Modular Vehicle-Mounted Attenuator for Controlled 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 easy 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, 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 positioned. Each section contains energy-absorbing elements and can be attached or detached from the support vehicle separately, making the overall system easier to maneuver and position while maintaining full impact protection capability when assembled.
2Reliability
If conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators are mounted on truck beds, then impact protection is provided, but the truck bed use is inhibited for hauling other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuator system incorporates movable and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the attenuator sections to be dynamically positioned, secured, or removed from the truck bed. This enables the truck bed to serve dual purposes: providing impact protection when needed and being fully accessible for hauling other objects when the attenuator is removed or repositioned.
3Reliability
If conventional vehicle-mounted attenuators are used, then impact forces are absorbed, but the deformation profile is inconsistent and cascades with stronger impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-absorbing elements within each attenuator section are designed with controlled deformation characteristics through specific geometric parameters, material properties, and structural configurations. These parameters are optimized to ensure consistent energy absorption and deformation behavior across different impact intensities, preventing cascading failures and maintaining stable performance throughout the compression stroke.
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 versatile use of truck beds.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
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
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.