Vehicle Restraint System With Nested Deflector Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restraint systems face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, assembly complexity, and stability against tipping and wind forces, particularly due to the need for extensive formwork and high-strength connections between protective and deflector elements.
Innovation Solution
The restraint system features protective elements held by deflector elements with supports, allowing for easier production and assembly, increased stability against tipping, and a connection that prevents shifting, using tapering thickness for easier insertion and simplifying formwork, eliminating the need for tensile connections and enhancing load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protective elements are attached to the top of deflection elements, then assembly is simplified, but wind forces create large bending forces requiring complex connections
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is inserted into the deflection element, with the protective element fitting inside the deflection element's structure. The deflection element has a U-shaped cross-section that receives the protective element, creating a nested arrangement where the protective element is held within the deflection element's confines rather than being attached to its top surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a vertical attachment (top of deflection element) to a horizontal insertion (within the deflection element's width). The protective element is inserted laterally into the deflection element's U-shaped channel, changing the dimension of connection from top-down to side-to-side, which distributes forces more effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deflector elements are anchored stably in the ground, then tipping resistance improves, but production complexity increases due to extensive formwork
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into separate modular components: deflection elements with integrated supports and protective elements. Each deflection element is produced as an individual unit with pre-formed supports extending into the ground, allowing standardized production without complex continuous formwork. The modular nature enables easy assembly and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is merged with the deflection element itself, with supports being integral parts of the deflection element produced as a single piece. This integration eliminates the need for separate anchoring components and simplifies both production and assembly, while the supports extend into the ground to provide stable anchoring and tipping resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If protective elements have uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but insertion between deflection elements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element has varying thickness along its length, with the thinnest section positioned at the insertion end. This local variation in thickness allows the protective element to be easily inserted into the deflection element's U-shaped channel, while the thicker sections provide sufficient structural strength and rigidity for the protective function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a restraint system for vehicles in the region of roads, which is combined with substantially panel-shaped screening and/or noise protection elements (1), wherein deflecting elements (2), which are made of concrete for example, are connected to supports (4) via connecting webs (3), and the screening and/or noise protection elements (1) are held between the lateral surfaces which extend in the longitudinal direction of the deflecting elements (2) and which face the screening and/or noise protection elements (1) and the lateral surfaces of the supports (4) which face the screening and/or noise protection elements (1). The screening and/or noise protection elements (1) are provided at their lower edge with open slots (6, 6') in which the connecting webs (3, 3') of the deflecting elements (2) engage.