Crash attenuator

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a modular crash attenuator system including an array of attenuator segment pair assemblies. Each attenuator segment pair assembly includes a first attenuator segment and a second attenuator segment, a tensioning assembly configured to removably couple the first attenuator segment adjacent to the second attenuator segment, and a coupling assembly configured to removably couple the attenuator segment pair assembly to at least one other attenuator segment pair assembly. The crash attenuator system additionally includes a barrier attachment assembly disposed at a first end of the array and coupled to at least one attenuator segment pair and an end cap assembly disposed at a second end of the array, the second end being opposite the first end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular crash attenuator system comprising:
 an array of attenuator segment pair assemblies, said attenuator segment pair assemblies comprising:
 a first attenuator segment and a second attenuator segment, 
 a tensioning assembly configured to removably couple the first attenuator segment adjacent to the second attenuator segment, and 
 a coupling assembly configured to removably couple the attenuator segment pair assembly to at least one other attenuator segment pair assembly; 
   a barrier attachment assembly disposed at a first end of the array and coupled to at least one attenuator segment pair;   an end cap assembly disposed at a second end of the array, the second end being opposite the first end; and   wherein each of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment comprises:
 an upper side, 
 a lower side disposed opposite the upper side, 
 a first lateral side extending between the upper side and the lower side, 
 a second lateral side extending between the upper side and the lower side, the second lateral side disposed opposite the first lateral side, 
 a first surface extending between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and 
 a second surface extending between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, the second surface disposed opposite the first surface; 
   wherein a first cavity is disposed on the first surface adjacent the first lateral side and a first protrusion is disposed on the first surface adjacent the second lateral side;   wherein the first cavity on the first attenuator segment is disposed to substantially accommodate the first protrusion on the second attenuator segment such that the first surface on the first attenuator segment is substantially flush with the first surface on the second attenuator segment when the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment are in a deployed state.   
     
     
         2 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lateral side and the second lateral side of each of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment are further configured with at least two grooves configured to accommodate the tensioning assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein a second cavity is disposed on the first surface adjacent the first lateral side and a second protrusion is disposed on the first surface adjacent the second lateral side; and
 wherein the second cavity on the first attenuator segment is disposed to substantially accommodate the second protrusion on the second attenuator segment such that the first surface on the first attenuator segment is substantially flush with the first surface on the second attenuator segment when the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment are in the deployed state.   
     
     
         4 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the second surface of each of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment is further configured with a recess to accommodate the coupling assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling assembly comprises:
 a slotted tube configured to receive a securement bar for coupling the attenuator segment pair assembly to at least one other attenuator segment pair assembly, the slotted tube containing at least two securement holes on opposing surfaces of the slotted tube for receiving a securement pin;   wherein the other attenuator segment pair assembly includes a complementary slotted tube configured to align with the slotted tube of the coupling assembly in order to receive the securement bar;   wherein the securement bar contains a securement channel that aligns with the securement holes for receiving the securement pin;   wherein the securement pin secures the securement bar to the slotted tube.   
     
     
         6 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 5 , wherein the securement pin is a quick-release style pin. 
     
     
         7 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a plurality of tensioning cables configured to contact at least the first lateral sides and the second lateral sides of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment; and
 wherein the tensioning cable are removably affixed to the coupling assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 7 , wherein the tensioning cables are removably affixed to the coupling assembly through a variable-tensioning assembly;
 wherein the tensioning cables are configured to provide a resultant compressive force between the first and second attenuator segments when the variable-tensioning assembly is in a deployed state.   
     
     
         9 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 8 , wherein the variable tensioning assembly comprises one or more eye-bolts threaded to one or more plates in the coupling assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment are hollow and configured to be filled with water. 
     
     
         11 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 10 , wherein a fill location is disposed on each of the upper sides of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment; and
 wherein a drain is disposed on at least one of the first lateral sides or the second lateral sides of the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment.   
     
     
         12 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 10 , wherein the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment expand when filled with water. 
     
     
         13 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment comprise blow-molded high-density polyethylene. 
     
     
         14 . The modular crash attenuator system of  claim 1 , wherein a width of the array is approximately 24 inches and a height of the array is between 32 inches and 42 inches; and
 wherein the first attenuator segment and the second attenuator segment are hollow and have an outer wall thickness of between approximately 0.188 inches and 0.438 inches.   
     
     
         15 . A crash attenuator segment for use in a modular crash attenuator system, the crash attenuator segment comprising:
 an upper side,   a lower side disposed opposite the upper side,   a first lateral side extending between the upper side and the lower side,   a second lateral side extending between the upper side and the lower side, the second lateral side disposed opposite the first lateral side,   a first surface extending between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, and   a second surface extending between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, the second surface disposed opposite the first surface;   wherein a first cavity is disposed on the first surface adjacent the first lateral side and a first protrusion is disposed on the first surface adjacent the second lateral side;   wherein the first cavity on the attenuator segment is disposed to substantially accommodate a first protrusion on a paired attenuator segment such that the first surface on the attenuator segment is substantially flush with a first surface on the paired attenuator segment when the attenuator segment and the paired attenuator segment are in a deployed state.   
     
     
         16 . The crash attenuator segment of  claim 15 , wherein the first lateral side and the second lateral side are further configured with at least two grooves configured to accommodate a tensioning assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The crash attenuator segment of  claim 15 , wherein a second cavity is disposed on the first surface adjacent the first lateral side and a second protrusion is disposed on the first surface adjacent the second lateral side; and
 wherein the second cavity on the attenuator segment is disposed to substantially accommodate a second protrusion on the paired attenuator segment such that the first surface on the attenuator segment is substantially flush with the first surface on the paired attenuator segment when the attenuator segment and the paired attenuator segment are in the deployed state.   
     
     
         18 . The crash attenuator segment of  claim 15 , wherein the second surface of the attenuator segment is further configured with a recess to accommodate a coupling assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The crash attenuator segment of  claim 15 , wherein the attenuator segment comprises blow-molded high-density polyethylene. 
     
     
         20 . The crash attenuator segment of  claim 15 , wherein a width of the attenuator segment is approximately 24 inches and a height of the attenuator segment is between 32 inches and 42 inches; and
 wherein the attenuator segment is hollow and has an outer wall thickness of of between approximately 0.188 inches and 0.438 inches.