Movable Crash Barrier Gate With Deformable Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable barrier designs for preventing vehicular intrusion face challenges in balancing the need to withstand impact energy while allowing vehicle access, leading to increased complexity and cost, and existing energy-absorbing features are not practical in these designs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle crash gate system featuring a connection between horizontal and vertical members using deformable flanges that dissipate energy upon impact, allowing vertical movement and easy operation, constructed from structural tube members with a drive apparatus for raising and lowering the gate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fixed barrier designs with energy absorbing features are used, then impact energy absorption is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the barrier cannot be moved to permit vehicle access
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier gate is designed as a movable structure that can transition between a horizontal blocking position and a vertical retracted position within channels. This dynamic configuration allows the barrier to provide impact energy absorption when needed while permitting vehicle access when opened, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is divided into separate movable gate sections that can be independently positioned within vertical channels. This segmentation allows the barrier to be moved from a blocking configuration to an open configuration, enabling both impact protection and vehicle access functionality
2Ease of operation
If movable barrier designs are used to permit vehicle access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because energy absorbing features are not practical and the structure must be more robust
Solution Approach 1:
The movable gate maintains reliability for impact energy absorption through its dynamic design that incorporates deformable flanges and controlled deformation zones. When a vehicle impacts the gate, these features dissipate energy through controlled deformation, ensuring the barrier remains reliable even while being movable and operable
3Strength
If robust structure is used to withstand impact energy in movable barriers, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for both impact resistance and movability
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier structure uses local quality by concentrating reinforcement only where needed - specifically at the vertical posts and connection points that bear impact loads. The horizontal gate members have deformable flanges with controlled deformation zones rather than being uniformly robust throughout, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining necessary strength
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potentially harmful impact energy into beneficial controlled deformation of the flanges and connection features. This allows the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled local deformation rather than requiring the entire structure to be uniformly robust, thereby reducing device complexity
4Reliability
If deformable flanges are used to dissipate energy upon impact, then reliability is improved by preventing detachment, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are designed with specific geometric parameters including deformation zones with controlled thickness variations. These parameter changes allow the flanges to deform in a controlled manner during impact, absorbing energy while maintaining connection integrity. The deformation characteristics are built into the geometry rather than requiring precise control during manufacturing
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 system effectively absorbs impact energy, preventing unauthorized vehicle passage while being durable, inexpensive, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing, meeting crash testing standards like ASTM F2656.
Implementation Method 1
Deformation of the flanges dissipates energy that would otherwise detach the connection between the horizontal rail and the vertical members
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle crash barrier gate constructed primarily of structural tube members and having an energy-absorbing connection between horizontal movable gate member and vertical post members. The gate member is provided with one or more deformable flanges adjacent to each end. Each post includes a vertically extending channel for receiving a respective gate member end and the flanges. An inwardly facing, vertically aligned opening in each channel allows the gate member to extend therethrough and span the space between the posts. The vertical extent of the openings spans the required vertical movement of the gate member. One or more reinforcing elements are disposed on the posts proximate to the elevation at which the gate member is positioned to prevent vehicle passage to strengthen the vertical post structure. A drive apparatus is provided to move the gate member vertically between an open position, typically at grade level, and a closed position, typically elevated above grade level.