US20140270937A1

US20140270937A1 - Road barrier energy absorber mechanism

Info

Publication number: US20140270937A1
Application number: US13/834,897
Authority: US
Inventors: Sandeep Chandrakant Kulkarni; Sudhakar Ramanoorthy Marur; Poovanna Theethira Kushalappa
Original assignee: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV
Current assignee: SABIC Global Technologies BV
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: WO2014140985A1

Abstract

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier; and wherein upon an impact, the energy absorber unit will absorb, e.g., up to 300 kJ of energy.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an energy absorbing system, and especially to a road barrier energy absorbing system.

BACKGROUND

Energy absorber systems are typically used in automotive bumpers for the purpose of absorbing the impact energy generated by a collision. Mainly, the body in white and other components are designed to withstand certain impact loads to meet regulation requirements. The energy absorber systems are intended to absorb energy and protect those components from damage. Thus, significant engineering and design efforts have focused on designing safer and more durable vehicles.
In contrast, the environment in which the vehicle is operated, e.g., the surrounding infrastructures (such as, road barriers, road dividers, lamp posts, parking garage walls and pillars, telephone poles, etc.) are designed as inflexible components that can withstand vehicle impact. Hence, they fail to safeguard the vehicle and the occupants during a collision between the vehicle and the infrastructure. Therefore, even if the vehicle is designed with all the safety technology, the chances of damage to the vehicle still exists in collisions between the vehicle and the infrastructure.
There is a continuing need to enhance occupant safety and vehicle damageability during a collision with the barriers along the periphery of the road.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are energy absorber units and road barrier energy absorber systems comprising such units.
In an embodiment, a road barrier energy absorber system, comprises: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier.
In another embodiment, a road barrier energy absorber system, comprises: a barrier; and an energy absorber unit; wherein the energy absorber unit is located on at least one side of the barrier, and wherein the energy absorber unit comprises outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls.
The above described and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Refer now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and wherein the like elements are numbered alike

FIG. 1 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is a single piece covering a barrier;

FIG. 2 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is modular covering a barrier;

FIG. 3 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is located on one side of a barrier;

FIG. 4 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is located on part of one side of a barrier;

FIG. 5 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is located on part of one side of a barrier;

FIG. 6 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energy absorber unit is a single piece covering a barrier;

FIG. 7 illustrates a lock and key connector between a connector piece and a first unit of an energy absorber unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a connector pin that connects a connector piece and a first unit of an energy absorber unit:

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagonal stiffening element;

FIG. 10 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element comprising diagonal and horizontal stiffening elements;

FIG. 11 illustrates overlapping diagonal stiffening elements;

FIG. 12 illustrates a wavy stiffening element;

FIG. 13 illustrates an overlapping wavy stiffening element;

FIG. 14 illustrates a curved stiffening element;

FIG. 15 illustrates a curved stiffening element;

FIG. 16 illustrates a hexagonal stiffening element;

FIG. 17 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element;

FIG. 18 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element;

FIG. 19 illustrates an energy absorber system comprising stiffening elements;

FIG. 20 illustrates an energy absorber unit with a y-direction stiffening element;

FIG. 21 illustrates an energy absorber unit with a z-direction stiffening element comprising a handle and a reflector;

FIG. 22 illustrates consecutively placed energy absorber units with the same or different crush abilities;

FIG. 23 illustrates a collision angle between a car and a barrier;

FIG. 24 illustrates the collision between a car and a barrier of Example 1;

FIG. 25 illustrates the collision between a car and an energy absorber system of Example 1;

FIG. 26 graphically illustrates the changing angle of the collisions of Example 1;

FIG. 27 illustrates the impact between the impactor and the energy absorber system of Example 2;

