraint system is divided into separate modular components: base bodies and guide rails. These modules can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing the system configuration to be adjusted by adding or removing guide rails rather than replacing entire barrier sections. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to changing containment requirements while simplifying conversion operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The detachable connection between base bodies and guide rails allows the containment capacity to be dynamically adjusted by modifying the number of guide rails per location, enabling the system to adapt to evolving roadway rehabilitation needs without complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the crash barriers are designed as heavy, integrated structures, then the containment capacity and stability are high, but the barriers become cumbersome for transport and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transport and assemblyVSAvoidcontainment capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is segmented into separate base bodies and guide rails that can be transported independently. This reduces the weight and handling difficulty of each individual component during transport and assembly, while the modular design allows for rapid on-site configuration by simply connecting the lightweight components together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails can be placed within or alongside the base bodies during transport and assembly, with the C-shaped guide rails fitting into the recesses of the base bodies. This nesting approach optimizes space utilization during transport and simplifies the assembly process, as components guide each other into proper alignment during connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the guide rail and base body are connected with simple fastening, then the assembly is easy and fast, but the connection stability is insufficient to withstand high bending moments and transverse displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system combines multiple connection mechanisms working together: the tongue-and-groove geometric interlocking provides initial alignment and resistance to displacement, while the additional fastening elements (such as bolts or pins) provide secure mechanical attachment. This composite connection approach achieves high stability without requiring overly complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue of the base body fits into the C-shaped groove of the guide rail, creating a nested, interlocking connection. This geometric nesting provides form-fitting engagement that resists transverse displacement and bending moments, while the simple shape geometry makes the connection easy to assemble without complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2262953B1Vehicle restraint system
Publication Date: 2014.05.28 HEINTZMANN SICHERHEITSSYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2262953B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2262953B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2262953B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle restraint system for delimiting roadways, comprising guide beams (1) that are detachably placed next to each other. Each guide beam (1) comprises a housing-like base body (3) that can be arranged on the ground and a guide bar (2) disposed above the base body (3). Each base body (3) comprises a spring (9) at a top (8). Each guide bar (2) at a bottom (7) has a groove (17), wherein said groove (17) during coupling engages in the spring (9) of a base body (3), thereby creating a positive tongue-and-groove connection (60) between the guide bar (2) and base body (3).