CA2546137A1 - Energy attenuating safety system - Google Patents

Energy attenuating safety system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2546137A1
CA2546137A1 CA002546137A CA2546137A CA2546137A1 CA 2546137 A1 CA2546137 A1 CA 2546137A1 CA 002546137 A CA002546137 A CA 002546137A CA 2546137 A CA2546137 A CA 2546137A CA 2546137 A1 CA2546137 A1 CA 2546137A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
energy absorbing
assembly
row
disposed
shredder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CA002546137A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2546137C (en
Inventor
James R. Albritton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EXODYNE TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Original Assignee
Exodyne Technologies, Inc.
James R. Albritton
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exodyne Technologies, Inc., James R. Albritton filed Critical Exodyne Technologies, Inc.
Publication of CA2546137A1 publication Critical patent/CA2546137A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2546137C publication Critical patent/CA2546137C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01FADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/14Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
    • E01F15/145Means for vehicle stopping using impact energy absorbers
    • E01F15/146Means for vehicle stopping using impact energy absorbers fixed arrangements

Abstract

An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.

Claims (38)

1. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize the results of a collision between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising:
the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end;
the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end extending therefrom;
a sled slidably disposed proximate the first end of the energy absorbing system;
at least one energy absorbing assembly disposed between the hazard and the sled assembly;
each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element;
each energy absorbing element having a plurality of openings formed therein with respective segments disposed between adjacent openings;
the sled assembly having at least one shredder attached thereto and generally aligned with each energy absorbing assembly and the at least one energy absorbing element;
each shredder having a blunt surface generally aligned with the openings formed in the at least one energy absorbing element; and the sled assembly having a first end facing oncoming traffic whereby a collision of a vehicle with the first end of the sled assembly will cause the shredder to slide longitudinally relative to each energy absorbing element and dissipate energy from the vehicle by shredding the segments disposed between respective openings.
2. The energy absorbing system of Claim 1 further comprising:
a pair of energy absorbing assemblies extending generally parallel with each other and spaced laterally from each other; and each shredder including a bolt having a generally blunt, round surface aligned with the openings and segments of the at least one energy absorbing element
3. The energy absorbing assembly of Claim 1 further comprising:
a first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second row of energy absorbing assemblies extending longitudinally from the hazard;
the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other; and one of the shredders aligned with energy absorbing elements of the first row of the energy absorbing assemblies and another of the shredders aligned with energy absorbing elements of the second row of the energy absorbing assemblies.
4. The energy absorbing system of Claim 1 further comprising:
a first row of energy absorbing assemblies having a first guide rail attached thereto;
a second row of energy absorbing assemblies having a second guide rail attached thereto;
the first guide rail and the second guide rail spaced laterally from each other;
the sled assembly having a first guide assembly slidably disposed on the first guide rail; and a second guide assembly slidably disposed on the second guide rail.
5. The energy absorbing assembly of Claim 1 further comprising:
a pair of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other;
the sled assembly slidably coupled with each energy absorbing assembly; and the shredder disposed adjacent to the respective energy absorbing assemblies whereby a collision between a vehicle and the sled assembly results in each shredder shredding portions of the respective energy absorbing element of each energy absorbing assembly to dissipate energy from the vehicle.
6. The energy absorbing system of Claim 1 wherein energy absorbing assembly further comprises:
a pair of supporting beams disposed longitudinally parallel with each other;
at least one energy absorbing element attached to each pair of supporting beams; and the supporting beams spaced laterally from each other to allow the respective shredder to engage the at least one energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle.
7. The energy absorbing system of Claim 6 further comprising each supporting beam having a generally C-shaped cross section.
8. The energy absorbing system of Claim 6 further comprising each supporting beam having a generally L-shaped cross section.
9. The energy absorbing system of Claim 1 further comprising:
each shredder securely attached to the sled assembly;
the sled assembly slidably coupled proximate one end of each energy absorbing assembly; and the space between the openings and dimensions of the associated segments varying along the length of each energy absorbing element whereby varying amounts of force may be required to move each shredder through the associated energy absorbing element.
10. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize the results of an impact between a vehicle and a hazard comprising:
the energy absorbing system having a first and a second end;
the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end extending longitudinally therefrom;
a sled assembly slidably disposed adjacent to the first end of the energy absorbing system;
a first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second row of energy absorbing assemblies extending from the hazard;
the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other;