FIG. 28 graphically illustrates the force-displacement graph of Example 2; and

FIG. 29 illustrates the deformation region of the energy absorber unit of Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are road barrier energy absorber systems (also referred to as energy absorber systems). Compared to traditional barriers, such as those located in between lanes of oncoming traffic or those located on the edge of the road, these road barrier energy absorber systems can reduce damage to the vehicle, and enhance occupant safety, give extra reaction time to the driver to control the vehicle, and/or reduce head injury to an individual who impacts the barrier (e.g., a motorcyclist who impacts the barrier after falling). The energy absorber systems can be used for example for construction sites, traffic channelizing, road blocks, object protection, wall protection, and pedestrian traffic. The energy absorber system can inhibit a vehicle from passing off the road, across the barrier, without rupture, at an impact energy of 300 kiloJoules (kJ). In other words, the roadside barrier system can meet the European impact requirements of EN 1317.2:1998. The energy absorber system can comprise a barrier, a road barrier energy absorber unit (also referred to as an energy absorber unit), and an optional cover and/or coating located on the energy absorber unit. Examples of road barrier systems are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, where the road barrier systems comprise an energy absorber unit 1 and a barrier 2.
The barrier can be a separate element onto which the energy absorber unit is disposed and can be of any shape, thickness, and material that can perform the desired function. Specifically, the barrier can comprise materials such as metal (for example steel), where the metal can be in the form of a reinforcing bar in the barrier; a composite material (for example concrete); polymer (such as polyethylene or polycarbonate), where if the barrier comprises polymer, the polymer barrier can be filled with a material such as sand or water; or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing; and combinations comprising at least one of the forgoing materials. The barrier can be a temporary barrier or can be stabilized onto the ground, for example a curb.
The energy absorber unit can be placed on a barrier (e.g., a concrete barrier), where the energy absorber can be designed to fit on an existing barrier so replacement of the barrier is not needed. The energy absorber unit can cover one or more sides of the barrier as is desired for the particular application of the barrier (e.g., its use location) (see FIGS. 1-6). FIG. 1 illustrates that the energy absorber unit can be a single piece that covers more than one side of the barrier. FIG. 2 illustrates the energy absorber unit can comprise a first unit 6 and a second unit 12 located on a first side 4 and second side 10 of the barrier 2, respectively, where the two units 6,12 are connected by a connector piece 8. The connector piece 8 and the first unit 6 and/or second unit 12 can be connected chemically (e.g. via an adhesive) and/or mechanically (e.g. via a tongue and groove (see FIG. 7), snap fit, attachment mechanism (such as bolt, screws, where the first unit 6 is molded with a lock groove 20 and the connector piece is molded with a key raising 22 or can be connected via a connector pin 24 as illustrated in FIG. 8). Depending upon the assembly technique, e.g., snap fit or another reversible process, the connector piece can be easily dismantled and reassembled so that portions of units can be replaced without the need to replace the whole unit.
FIGS. 3-5 illustrate that the energy absorber unit 1 can be located on only a first side 4 of the barrier 2. FIG. 3 illustrates that the energy absorber unit 1 can be located along the entirety of the first side 4 of the barrier 2, whereas FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the energy absorber unit 1 can be located on only a portion of the first side 4 of the barrier 2.
The energy absorber unit can comprise a stiffening element. FIGS. 9-19 illustrate various stiffening element(s), where the stiffening element can comprise, for example, a transverse stiffening element, a perpendicular stiffening element, a parallel stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing. The stiffening element can be straight or curved. The transverse and/or perpendicular stiffening elements can extend from one wall of the energy absorber unit to an internal stiffening element such as a parallel stiffening element located in between the two walls and/or from a first wall to a second wall (e.g., between the outer walls).
The transverse stiffening elements can include a diagonal stiffening element 32 (e.g., stiffening elements extending from one wall to the other wall of the energy absorber cross-section at a non-perpendicular angle to the wall of the energy absorber unit, forming triangular sections) (see FIGS. 9-11, 18, and 19). The transverse stiffening element can include a wavy stiffening element 36, e.g., formed of sine waves and/or overlapping sine waves that are off in frequency by half a period. (see FIGS. 12-13) The transverse stiffening element can include a curved stiffening element (e.g., stiffening elements extending from one wall to another wall of the energy absorber cross-section at a perpendicular or a non-perpendicular angle to at least one of the walls of the energy absorber unit) (see FIGS. 14, 15 and 19)
As is seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the stiffening elements can arc from one outer wall to the other outer wall. Optionally, each stiffening element can arc in the same direction. Alternatively, arced stiffening elements can arc in opposite directions, e.g., forming a double truncated egg shape. As is shown in FIG. 15, optionally, between arced stiffening elements can be a multiple curve stiffening element, e.g., a stiffening element that has a single sine wave between extensions that connect perpendicularly with the outer walls. The multicurve stiffening element can be located between adjacent arced stiffening elements that arc away from each other, with multicurve stiffening elements optionally absent from between arced stiffening elements that arc toward each other as is illustrated in FIG. 15.
