Trailer Crash Attenuation System with Hydraulic Energy Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer-mounted crash attenuation systems are inadequate in effectively absorbing and dissipating impact energy from collisions, particularly in scenarios where vehicles strike the attenuator, which can lead to insufficient protection for workers at construction or maintenance sites.
Innovation Solution
A trailer crash attenuation assembly featuring a hydraulic system with a small orifice hydraulic cylinder, telescopic members, and side arms with hydraulic systems, designed to absorb impact energy by expelling hydraulic fluid through a small orifice and utilizing telescopic arms to distribute force and prevent jack-knifing, while being connected to a crash cushion for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional crash attenuator is used on a trailer, then it can provide basic impact protection, but it is inadequate in effectively absorbing and dissipating impact energy from collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by incorporating a hydraulic cylinder with a small orifice that forces hydraulic fluid to be expelled under pressure during impact. This hydraulic mechanism converts kinetic energy into fluid pressure and flow resistance, significantly enhancing energy absorption capabilities compared to traditional passive attenuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic members are designed to dynamically extend and retract based on impact forces. During normal operation, they remain retracted; during impact, they extend to increase the duration and distance of energy dissipation, then retract for reuse. This dynamic behavior optimizes energy absorption while maintaining compact storage.
2Loss of energy
If a hydraulic system with small orifice is implemented, then impact energy absorption is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and an energy absorption mechanism. The same hydraulic system that provides damping also controls the telescopic members' movement, reducing the need for separate systems and minimizing overall complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic members are nested within the trailer structure, with the hydraulic cylinder integrated into the existing frame. This nesting approach allows the complex hydraulic system to be compactly arranged within the trailer's existing space, reducing apparent complexity and simplifying integration.
3Loss of energy
If telescopic members are used to distribute force, then impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crash attenuation system is divided into modular segments: the hydraulic cylinder, telescopic members, and crash cushion are separate replaceable components. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced without affecting the entire system, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for the replacement of damaged components such as the crash cushion or telescopic members while retaining the main hydraulic system and trailer structure. This approach enables cost-effective maintenance by replacing only the worn or damaged parts rather than the entire attenuation system.
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 system effectively absorbs and dissipates impact energy, providing enhanced protection for workers by utilizing the hydraulic fluid to absorb and manage the force of collisions, and allowing for reusability by replacing damaged components.
Implementation Method 1
a first longitudinal hollow member, a portion at one end of which is adapted to act as a hydraulic cylinder and has a relatively small orifice, hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a first longitudinal telescopic member which is adapted to slide in and out of the first longitudinal hollow member and is adapted to act as a piston in the hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer crash attenuation assembly includes a longitudinal hollow member adapted to act as a hydraulic cylinder at one end, hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and a tank connected to the hydraulic cylinder to receive and store said hydraulic fluid expressed from the hydraulic cylinder. A first longitudinal telescopic member is adapted to slide into and out of the longitudinal hollow member and is adapted to act a piston. Two other longitudinal hollow members are positioned substantially parallel to and on either side of the first longitudinal hollow member and are connected to the first longitudinal hollow member. Two telescopic members are adapted to slide into and out of the two other longitudinal hollow members respectively. A casing is connected at its proximal end to all three longitudinal hollow members, is adapted at its distal end to receive a crash cushion; and has a pair of wheels.