CA3120116A1 - Energy absorbing cabling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The concept for this idea a sequentiallyyielding cabling system. This system would be used in place of existing cabling systems that run parallel to highways as an upgrade for safety. The spacing of the vertical poles that hold the cables would be further apart then current caballing systems to allow for increased hold time (contact time of vehicle and cable(s). The intent of this system is to not rely on the vertical poles that hold the cables in position for stopping the vehicles but the yielding of the cables to absorb the energy along with more hold time. This increased hold time would allow for a slower negative acceleration, thereby reduce the force component to the cable system. The sequentially yielding cables from the ground up will yield at different rates (modulus of elasticity values) with greatest yield (stretch) on the lower level and the least yield on the top cable. The first point of contact for most vehicles is the bumper which is at a lower level height from ground. This could be accomplished by more or less twists of strands within the cable per unit of length of cable or other means.

Description

Description for energy absorbing cabling system - application # 3,108,612 The system would be used to prevent cars and like from leaving the road and entering into a dangerous area consequently saving lives.
The system would replace existing roadside cabling systems with a more energy absorbing design. Cables with different modulus of elasticity would be used.
To reduce the bending moment at ground level for the vertical posts that support the horizontal cables that pass thru, different spring/elasticity rates would be used.
The cable on the lowest horizontal position would yield first.
Secondly, the next higher horizontal cable would yield next.
Thirdly, the next higher horizontal cable would be Yield next.
Fourthly, the next higher horizontal cable would yield last.
This example is for a 4 cable system.
The sequential yielding would increase the contact time to negatively accelerate the vehicle.
Also, the vertical posts that hold the horizontal cables would have larger separation distance to "catch" the vehicle as the cables wind during loss of vehicle control events.
Tension on the cables to be determined by manufacturer specifications so that cable elasticity is not exceeded during installation allowing for optimal performance of the system in absorbing energy.

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Claims (3)

_ Claims for energy absorbing cabling system: patent #3,108,612 April 4 22 With a sequentially yielding cabling system the claims are as follows:

1. It will prevent more cars them from leaving the highways and roadways before entering dangerous locations than existing roadside caballing systems.

2. There will be less of a bending moment on the vertical posts at the ground level.
This will be aided by farther spacing of vertical posts than current systems.
This will increase the vehicle or like hold time as well. Force exerted over a larger time frame will have less of a impact on the poles. force=mass x acceleration (slower negative acceleration with more elastic cables will lessen force applied to system).

3. A cost savings to install and repair due to less materials and labour required for installation and repair.
Keeping the vertical posts that hold cables along the roadways/highways intact is critical (staying vertical). Otherwise, the system fails, and vehicles pass thru/over the barrier.
This will enable the vehicles to come to safe stop in a loss of control situation with less trauma induced.