FIGS. 17 and 19 illustrate that the perpendicular stiffening element can include a straight perpendicular stiffening element such as perpendicular stiffening element 31 that extends in a straight line from one wall 30 to the other wall 28 of the energy absorber cross-section at an angle perpendicular to the walls 28,30 of the energy absorber unit. Likewise, the perpendicular stiffening element can extend from one wall of the energy absorber unit to an internal stiffening element such as a parallel stiffening element located in between the two walls. The parallel stiffening element can comprise a parallel stiffening element 34 that is located parallel to either or both of the walls 28,30 of the energy absorber unit (see FIGS. 10 and 17).
Alternatively, or in addition, the stiffening element can comprise a hexagonal stiffening element 33 (honeycombs) (see FIG. 16). Stiffening element combinations can also be designed such as those illustrated in FIGS. 17-18.
The opening(s) 40 between the stiffening element and/or the wall can optionally be filled, e.g., with foam or any other suitable material. Optionally, the stiffening elements(s) can include metal (such as steel) insert(s).
The thickness of the energy absorber unit from a wall 28 to a wall 30 (i.e., the outer walls) can be 50 to 150 millimeter (mm) (see FIG. 9). Either or both of the walls of the energy absorber unit can be thicker than the stiffening elements, e.g., to increase the buckling strength of outer walls and/or to improve bending stiffness. For example, one or both of the walls can have a thickness of up to and exceeding 15 mm, specifically, 2 mm to 10 mm, and more specifically, 2 mm to 8 mm, and yet more specifically, 4 mm to 8 mm. The stiffening element can have a thickness of up to and exceeding 10 mm, specifically, 2 mm to 10 mm, and more specifically, 2 mm to 6 mm. Likewise, the stiffening element can have the same thickness as the outer wall or can have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the outer wall. The thickness of the wall and/or the stiffening element can be different at different locations.
The stiffening element can be the same or different on different sides of the barrier and can be the same as or different from the stiffening element located in the connector piece if present. For example, the first unit can comprise one or more layers of diagonal stiffening elements with a parallel stiffening element located in between said layers, the second unit can comprise transverse stiffening elements such as those in FIG. 12, and the connector piece can comprise perpendicular and/or diagonal stiffening elements. The stiffening element can vary at different locations throughout the energy absorber unit. The stiffening element can vary in the z-direction or the y-direction, for example, the stiffening element can comprise diagonal stiffening elements in a region proximal to the ground and can comprise diagonal and perpendicular stiffening elements in a region proximal to the optional connector piece.
The energy absorber unit can comprise one or more reflectors attached thereon and/or a reflective coating e.g. to enhance visibility of the unit in low visibility situations (e.g. at night). FIG. 15 illustrates an energy absorber unit with a reflector 46 attached on top. Likewise, a reflector could be located on one or both sides of the energy absorber unit.
The energy absorber unit can comprise one or more handles. The handle can be a handle such as the handle 48 illustrated in FIG. 15, where the handle can be molded as part of the energy absorber unit or can be added after formation of the energy absorber unit. Likewise, the handle can be an opening in the energy absorber unit sized such that a hand or lifting element can be inserted therein.
For roadside barriers, the energy absorber unit can be added on the barrier to improve the energy absorption for vehicle impact and/or human impact. Each road barrier energy absorber unit can be designed for the desired energy absorption (also referred to as the crush capability). The energy absorber unit can be designed to crush progressively during impact while maintaining desired force level. The energy absorber unit can be designed such that the impact speed to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometers per hour (kph) for a car weighing less than or equal to 2,500 kilograms (kg). Likewise, the energy absorber unit can be designed such that the force to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500 kiloNewton (kN). The energy absorber unit can be designed such that the energy absorber system 60 can help maintain control of a vehicle such as the car 62 impacting the energy absorber system 60 at an angle θ that is less than or equal to 40° (see FIG. 23). The energy absorption ability can be varied by varying the type and stiffness of the stiffening elements and/or by adding a filler material.
Multiple energy absorber units can be placed on barriers located next to each other (i.e. consecutively) on a road (see FIG. 22). The energy absorption ability of consecutive units can be the same or different, for example the energy absorption ability of energy absorber units 50, 52, 54, 56 can be the same or different. For example, the energy absorption ability of energy absorber units located in regions where accidents more frequently occur, such as in a curved region, can be higher than in regions where accidents less frequently occur. The energy absorber units can be the same or different length (i.e. in the z-direction) as that of the barrier.
