Foldable Rumble Strip Link With Frangible Hinge Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable segmented rumble strips often fail due to the hinges tearing out of the rumble strip sections, making them difficult or impossible to repair, and potentially causing damage to vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of frangible hinge pins that fail before the polymeric material of the rumble strip section, designed to minimize damage to vehicles and allow for easy replacement of the hinge pins rather than the entire rumble strip section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong hinges are used to connect rumble strip sections, then the rumble strip sections are held together securely, but the hinges may tear out the rumble strip sections and cause vehicle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into two functional parts: a strong connecting structure (hinge body) and a sacrificial element (frangible pin). The frangible pin is designed to fail at a predetermined load threshold, separating the permanent structural component from the sacrificial protective component. This allows the hinge to provide secure connection while limiting the force transmitted to the rumble strip sections and vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible pin acts as an intermediary element between the hinge body and the rumble strip sections. It mediates the force transmission by failing first when excessive force is applied, thereby protecting the rumble strip sections and vehicles from damage while still allowing the hinge to perform its connecting function under normal conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strong hinges are used to connect rumble strip sections, then the connection integrity is maintained, but the rumble strip sections become difficult or impossible to repair when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into replaceable (frangible pin) and permanent (hinge body and rumble strip sections) components. This segmentation allows for selective replacement of only the sacrificial element when failure occurs, maintaining connection integrity while dramatically improving repairability compared to traditional strong hinges that would require replacement of the entire assembly or damaged sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible pin is designed as a disposable, low-cost sacrificial element that fails first to protect more valuable components. When the pin fails, it can be easily replaced without affecting the rumble strip sections or hinge body, making the overall system much easier and more economical to repair.
3Ease of repair
If frangible hinge pins are used, then the rumble strip sections remain intact and repairability is improved, but the hinge strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the hinge system have different strength properties tailored to their specific functions. The hinge body is designed with high strength to maintain connection integrity, while the frangible pin is designed with lower, predetermined strength to fail first and protect other components. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to achieve both protection and repairability without compromising overall hinge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible pin provides beforehand cushioning by being designed to fail at a predetermined load threshold before excessive force can damage the rumble strip sections or vehicles. This sacrificial element absorbs the shock of overload events, protecting the more valuable components while maintaining ease of repair through simple pin replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable roadway warning device comprises one or more rumble strips. Each rumble strip comprises at least two modular strip sections, each made of a polymeric material having top and bottom surfaces and end edges and side edges. At least one of the end edges of each of the strip sections has a plurality of aligned alternating notches and tabs, and connecting links hingedly connecting the tabs at one of the end edges of one of the strip sections to respective aligned tabs at one of the end edges of another of the strip sections. Each connecting link includes a U-shape link plate bracket and a pair of frangible rods that are configured to break at less than the tear strength of the polymeric modular strip sections.