Safety Barrier Post Base Plate Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide device post fastening systems on structures like bridges fail to effectively absorb and distribute impact loads from vehicle collisions, leading to increased stress on vehicles and occupants due to rigid base plate deformation.

Innovation Solution

A post design where the base plate is connected to the structure via anchors positioned behind the post, allowing the base plate to deform by bending upwards during an impact, thereby cushioning the force and reducing occupant loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the base plate is fastened with bolts having holes on the impact side or holes in the four corners, then the base plate is prevented from deforming during vehicle impact, but the vehicle and occupants are subjected to very considerable loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase plate stabilityVSAvoidoccupant loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional fastening approach by positioning anchors on the side of the base plate facing away from the traffic area rather than on the impact side. This inversion allows the base plate to deform by flexing upwards in front of the attachment points during impact, absorbing energy and reducing occupant loads while maintaining structural stability through the rear-mounted anchors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial parameter of anchor positioning from the impact side to the opposite side of the base plate. This parameter change fundamentally alters the deformation behavior during impact, allowing controlled flexing that reduces the harmful forces transmitted to vehicles and occupants while maintaining the stabilizing function of the anchors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the base plate is rigidly fastened to prevent deformation, then structural stability is maintained, but the impact energy is not absorbed, leading to higher forces on the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase plate strengthVSAvoidimpact energy absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the base plate with a specific geometry and positioning anchors on the rear side, creating a structure that is pre-configured to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation. The base plate is designed to flex upwards during impact, cushioning the blow before it reaches the vehicle, while the rear anchors maintain overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact force into beneficial energy absorption through controlled base plate deformation. By positioning anchors on the rear side, the design allows the base plate to bend and absorb impact energy, transforming the harmful kinetic energy of the collision into deformation work that protects the vehicle and its occupants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design reduces occupant loads by absorbing the impact through the deformation of the base plate, enhancing safety in crash barrier systems on engineering structures.

Implementation Method 1

the base plate can deform in an impact under tilting of the post by flexing upwards in front of the attachment points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the base plate can bend in the event of a vehicle impact on the guide device with the uprights and the impact is cushioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1857594B1Post for safety barrier with base plate
Publication Date: 2010.06.30 VOESTALPINE KREMS FINALTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP1857594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1857594B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A post (1) for a guide rail system comprising at least one guide rail strip and a base plate (3) is attached to the base plate (3) in its area facing the roadway. The base plate (3) is connected to a structure only in its area that faces away from the roadway opposite the post (1). This allows the base plate (3) to bend when a vehicle impacts the guide rail system with the posts (1), thus dampening the impact.