each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element;
the sled assembly having a first shredder and a second shredder mounted thereon and generally aligned normal to associated energy absorbing elements; and the sled assembly having a first end facing oncoming traffic whereby an impact of a vehicle with the first end of the sled assembly results in each shredder dissipating kinetic energy of the vehicle by shredding portions of the associated energy absorbing elements.
11. The energy absorbing system of Claim 10 further comprising:
a first guide rail attached to the first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second guide rail attached to the second row of energy absorbing assemblies;
a plurality of panel support frames slidably disposed on the first guide rail and the second guide rail between the sled assembly and the hazard;
the panel support frames having a first position spaced longitudinally from each other; and a plurality of panels attached to the panel support frames and extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the energy absorbing system.
12. The energy absorbing system of Claim 11 further comprising a respective longitudinal slot formed in each of the panels;
an associated slot plate slidably engaged within each slot;

each slot plate securely attached with one of the panel support frames to allow longitudinal movement of the panel support frame and associated panel relative to each other; and each longitudinal slot having an enlarged portion with dimensions larger than the associated slot plate whereby the associated panel may be disengaged from the associated slot plat and attached support frame when the slot plate is disposed within the respective enlarged portion.
13. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize the effects of an impact between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising:
the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end;
the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end spaced therefrom;
a sled slidably disposed on the first end of the energy absorbing system;
at least one energy absorbing assembly disposed between the hazard and the sled assembly;
each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element;
each energy absorbing element have a generally elongated, rectangular configuration with a plurality of openings formed therein and respective lands disposed between adjacent openings;
each energy absorbing element disposed generally horizontal relative to the sled;

the sled having at least one shredder attached thereto and generally aligned with the openings in each energy absorbing element; and the sled having a first end facing oncoming traffic whereby an impact by a vehicle with the first end of the sled will cause the shredder to slide longitudinally relative to each energy absorbing element and dissipate kinetic energy of the vehicle by shredding the lands disposed between the associated openings.
14. The energy absorbing system of Claim 13 further comprising:
a pair of energy absorbing assemblies extending generally longitudinally from the roadside hazard and spaced laterally from each other;
the shredder including a pair of bolts; and each bolt having a generally blunt, round surface aligned with the lands and associated openings.
15. The energy absorbing assembly of Claim 13 further comprising:
a first row and a second row of energy absorbing assemblies extending longitudinally from the hazard;
the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other; and the sled having a first shredder aligned with energy absorbing elements of the first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second shredder aligned with energy absorbing elements of the second row of energy absorbing assemblies.
16. The energy absorbing system of Claim 15 further comprising the sled assembly having a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly operable for respective engagement with the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies.
17. The energy absorbing assembly of Claim 13 further comprising:
a pair of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other;
the sled assembly slidably coupled with each energy absorbing assembly; and each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element disposed generally horizontal relative to the sled assembly and the roadway.
18. The energy absorbing system of Claim 13 wherein energy absorbing assembly further comprises:
a pair of supporting beams disposed parallel with each other;
at least one energy absorbing element attached to each pair of supporting beams;
the supporting beams spaced from each other to allow each shredder to engage the associated energy absorbing elements to dissipate energy from the impact of the vehicle; and the energy absorbing elements disposed generally horizontal relative to the associated pair of supporting beams.
19. The energy absorbing system of Claim 13 wherein each energy absorbing assembly further comprises:

