Sigmoidal Traffic Barrier Post Reducing Working Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety traffic barriers lack improved shock-absorption capabilities and have a wide working width, making them inefficient in vehicle collisions, and their assembly is complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A safety traffic barrier post with a sigmoidal cross-section featuring two intermediate walls perpendicular to the side walls, a specific width-to-length ratio, and an acute angle between the bevel and side walls, along with zinc-plated metal construction to reduce zinc peeling, and a design allowing for easy assembly with guardrails and guide bars for enhanced energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the post width is reduced to decrease working width, then the barrier occupies less road space, but the shock-absorption capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The post cross-section is segmented into multiple functional walls: two side walls for structural integrity, two intermediate walls for shock absorption, two bevel walls for guiding impact, and a middle wall for reinforcement. This segmentation allows each wall to contribute specifically to different aspects of performance, enabling reduced overall width while maintaining strength through optimized distribution of material functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple planar post design to a three-dimensional sigmoidal cross-section with multiple inclined and perpendicular walls. The bevel walls are inclined at specific angles (20°-28°) relative to the side walls, creating a complex spatial configuration that maximizes energy absorption volume within a reduced width footprint, effectively utilizing the third dimension to compensate for reduced planar dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the post design is simplified for easier manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the precision of geometric parameters affecting shock absorption may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges rather than fixed values: bevel wall inclination angles of 20°-28°, width-to-length proportions of 3.5-4.0, and length-to-intermediate-wall-distance proportions of 2.5-3.5. These parameter ranges provide manufacturing tolerance windows that maintain functional performance while accommodating normal variations in production processes, balancing precision requirements with manufacturing ease.
3Loss of energy
If the post geometry is optimized for shock absorption, then energy absorption capability increases, but the assembly complexity with guardrails increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post design integrates multiple functions into a single geometric form: the bevel walls serve both as structural elements for shock absorption and as guiding surfaces for guardrail alignment; the intermediate walls provide both reinforcement and mounting surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment features and simplifies assembly procedures despite the complex geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a post (1) of a safety traffic barrier (6) in a form of a metal thin-walled shape of a substantially sigmoidal cross-section having two side walls (2), two end walls (3) substantially perpendicular relative to the side walls (2), and two bevel walls (4) inclined at an acute angle relative to the side walls (2) and connected to the middle wall (5) substantially perpendicular relative to the side walls (2). In order to improve shock-absorption capability in a moment of a collision with a vehicle the post is additionally provided with two intermediate walls (8) that are substantially perpendicular relative to the side walls (2) and that each of the intermediate walls connects the side wall (2) with the bevel wall (4). The present invention relates also to a safety traffic barrier comprising such a post.