Traffic Barrier with Ballast Compartment for Weight Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic barrier elements face challenges in balancing weight for enhanced functionality during use with ease of transportation and storage, as heavier barriers provide better inertia but are harder to move, and lighter ones lack sufficient blocking capability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ballast compartment with a closed top and open bottom in the elongated casing, allowing for filling with curing material at the site of use, which increases weight and inertia, while maintaining lower weight during transportation and storage, and providing structural support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the barrier element is made heavier to provide better inertia and blocking functionality, then the blocking capability is improved, but the ease of transportation and handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element is divided into two functional parts: a permanent lightweight casing structure and a removable ballast compartment. This segmentation allows the barrier to be transported in its lightweight state and then configured with ballast at the installation site to achieve the required blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast compartment is pre-installed in the casing during manufacturing, but remains empty or lightly filled during transportation. At the installation site, the ballast compartment is filled with ballast material to provide the necessary weight and blocking functionality before the barrier enters service.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the barrier element is made heavier to increase friction with the road surface, then the stability is improved, but the ease of transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into a permanent casing and a separate ballast compartment that can be filled at the installation site. This allows the barrier to be transported in its lightweight casing form and then stabilized by adding ballast at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight parameter of the barrier is changed dynamically: it remains low during transportation and storage, then increases when the ballast compartment is filled at the installation site, providing the necessary friction and stability for its blocking function.
3Strength
If ballast is added to increase weight and inertia, then the blocking functionality is enhanced, but the cost of handling and transportation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast compartment is pre-installed in the casing during manufacturing at minimal cost. The actual ballast material is added later at the installation site, avoiding the high costs associated with transporting heavy ballast over long distances and reducing handling requirements during the barrier's production and distribution phase.
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 enhances the barrier's functionality by increasing weight and inertia at the site of use, while simplifying handling, transportation, and storage, and supports dimensional stability and strength, allowing for effective absorption of collision forces.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the barrier element substantially grows which higher weight provides an enhanced functionality compared to the lighter barrier element with unfilled ballast compartment due to the additional inertia of the barrier element
Implementation Method 2
filled with a curing material; hardening the curing material
Implementation Method 3
The enhance functioning of the barrier element according the present invention is further a result of the increased friction between the heavier barrier and a road surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a barrier element to block traffic and/or as a security precaution, comprising: an elongated casing with two opposing longitudinal side walls and an upper wall; at least one casing support structure; and supports for resting on the ground/surface connected to the lower side of the elongate casing, wherein in the elongate casing a ballast compartment is incorporated that has a closed top, closed sides and an open bottom. The present invention also relates to a method for making ready for use of such a barrier element.