The energy absorber unit can attach to the barrier with various attachment elements. Possible attachments include mechanical elements such as bolts, rods, and the like. A local steel insert can be used on the energy absorber unit to bolt the barrier on the energy absorber unit, e.g., to avoid the creep. The metal (e.g., steel) elements can also be designed to absorb the energy. Likewise, when the energy absorber unit is designed such that it covers the barrier such as that illustrated in either of FIG. 1 or 2, a specific attachment element may not be necessary. Consecutive energy absorber units can comprise connectors capable of aligning the units and/or of retaining the units together and/or connecting neighboring units together. The connectors can be chemical (e.g., adhesive), and/or mechanical (e.g., complementary protrusions and grooves, snap fit connections, bolts, rivets, etc.). Depending upon the assembly technique, e.g., snap fit or another reversible process, the components of the units can be easily dismantled and reassembled so that portions of units or one or more units in a series of consecutive units can be replaced.
The energy absorber unit can be modular (for example comprising one or more sides and an optional connector piece) or can be a single unitary component. The energy absorber unit can be produced using various forming techniques, depending upon the desired final design of the unit and the limitations of the forming technique. Some possible forming techniques include molding (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, structural foam molding, thermoforming, etc.), extrusion, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing processes.
In structural foam molding, a foaming agent is mixed with the polymer and injected into the cavity. The foaming agent produces a less dense cellular core on the center of the part thickness. This process can be used, for example, to enhance stiffness for the same weight of the material. An inert foaming gas and/or the gases released from the chemical blowing agent can be used to obtain the cellular core. The parts produced through this process can exhibit excellent strength to weight ratio. Sometimes as much as 40% weight reduction is possible using this process.
Polymeric or composite materials can be used for manufacturing of the energy absorber unit. Some examples of materials include for example, possible thermoplastic materials such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); polycarbonate (PC) (LEXAN™ and LEXAN™ EXL resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business); polycarbonate/PBT blends; polycarbonate/ABS blends; copolycarbonate-polyesters; acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA); acrylonitrile-(ethylene-polypropylene diamine modified)-styrene (AES); phenylene ether resins; blends of polyphenylene ether/polyamide (NORYL GTX™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business); blends of polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/PBT; polybutylene terephthalate and impact modifier (XENOY™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business); acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA, GELOY™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business); polyamides; phenylene sulfide resins; polyvinyl chloride PVC; high impact polystyrene (HIPS); polyethylene; low/high density polyethylene (L/HDPE); polypropylene (PP) (e.g., reinforced polypropylene; glass fiber reinforced polypropylene; long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene); expanded polypropylene (EPP); polyethylene and fiber composites; polypropylene and fiber composites; long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (VERTON™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business) and thermoplastic olefins (TPO), as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. For example, the material can be PC/PBT, a polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene such as glass filled polypropylene, long glass fiber polypropylene, etc.) as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Particularly useful polymers include polybutylene terephthalate and impact modifier (XENOY™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business), polycarbonate (PC) (LEXAN™ and LEXAN™ EXL resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business), and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing resins.
The energy absorber unit can also be made with multimaterial system, e.g., with a weatherable material on an outer side of the energy absorber unit. For example, the walls of the energy absorber unit can comprise a material having a ductility of greater than or equal to 40% at temperatures from −40° C. to 120° C. and the stiffening elements can comprise the same or different material and can form a structure having a modulus of greater than or equal to 3,000 megaPascals (MPa), specifically 3,000 MPa to 50,000 MPa, and more specifically, 10,000 MPa to 50,000 MPa. A weatherable coating can be located on an outer surface of the energy absorber unit (e.g., a coating comprising an ultraviolet absorber).
Optionally the energy absorber unit can comprise non-plastic reinforcement. Possible reinforcement include metal, glass, ceramic, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. The reinforcement can be in various forms such as fibers, particles, flakes, plates, wires, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
An exemplary filled resin is STAMAX™ resin, which is a long glass fiber filled polypropylene resin also commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business. Some possible reinforcing materials that can be used in any of the above described materials include fibers, such as glass, carbon, natural, modified natural, modified glass, modified carbon, polymeric, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; e.g., long glass fibers and/or long carbon fiber reinforced resins; fillers, such as mineral fillers. The glass fibers and/or carbon fibers can be long or short, or a combination thereof. Combinations comprising at least one of any of the above-described materials can also be used.
The energy absorbing unit can optionally be covered with a cover and/or a coating. The cover and/or coating can be aesthetic and/or functional. If the cover and/or coating is functional, it can be a weatherable cover and/or coating and can comprise for example a UV absorber and/or an abrasion resistant additive.
Optionally, a radio frequency identification (RFID), or the like, can be embedded in the structure to obtain and/or retain desired information.
Set forth below are some embodiments of the system disclosed herein.

