Releasable Cable Post Connector for Vehicle Barrier Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable barrier systems face challenges in reliably releasing cables from posts when deformation occurs, which can compromise the system's ability to redirect errant vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a post with an interior cavity and a slot, combined with a connector having an elongated section and a loop, allows the cable to be tensioned and released from the post when it deforms, using a leveraging member to dislodge the cable from the anchor assembly upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is firmly anchored to the post, then the barrier system can effectively redirect vehicles, but the cable cannot release when the post deforms during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static firm connection to a dynamic release mechanism. The elongated section is positioned within the post cavity during normal operation to maintain secure anchoring, but when the post deforms during impact, the connector automatically releases from the cavity, allowing the cable to detach and redirect the vehicle safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The post cavity acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cable anchor assembly and the post. The elongated section of the connector interacts with the cavity to provide both secure retention during normal conditions and automatic release during deformation, mediating between the conflicting requirements of firm anchoring and release capability.
2Strength
If the cable remains firmly connected to the post, then structural integrity is maintained, but the cable may ride up on the post during vehicle impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the elongated section positioned within the post cavity and the cable routed through the slot, creating a predetermined release path. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when deformation occurs during impact, the cable is already positioned to release smoothly rather than riding up on the post, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple connection method is used, then installation is easier, but the release mechanism may not reliably detach the cable from deformed posts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the anchor assembly with the elongated section, the post cavity, and the slot in the post face wall. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the elongated section provides retention, the cavity provides the release chamber, and the slot guides the cable during release - while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the release mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of releasably connecting a cable to a post in a manner such that the cable will release from the post when the post is deformed toward ground level, the method includes the steps of providing a post having an interior cavity and a slot formed through a post face wall extending from the top end of the post; disposing a cable within a loop formed in an elongated section of a connector; hanging the connector from the top end of the post, the elongated section positioned substantially within the cavity and the loop and the disposed cable positioned exterior of the cavity; and tensioning the cable.