Collision-Yielding Signpost Assembly With Elastomeric Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility poles are rigid and cause significant damage and injury upon collision, necessitating improved collision-proofing and easy replacement.
Innovation Solution
A collision-yielding post assembly with an elastomeric retention linkage and a rigid sacrifice linkage that allows the upper post element to remain stationary and be easily replaced, while the elastomeric linkage provides resilience and wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid utility poles are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but collision safety and damage to vehicles are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The utility pole is divided into multiple segments: a base portion embedded in the ground, a frangible tube section that can break upon impact, and a column portion that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the pole to yield during collision while maintaining structural integrity for normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible tube section is designed with specific wall thickness and material properties that allow it to break under collision forces while withstanding normal operational loads. The parameter changes in wall thickness and material selection enable the tube to transition from a rigid structure to a controlled-fracture element.
2Reliability
If a frangible tube section is introduced to improve collision safety, then collision proofing is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible tube section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during normal operation, acts as a collision-absorbing element that breaks upon impact, and allows for easy replacement of the column portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The column portion is designed to be separable from the base portion through the frangible tube section. This extraction allows the column to be removed and replaced independently without disturbing the base, simplifying maintenance and repair operations.
3Ease of repair
If the column portion is made detachable to improve ease of replacement, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but structural stability under wind load is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible tube section is pre-designed with controlled fracture characteristics that allow it to break at specific points upon collision. This preliminary design ensures that the tube can be easily opened for column replacement while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation including wind loads.
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
Minimizes damage and injury from collisions, facilitates easy replacement, and maintains functionality until repair, with enhanced resistance to external forces.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric retention linkage ascertains that the upper post element is retained and not slung away by the collision, and may also serve to resiliently return the upper post element to an upright position such that the post may continue to temporarily serve until repaired or replaced.
Implementation Method 2
Upon collision with a vehicle, the rigid sacrifice link is deformed or breaks, while the lower post and base may remain stationary so as not to be displaced in the ground.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a collision-yielding post assembly (1) comprising a lower hollow post element (5) carried by a base (11), an upper hollow post element (3) and a linkage assembly comprising an elastomeric retention linkage (7) fixedly connected to each of the lower (5) and upper (3) post elements. The elastomeric retention linkage (7) comprising an elastomeric insert (7) extending into each of the lower (5) post element and the upper (3) post element and a rigid sacrifice linkage (9) rigidly interconnecting the lower (5) and upper (3) post elements. The disclosure also relates to an elastomeric retention linkage (7, 70) for a post assembly (1) and a method (100) of enhancing the collision resistance of a signpost.