Embodiment 1

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: a barrier; and an energy absorber unit; wherein the energy absorber unit is located on at least one side of the barrier, and wherein the energy absorber unit comprises outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls.

Embodiment 2

The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the energy absorber system can inhibit a vehicle from passing off the road or across the barrier, without rupture, at an impact energy of 300 kiloJoules.

Embodiment 3

The system of any of Embodiments 1-2, wherein the impact speed to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometers per hour for a car weighing 2,500 kilograms.

Embodiment 4

The system of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the force to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500 kiloNewton.

Embodiment 5

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier.

Embodiment 6

The system of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the energy absorber unit is 50 to 150 mm thick.

Embodiment 7

The system of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the outer walls each independently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has a stiffening element thickness and the wall thickness and/or the stiffening element thickness is 2 to 10 mm.

Embodiment 8

The system of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the outer walls each independently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has a stiffening element thickness and the wall thickness is greater than or equal to the stiffening element thickness.

Embodiment 9

The system of any of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the stiffening element comprises a transverse stiffening element, a perpendicular stiffening element, a parallel stiffening element, a hexagonal stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

Embodiment 10

The system of Embodiment 9, wherein energy absorber unit comprises the transverse stiffening element which comprises a diagonal stiffening element, a wavy stiffening element, a curvy stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

Embodiment 11

The system of any of Embodiments 1-10, wherein energy absorber unit comprises an opening between the outer walls and the stiffening element, and wherein said opening is filled with a filler material.

