Energy Absorbing Vehicle Restraint System With Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-absorbing vehicle restraint systems are ineffective in cramped conditions, such as tunnel niches, where they cannot provide sufficient damping and controlled deflection during side impacts, posing a risk of uncontrolled vehicle deflection and collision with end walls.
Innovation Solution
An energy-absorbing vehicle restraint system with damping units arranged in three longitudinal rows, supported by guide rails that counteract lateral deflection, allowing controlled movement and reduced impact speed, featuring varying damping unit heights and reinforcement for enhanced energy absorption and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a vehicle restraint system with damping units is used in confined spaces like tunnel niches, then space is saved, but the system cannot provide sufficient energy absorption and controlled deflection during lateral impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The damping units are arranged in three parallel longitudinal rows with different configurations in different regions. The first longitudinal row has damping units that are movable only in the direction of travel, while the second and third rows have damping units that can move laterally as well. This local differentiation allows the system to provide both compact space occupation and sufficient energy absorption for lateral impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is divided into multiple longitudinal rows (first, second, and third rows) with distinct functional characteristics. The first row handles primary directional damping, while the second and third rows provide lateral impact management. This segmentation allows each row to be optimized for specific impact scenarios, resolving the contradiction between compact size and comprehensive protection capability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional barriers are used to guide vehicles back onto the roadway, then vehicle redirection is achieved, but the barriers tend to lift vehicles causing rebound at essentially the same speed
Solution Approach 1:
The damping units are designed to be movable in specific directions rather than fixed. The first row's damping units move only in the direction of travel, while the second and third rows' units can move laterally. This dynamic capability allows the system to absorb impact energy through controlled movement, preventing the lifting and rebound effect caused by rigid conventional barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful lateral impact energy into beneficial controlled deformation of the damping units. By allowing the damping units to move and deform in controlled directions, the system transforms the potentially harmful rebound effect into useful energy absorption, reducing vehicle speed and guiding vehicles safely back onto the roadway.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the restraint system allows movement in the direction of travel, then energy absorption is improved, but lateral displacement during lateral impacts causes uncontrolled deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the damping units into different rows with different movement capabilities. The first longitudinal row's damping units are constrained to move only in the direction of travel, providing energy absorption without lateral displacement. The second and third rows provide lateral stability through their ability to move laterally in a controlled manner, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and lateral stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the system have different movement properties. The first row provides unidirectional energy absorption, while the second and third rows provide lateral movement capability. This local quality differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve energy absorption through longitudinal movement and lateral stability through controlled lateral movement in specific rows.
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 energy and maintains position during impacts, reducing vehicle speed and preventing uncontrolled deflection, especially in heavier vehicles, while allowing controlled re-direction onto the roadway.
Implementation Method 1
the impact energy is converted into deformation energy by deforming damping units
Implementation Method 2
damping units arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An energy-absorbing vehicle restraint system (1) is proposed for use in front of an obstacle (2) located laterally on the road, wherein a restraint device (3) is provided at a distance in front of the obstacle, the restraint device (3) comprising damping units (4) arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel in three parallel longitudinal rows (5.1; 5.2; 5.3), which are directly or indirectly supported on the ground and are displaceable in the direction of travel, as well as a device for end support (6) of the restraint device (3), and at least one guide device (7) extending in the direction of travel, which counteracts lateral displacement of the restraint device (3) in the event of a laterally acting force component, wherein at least one of the longitudinal rows is guided laterally by a guide rail arrangement (7.1; 7.2; 7.3) forming the guide device (7).