Roadway Barrier End Plate with Notched Brace for Controlled Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway barriers do not efficiently collapse in a straight column during a vehicle impact, which can lead to ineffective velocity reduction and increased risk of further damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an end plate with a body wall, side flanges, bottom flanges, and a brace that includes notches, allowing the brace to bend and widen during impact, facilitating the collapse of the end plate into a straight column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the end plate uses a rigid brace structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the collapse efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is segmented into multiple sections by introducing notches, allowing it to bend at specific locations during collapse while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables controlled deformation that improves collapse efficiency without sacrificing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace transitions from a rigid state during normal operation to a flexible state during impact through controlled bending at notches. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain strength when needed while enabling efficient collapse during vehicle impact.
2Productivity
If the end plate is designed to collapse easily, then the velocity reduction effectiveness is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are pre-formed in the brace during manufacturing, preparing the structure for controlled collapse before impact occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when impact happens, the brace will bend at the predetermined notch locations, achieving reliable velocity reduction while maintaining structural stability during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace structure with notches automatically performs the collapse function during impact without requiring external control mechanisms. The notches enable the brace to self-bend and facilitate the end plate's collapse into a straight column, achieving velocity reduction effectiveness while maintaining structural integrity.
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
This design enhances the collapse mechanism of roadway barriers, allowing them to more effectively reduce vehicle velocity and absorb impact energy, thereby improving safety and reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
The brace includes a first notch and a second notch, with each notch providing an opening in the brace that allows the brace to bend at the notch locations
Data Source
AI summary
An end plate configured to integrate with a first end wall or a second end wall of a roadway barrier comprises a body wall and a brace. The body wall includes a front surface and a rear surface, and is configured to couple with a first side wall and a second side wall of the roadway barrier. The brace is attached along a width of the rear surface of the body wall and extends rearward therefrom. The brace includes a first notch and a second notch, with each notch providing an opening in the brace that allows the brace to bend at the notch locations.