HIGH-IMPACT, ENERGY-ABSORBING VEHICLE BARRIER SYSTEM: U.S. Patent No. US 6,926,461 B1

Authors

Ronald K. Faller, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Dean L. Sicking, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
John R. RohdeFollow
A. Keller, Lincoln, NE
Robert W. BielenbergFollow
James C. Holloway, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Kenneth H. Addink, Lincoln, NE
Karla A. Polivka, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Ronald K. Faller

Date of this Version

8-9-2005

Comments

United States Patent (10) Patent NO.: US 6,926,461 B1
Faller et al.
Date of Patent: Aug. 9, 2005

Abstract

A high-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system generally includes a substantially rigid outer containment wall coupled via cable restraint assemblies with an energy-absorbing inner impact wall, and energy-absorbing cartridges strategically positioned between the impact wall and containment-wall: The impact wall is constructed of a number of rectangular tubes coupled with one another to presents a substantially smooth, uniform surface to passing vehicles. The energy-absorbing cartridges generally consist of a number of foam sheets which compress and crush between the containment wall and impact wall to absorb energy from an errant vehicle striking the face of the impact wall, while the deflection and deformation of the impact wall tubes dissipates additional energy to reduce peak decelerations and mitigate the severity of high-energy vehicular impacts. The splice units and quick-disconnect cable restraint system provide for relatively easy and quick replacement of damaged impact wall sections and energy-absorbing cartridges.