Embodiment 12

The system of any of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the barrier comprises concrete, metal, polymer, or a combination comprising one or both of the foregoing.

Embodiment 13

The system of any of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a polymer.

Embodiment 14

The system of any of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a weatherable coating comprising a UV absorber.

Embodiment 15

The system of any of Embodiments 1-14, wherein the energy absorber unit is formed by molding, extrusion, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing processes.

Embodiment 16

The system of any of Embodiments 1-15, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises one or both of a handle and a reflector.

Embodiment 17

The system of any of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the energy absorber unit covers more than one side of the barrier.

Embodiment 18

The system of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the energy absorber unit is modular comprising more than one piece.

Embodiment 19

The system of any of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a first unit, a second unit, and a connector piece.

Embodiment 20

The system of Embodiment 19, wherein the connector piece is attached to the first unit and the second unit with a mechanical element comprising a connector pin, a lock and key mechanism, a tongue and groove mechanism, a bolt, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Embodiment 21

The system of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the energy absorber unit is a single piece that extends over at least two sides of a road barrier.

Embodiment 22

The system of any of Embodiments 1-21, wherein the energy absorber unit is gangable. In other words, the energy absorber unit can be attached to another energy absorber unit, e.g., with a hook and eye, snap-fit, tongue and groove, bolts, and other mechanisms, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Embodiment 23

The system of any of Embodiments 1-22, wherein the barrier is a curb.

Embodiment 24

The system of Embodiment 23, wherein the energy absorber unit can be attached to the barrier, mechanically and/or chemically.

Embodiment 25

The system of any of Embodiments 1-24, wherein the energy absorber system can help maintain control of a vehicle impacting the energy absorber system at an angle θ that is less than or equal to 40°.

Embodiment 26

The system of any of Embodiments 1-25, wherein the stiffening elements arc from one outer wall to the other outer wall.

Embodiment 27

The system of Embodiment 26, wherein alternating arced stiffening elements arc in opposite directions.

Embodiment 28

The system of Embodiment 27, wherein the alternating arced stiffening elements form a double truncated egg shape.

Embodiment 29

The system of Embodiment 28, further comprising a multiple curve stiffening element inside the double truncated egg shape.

Embodiment 30

The system of any of Embodiments 1-29, further comprising multiple curve stiffening elements.

Embodiment 31

The system of any of Embodiments 29-30, wherein the multiple curve stiffening element is located between adjacent arced stiffening elements that arc away from each other, and optionally wherein additional stiffening elements are absent from between arced stiffening elements that arc toward each other.

Embodiment 32

The system of any of Embodiments 29-31, wherein the multiple curve stiffening element has a single sine wave between extensions that connect perpendicularly with the outer walls.

Embodiment 33

The system of any of Embodiments 1-32, wherein the energy absorber unit has only non-parallel elements located between the outer walls, e.g., there are no stiffening elements that are parallel with the outer walls (no parallel stiffening elements).
The following non-limiting examples are intended to further illustrate the energy absorber systems.

EXAMPLES

Simulations

Example 1

A road barrier energy absorber system is analyzed for the collision progression, where a barrier with and without the energy absorber unit illustrated in FIG. 19 is impacted with a car weighing 1000 kg at a speed of 50 kph and an angle θ of 20°. FIG. 24 illustrates aerial images of a car 62 impacting a barrier 2 that does not have an energy absorber unit located thereon. The car 62 impacts the barrier 2 in image A at a time equal to 0 seconds (sec), where images B-E show the progression of the collision. Likewise, FIG. 25 illustrates the aerial images of a car 62 impacting an energy absorber system 64, where the energy absorber unit and barrier is that illustrated in FIG. 19. Specifically, the outer wall of the energy absorber unit is 6 mm thick and the inner stiffening walls are 3.5 mm thick. The car 62 impacts the energy absorber system 64 in image F at a time equal to 0 seconds (sec), where images G-H show the progression of the collision. The changing angle θ is plotted with time in FIG. 26, where the dashed curve represents the changing angle θ of the collision illustrated in FIG. 24 without the energy absorber unit and the solid curve represents the changing angle θ of the collision illustrated in FIG. 25 with the energy absorber system. FIGS. 24-26 clearly illustrate that a higher rotation of the car 62 is observed when the car impacts the barrier without the energy absorber unit located thereon. In this scenario, the car 62 is more likely to incur more damage and/or overturn.

