Sliding Barrier Terminal with Dihedral Blocks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barrier terminals are not effective in stopping vehicles and damping shocks, being either too bulky, heavy, or dangerous for passengers, and lack efficient industrial production methods.

Innovation Solution

A barrier terminal comprising two blocks with a dihedral vertex angle less than ninety degrees, featuring sliding cylindrical surfaces and irreversible damping means, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cartridge, to absorb and manage the impact of moving vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional barrier terminals are used, then vehicles can be stopped, but the structure is too bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of barrier terminalVSAvoideffectiveness in stopping vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier terminal is divided into two separate blocks: a first block with a dihedral face and a second block with a complementary cylindrical sliding face. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized independently for its specific function while reducing overall weight compared to a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two blocks are designed to slide relative to each other along cylindrical surfaces during vehicle impact. This dynamic sliding mechanism allows the barrier to absorb impact energy through movement rather than rigid resistance, reducing the need for heavy structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If traditional barrier terminals are used, then vehicles can be stopped, but the structure is too bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of barrier terminalVSAvoideffectiveness in stopping vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding interface between the two blocks utilizes a cylindrical surface geometry that allows movement along a curved path rather than linear sliding. This dimensional change in the sliding mechanism allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced overall barrier volume while maintaining stopping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional barrier terminals are used, then vehicles can be stopped, but they are dangerous for passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety for passengersVSAvoideffectiveness in stopping vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding interface between the two blocks converts the harmful impact force into beneficial friction and normal forces that dampen the sliding motion. The cylindrical sliding surfaces create controlled friction that dissipates impact energy, reducing the risk of shrapnel or structural failure that would endanger passengers.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding interface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the impacting vehicle and the barrier structure. This intermediate sliding layer absorbs and dissipates impact energy through friction and normal forces, preventing direct transmission of high-energy forces to nearby objects including passengers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If traditional barrier terminals are used, then vehicles can be stopped, but shock absorption is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capabilityVSAvoideffectiveness in stopping vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

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

Data Source

PatentEP2519694B1Barrier bollard

Publication Date: 2014.10.01 RIGOMER RENAUD

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to barrier posts. The post according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least two blocks (10, 20), the block (10) being defined between two surfaces (11, 12) defining a dihedron having an edge (13) and an apical angle a, the value of which is less than ninety degrees, the surface (12) being arranged as a sliding surface (12'), the second block (20) comprising a sliding surface (22') which is substantially complementary to the sliding surface (12'), the two blocks (10, 20) being mounted such that the sliding surfaces (12', 22') thereof rest on each other, an oblong element (30) having a longitudinal axis (31) projecting from the surface (11), and a means (40) for damping the movement by sliding the two blocks one on the other, said damping means (40) being positioned between the two blocks. The invention can be used for shock-absorbing barriers for a collision with any body, particularly but not exclusively, vehicles.