Shear Bolt Connection with Elastic Locking for Barrier Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing form-fitting connections with break-off functions in vehicle barriers face issues due to preloading of connecting elements, leading to unreliable break-off performance and difficulty in quickly restoring the positive connection after breakage, which can result in damage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting connection using shear bolts with an elastic connection element, such as a leaf spring or central spring, that is designed to be securely locked in place by the elastic force, allowing for controlled breakage and easy reconnection, featuring a T-shaped head for tool interaction and a helical ramp for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If breakaway screws are tightened as far as possible during assembly, then the connection strength is improved, but the break-off function becomes unreliable due to excessive preloading
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two independent parts: form-fitting connection elements (dowels, tenons) for perpendicular connection, and breakaway screws for parallel connection. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for breakaway screws to provide both connection and break-off functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting connection elements act as intermediaries that establish the primary perpendicular connection between barrier arm and barrier head disk, reducing the load and functional demands on the breakaway screws. This intermediary connection allows the breakaway screws to be preloaded sufficiently for connection strength while maintaining reliable break-off capability when needed
2Strength
If breakaway screws are fixed too carefully, then the connection strength is improved, but the break-off function fails to activate when needed
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connection functions into form-fitting elements (perpendicular) and breakaway screws (parallel), the system allows breakaway screws to be optimally preloaded for strength without compromising break-off activation, as the form-fitting elements bear the primary connection load
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameters by introducing form-fitting connection elements with specific geometric shapes (dowels, tenons) that provide perpendicular connection, allowing breakaway screws to operate at optimal preload levels for both strength and break-off functionality
3Productivity
If damaged components are replaced quickly, then the operational continuity is improved, but the maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier arm is segmented into replaceable modules (barrier arm, barrier head disk, connection elements), allowing quick replacement of only the damaged component rather than the entire assembly, thus maintaining operational continuity while reducing material loss and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting connection elements are designed to remain with the barrier head disk (stationary component) while the barrier arm (movable component) can be quickly replaced. This discarding and recovering approach reduces maintenance costs by keeping valuable components in place and only replacing necessary parts
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 a reliable break-off function with controlled force limitation, preventing premature breakage and allowing for quick and inexpensive restoration of the positive connection, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the end of the shear bolt having an elastic connection in the direction of the form-fitting connection to be established
Data Source
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AI summary
A positive-locking connection with a break-away function in one direction between two components is proposed, which has at least one connecting element designed as a shear bolt (6) which is positively connected to the first component (5) to be connected, wherein the end of the shear bolt (6) is positively connected to the second component (14) to be connected via a component (17) which is elastically designed in the direction of the positive-locking connection to be produced and which is connected to the second component (14) to be connected.