Example 2

A road barrier energy absorber system is analyzed for the impact

load. Specifically, a barrier 2 with and without the energy absorber unit 68 located thereon is impacted with a 1500 kilogram impactor 66 at a speed of 50 kph as illustrated in FIG. 27. The outer wall of the EA is 6 mm thick and the inner stiffening walls are 4.0 mm. FIG. 28 graphically illustrates a force-deformation comparison of the collision between the impactor 66 and barrier 2 with (dashed curve) and without (solid curve) the energy absorber unit 68, where the moment of initial impact is depicted by location 72 on the graph. FIG. 28 shows that the maximum deformation of the barrier without the energy absorber unit is only 12 mm and obtains a maximum force of approximately 15,000 kN, whereas the maximum deformation of the barrier with the energy absorber unit is 97 mm and obtains a maximum force of approximately only 5,100 kN. These results demonstrate that the energy absorber unit 68 absorbs a significant amount of energy, reducing the maximum force by almost three times. FIG. 29 illustrates the resultant deformation region 70 of the energy absorber unit 68 after the impact and suggests that the energy absorption capability of the energy absorber unit is likely due to the crush capability of the energy absorber unit.
In general, embodiments may alternately comprise (e.g., include), consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate components herein disclosed. The embodiments may additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any components, materials, ingredients, adjuvants or species used in the prior art compositions or that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function and/or objectives of the embodiments.
All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of “up to 25 weight percent (wt. %), or, more specifically, 5 wt. % to 20 wt. %”, is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of “5 wt. % to 25 wt. %,” etc.). “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the film(s) includes one or more films). Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments. “Or” means “and/or” unless the context specifies otherwise.
While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.
All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.
As used herein, approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” may not to be limited to the precise value specified, in some cases. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising:

a barrier; and

an energy absorber unit;

wherein the energy absorber unit is located on at least one side of the barrier, and

wherein the energy absorber unit comprises outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit is 50 to 150 mm thick.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer walls each independently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has a stiffening element thickness and the wall thickness and/or the stiffening element thickness is 2 to 10 mm.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer walls each independently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has a stiffening element thickness and the wall thickness is greater than or equal to the stiffening element thickness.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises a transverse stiffening element, a perpendicular stiffening element, a parallel stiffening element, a hexagonal stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the transverse stiffening element comprises a diagonal stiffening element, a wavy stiffening element, a curvy stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein energy absorber unit comprises an opening between the outer walls and the stiffening element, and wherein said opening is filled with a filler material.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises concrete, metal, polymer, or a combination comprising one or both of the foregoing.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a polymer.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a weatherable coating comprising a UV absorber.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber system inhibits a vehicle from passing off the road or across the barrier, without rupture, at an impact energy of 300 kiloJoules.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the impact speed to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometers per hour for a car weighing 2,500 kilograms.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the force to crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500 kiloNewton.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit is formed by molding, extrusion, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing processes.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises one or both of a handle and a reflector.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit covers more than one side of the barrier.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the energy absorber unit is a single piece.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the energy absorber unit is modular comprising more than one piece.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the energy absorber unit comprises a first unit, a second unit, and a connector piece.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the connector piece is attached to the first unit and the second unit with a mechanical element comprising a connector pin, a lock and key mechanism, a tongue and groove mechanism, a bolt, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the energy absorber unit is gangable.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier is a curb.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit can be attached to the barrier, mechanically and/or chemically.

24. A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising:

an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls;

wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located over a road barrier.