Quick release system for guardrail terminals
AssigneeSouthwest Research Institute
InventorsDavid J. Stevens, Joseph B. Mayer, Jr., Kirk A. Marchand
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a quick release coupling, a displacement sensor, and an electronic monitoring unit. The displacement sensor is mounted near the end of the guardrail for measuring the force of a vehicle impact. The electronic monitoring unit is connected to the sensor and measures the acceleration of the impact and provides an actuation signal when the acceleration exceeds a predetermined value. The quick release coupling forms a connection between two separated portions of the guard rail and includes an explosively actuated release mechanism actuated by the monitoring unit.
Claims7
A quick release system for guardrail terminals, comprising,
- a displacement sensor positioned adjacent to the end of the guardrail for measuring the acceleration of a vehicle's impact,
- a monitoring unit connected to the sensor measuring the acceleration of the impact and providing an actuation signal when the acceleration exceeds a predetermined value for a predetermined length of time, and
- a quick release coupling connected to and forming a connection between first and second separated portions of the guardrail, said coupling having an explosively actuated release mechanism connected to and actuated by the monitoring unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.