a pair of supporting beams disposed parallel with each other;
at least one energy absorbing element attached to each pair of supporting beams;
the supporting beams spaced from each other to allow each shredder to engage the associated energy absorbing elements to dissipate energy from the impact of the vehicle; and the energy absorbing elements disposed generally vertical relative to the associated pair of supporting beams.
20. The energy absorbing system of Claim 13 further comprising:
a first shredder and a second shredder assembly;
each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element attached thereto; and the sled assembly slidably coupled to each energy absorbing assembly.
21. A method for absorbing energy to minimize the results of a collision between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising:
installing at least one energy absorbing assembly, having at least one energy absorbing element adjacent to the hazard with the at least one energy absorbing assembly and at least one associated energy absorbing element disposed between a vehicle traveling on the associated roadway and the hazard;
installing a sled assembly, having at least one shredder, proximate one end of the at least one energy absorbing assembly opposite from the hazard; and aligning each shredder of the sled assembly oriented generally normal to at least one energy absorbing element.
22. The method of Claim 21 further comprising installing each energy absorbing assembly with the at least one energy absorbing element disposed generally horizontal relative to the associated roadway.
23. The method of Claim 21 further comprising installing each energy absorbing assembly with the at least one energy absorbing element disposed generally vertical relative to the associated roadway.
24. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize an impact between a vehicle and a hazard comprising:
the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end;
the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end extending longitudinally therefrom;
a sled assembly slidably disposed proximate the first end of the energy absorbing system;
a plurality of panel support frames slidably disposed on a first guide rail and a second guide rail between the sled assembly and the hazard;
the panel support frames spaced longitudinally from each other; and a plurality of panels attached to the panel support frames and extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the energy absorbing system.
25. The energy absorbing systems of Claim 24 further comprising:
a first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second row of energy absorbing assemblies extending from the hazard;
the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other;
each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element;
the sled assembly having a first shredder and a second shredder mounted thereon and generally aligned normal to associated energy absorbing elements; and the sled assembly having a first end facing oncoming traffic whereby an impact of a vehicle with the first end of the sled assembly results in each shredder dissipating kinetic energy of the vehicle by shredding portions of the associated energy absorbing elements.
26. The energy absorbing system of claim 24 further comprising:
a respective longitudinal slot formed in each panel;
a respective slot plate slidably disposed within each slot;
each slot plate securely attached with one of the panel support frames to allow sliding, longitudinal movement of the panel support frame and the associated panel relative to each other; and each longitudinal slot having an enlarged portion with dimensions larger than the associated slot plate.
27. A method for absorbing energy to minimize the results of a collision between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising;
installing a pair of energy absorbing assemblies adjacent to the hazard with each energy absorbing assembly having associated energy absorbing elements;
installing a sled assembly having a pair of shredders adjacent to one end of the energy absorbing assemblies disposed between oncoming traffic and the energy absorbing assemblies; and aligning the sled assembly and the pair of shredders relative to the energy absorbing assemblies with each shredder oriented generally normal to the energy absorbing elements of the associated energy absorbing assembly.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising installing each energy absorbing assembly with the respective energy absorbing elements disposed generally horizontal relative to the roadway.
29. The method of claim 27 further comprising installing each energy absorbing assembly with the respective energy absorbing elements disposed generally vertical relative to the roadway.
30. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize the results of a collision between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising:
the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end;

the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end extending therefrom;
a pair of guide rails extending between the first end of the energy absorbing system and the second end of the energy absorbing system;
a sled assembly slidably disposed on the guide rails proximate the first end of the energy absorbing system;
a plurality of panel support frames slidably disposed on the guide rails between the sled assembly and the second end of the energy absorbing system;
the panel support frames having a first position spaced longitudinally from each other;
a plurality of panels attached to the sled assembly and the panel support frames;
a longitudinal slot formed in each of the panels;
a respective slot plate slidably disposed in each slot;
each slot plate respectively engaged with one of the panel support frames to allow longitudinal movement of the panel support frame and panel relative to each other;
and an enlarged portion formed proximate an upstream end of each longitudinal slot to allow removal of the associated panel from the respective panel support frame following a vehicle collision with the sled assembly.
31. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize the results of a collision between a vehicle traveling on a roadway and a hazard comprising:

