Rockfall Braking Assembly Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking elements for safety structures, such as rockfall guards, struggle to reliably absorb a wide range of kinetic energy values due to dependence on tearing along predefined breaking points or friction, leading to inconsistent performance over time and increased space and economic costs when trying to accommodate various energy levels.
Innovation Solution
A braking assembly comprising elongated bodies with connecting points at opposite ends that transition from a non-deformed annular configuration to an extended configuration, with deformation values adjusted by selecting through-holes at different locations, allowing for combination of multiple elements in series or parallel arrangements to achieve desired deformation values without relying on tearing or friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If braking elements rely on tearing along predefined breaking points to absorb kinetic energy, then the deformation value can be controlled according to theoretical values, but the performance becomes inconsistent when breakages do not occur correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from tearing-based deformation to friction-based deformation. By modifying the energy dissipation mechanism from breaking points to frictional contact between braking element and guard, the system achieves reliable and consistent kinetic energy absorption that is not dependent on precise manufacturing tolerances or correct occurrence of predetermined breakages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If braking elements use friction to absorb kinetic energy, then the deformation value becomes dependent on friction between components, but this leads to difficulty in guaranteeing reliable and constant performances over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully controlling the friction mechanism through specific design parameters including the arrangement of frictive surfaces, contact pressure distribution, and material selection. This controlled friction approach provides both adaptability in deformation value adjustment and reliability in performance consistency over time, eliminating the uncertainty of uncontrolled friction-based systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If braking elements are designed to absorb a wide range of kinetic energy values, then the deformation value must be adjusted, but this requires changing material or modifying dimensions which increases space and economic costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adjustment of deformation values within a wide kinetic energy absorption range by modifying geometric parameters such as the configuration of frictive surfaces, contact area, and pressure distribution, rather than changing materials or overall dimensions. This approach achieves adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and economic efficiency.
4Strength
If braking elements rely on tearing along breaking points, then the body passes from helical configuration to extended configuration, but this requires precise breaking point arrangement which complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tearing-based mechanical system with a friction-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on precise breaking point arrangements and helical configuration transformations, the system uses controlled friction between braking element surfaces and the guard to absorb kinetic energy, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining or improving energy absorption capacity.
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 solution provides reliable and adaptable kinetic energy absorption across a wide range of values, ensuring consistent performance over time and optimizing space and economic efficiency by allowing for customizable deformation values and complex assembly configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the use of plastically deformable elements, which plastically deformable elements are fastened on one side to a support anchored to the ground and on the other side to the safety mesh or guard intended to stop the fall of the landslide material. These braking elements, thanks to their deformation, absorb the kinetic energy of the landslide material
Implementation Method 2
other braking elements of a known type are based on friction to absorb the kinetic energy of the landslide material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a braking element (11) for a safety structure and to a braking assembly (21) comprising one or more of said braking elements. Said braking element and said braking assembly can be particularly applied to the construction of rockfall safety structures, of the kind comprising a rockfall safety mesh (33). The braking element (11) according to the invention consists of an elongated body (13) provided with respective connecting points at its opposite ends for being connected at one side to a safety guard or mesh and at the other side to the ground, said body being arranged to pass from a non-deformed configuration to a deformed configuration when a tension is applied to said braking element. The braking assembly (21) according to the invention results from the combination of one or more braking elements (11), preferably from the combination of two or more braking elements (11) connected together in series and/or in parallel.