at least one energy absorbing assembly having a pair of supporting beams with at least one energy absorbing element attached to the supporting beams;
the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end; and the energy absorbing system disposed with the energy absorbing element extending generally horizontally relative to the roadway.
32. The energy absorbing system of Claim 31 further comprising:
a plurality of openings formed in each supporting beam and corresponding openings formed in each energy absorbing element;
a plurality of mechanical fasteners respectively extending through the holes in energy absorbing element and the corresponding holes in the supporting beams;
a doubler disposed on each energy absorbing element opposite from the respective support beam; and a plurality of openings formed in each doubler with each mechanical fastener extending through a respective hole in the doubler.
33. The energy absorbing system of Claim 31 further comprising;
each energy absorbing element having a generally elongated rectangular configuration defined in part by a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge;
a first row and a second row of openings formed along each respective first longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge of each energy absorbing element; and a third row of openings with lands disposed therebetween extending along the length of each energy absorbing element between the first row and the second row of openings.
34. The energy absorbing system of Claim 33 wherein the mechanical fasteners further comprise:
a plurality of headless bolts securely engaged with respective holes in the supporting beams; and dimensions of the headless bolts and respective openings formed in the first row and the second row of each energy absorbing element selected to allow installing and removing each energy absorbing element without disengagement of the headless bolts from the associated supporting beams.
35. The energy absorbing system of Claim 34 further comprising:
a plurality of bolts with heads engaged with respective holes in the first row and the second row of each energy absorbing element and respective holes in the supporting beams; and at least one of the headless bolts disposed between the bolts with heads.
36. The energy absorbing system of Claim 31 further comprising:
at least one nut retainer securely engaged with each supporting beam opposite from the associated energy absorbing element;
a nut disposed within each nut retainer; and the nut operable to receive a bolt extending through one of the openings in the associated energy absorbing element to the securely engaged the energy absorbing element with the supporting beam.
37. The energy absorbing system of Claim 36 wherein the nut retainer further comprises:
a plate having a generally rectangular configuration with dimensions compatible with attachment to the associated supporting beam;
a first hole disposed in the retainer plate and a second hole disposed in the retainer plate;
the first hole sized to receive a first mechanical fastener extending through the associated energy absorbing element and the supporting beams; and the second hole sized to receive a second mechanical fastener extending through the associated energy absorbing element and the supporting beam.
38. The energy absorbing system of Claim 37 further comprising:
a keeper plate attached with the nut retainer plate opposite from the supporting beams;
a first end of the keeper plate securely engaged with the first mechanical fastener; and a second end of the keeper plate disposed proximate the nut to releasably hold the nut in the retainer plate.
CA2546137A 2003-12-09 2004-12-09 Energy attenuating safety system Active CA2546137C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US52809203P 2003-12-09 2003-12-09
US60/528,092 2003-12-09
PCT/US2004/041321 WO2005068727A1 (en) 2003-12-09 2004-12-09 Energy attenuating safety system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2546137A1 true CA2546137A1 (en) 2005-07-28
CA2546137C CA2546137C (en) 2012-09-11

Family

ID=34794208

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2546137A Active CA2546137C (en) 2003-12-09 2004-12-09 Energy attenuating safety system

Country Status (17)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1706544B1 (en)
CN (2) CN1890437B (en)
AT (1) ATE458867T1 (en)
AU (2) AU2004313930B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2546137C (en)
CY (1) CY1111016T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004025744D1 (en)
DK (2) DK1706544T3 (en)
ES (2) ES2536227T3 (en)
HK (3) HK1099795A1 (en)
MX (2) MX343407B (en)
NO (1) NO340610B1 (en)
NZ (1) NZ547307A (en)
PL (2) PL1706544T3 (en)
SG (1) SG149821A1 (en)
TW (1) TWI388707B (en)
WO (1) WO2005068727A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7306397B2 (en) 2002-07-22 2007-12-11 Exodyne Technologies, Inc. Energy attenuating safety system
CN101139827B (en) * 2007-10-30 2010-09-08 曲涛 Highway trackside rigid barrier disintegration energy-absorbing shield protecting device
DE102008048110B4 (en) * 2008-09-19 2018-02-22 Hubert Hergeth Transport system for fibers
CN103966961B (en) * 2013-01-24 2016-06-08 上海船舶运输科学研究所 Bridge-collision-avoidance energy dissipating anchor heavy stone used as an anchor
EP4045718A4 (en) * 2019-10-15 2023-11-01 Traffix Devices, Inc. Crash impact attenuator systems and methods

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3944187A (en) 1974-09-13 1976-03-16 Dynamics Research And Manufacturing, Inc. Roadway impact attenuator
US4008915A (en) 1975-06-04 1977-02-22 Dynamics Research And Manufacturing, Inc. Impact barrier for vehicles
NL8003653A (en) * 1980-06-24 1982-01-18 Nederlanden Staat OBSTACLE SAVER.
US4352484A (en) 1980-09-05 1982-10-05 Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Shear action and compression energy absorber
US4407484A (en) * 1981-11-16 1983-10-04 Meinco Mfg. Co. Impact energy absorber
US4645375A (en) 1985-05-23 1987-02-24 State Of Connecticut Stationary impact attenuation system
US4711481A (en) 1985-10-25 1987-12-08 Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Vehicle impact attenuating device
US4655434A (en) 1986-04-24 1987-04-07 Southwest Research Institute Energy absorbing guardrail terminal
US5078366A (en) 1988-01-12 1992-01-07 Texas A&M University System Guardrail extruder terminal
US4928928A (en) 1988-01-12 1990-05-29 The Texas A&M University System Guardrail extruder terminal
CA1292905C (en) * 1988-11-08 1991-12-10 Walter P. Humble Energy absorbing guard rail terminal
US5011326A (en) 1990-04-30 1991-04-30 State Of Connecticut Narrow stationary impact attenuation system
US5199755A (en) 1991-04-03 1993-04-06 Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Vehicle impact attenuating device
US5248129A (en) 1992-08-12 1993-09-28 Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Energy absorbing roadside crash barrier
US5947452A (en) 1996-06-10 1999-09-07 Exodyne Technologies, Inc. Energy absorbing crash cushion
US6293727B1 (en) 1997-06-05 2001-09-25 Exodyne Technologies, Inc. Energy absorbing system for fixed roadside hazards
US5957435A (en) 1997-07-11 1999-09-28 Trn Business Trust Energy-absorbing guardrail end terminal and method
US7101111B2 (en) * 1999-07-19 2006-09-05 Exodyne Technologies Inc. Flared energy absorbing system and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CY1111016T1 (en) 2015-06-11
CN1890437B (en) 2011-07-06
DK1706544T3 (en) 2010-06-07
EP2204496A2 (en) 2010-07-07
TWI388707B (en) 2013-03-11
CN102108687B (en) 2014-06-04
CN102108687A (en) 2011-06-29
NO340610B1 (en) 2017-05-15
MXPA06006590A (en) 2006-08-31
HK1145195A1 (en) 2011-04-08
WO2005068727A1 (en) 2005-07-28
AU2010206111A1 (en) 2010-08-26
EP2204496A3 (en) 2013-10-16
ES2536227T3 (en) 2015-05-21
AU2004313930A1 (en) 2005-07-28
PL2204496T3 (en) 2015-08-31
NZ547307A (en) 2009-10-30
EP1706544B1 (en) 2010-02-24
HK1099795A1 (en) 2007-08-24
AU2004313930B2 (en) 2010-08-26
PL1706544T3 (en) 2010-07-30
DE602004025744D1 (en) 2010-04-08
CN1890437A (en) 2007-01-03
CA2546137C (en) 2012-09-11
DK2204496T3 (en) 2015-05-18
NO20063151L (en) 2006-09-11
ATE458867T1 (en) 2010-03-15
EP2204496B1 (en) 2015-02-18
MX343407B (en) 2016-11-03
AU2010206111B2 (en) 2013-05-30
ES2341548T3 (en) 2010-06-22
SG149821A1 (en) 2009-02-27
EP1706544A1 (en) 2006-10-04
TW200523434A (en) 2005-07-16
HK1101976A1 (en) 2007-11-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9758937B2 (en) Energy attenuating safety system
EP1112412B1 (en) Energy absorbing system for fixed roadside hazards
KR102114961B1 (en) Soundproof walls that facilitate installation and replacement of soundproofing plates
CA2546137A1 (en) Energy attenuating safety system
CN112281718A (en) TS-level guidable anti-collision pad
KR100373906B1 (en) Rubber fender guardrail
CN217804696U (en) Rail transit platform door protector
AU2015207882B2 (en) Energy attenuating safety system
AU2013219249B2 (en) Energy attenuating safety system
KR20200047415A (en) Hybrid Vehicle Shock Absorption Facility
GB2493025A (en) Fence assembly for reducing failure as a result of impact of highly localised force.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request