METHOD FOR DECELERATING A VEHICLE, HIGHWAY CRASH CUSHION, AND ENERGY ABSORBING ELEMENT THEREFOR

摘要

Highway crash cushion (10) provides a novel system response profile that reduces the stopping distance of the impact event. This crash cushion (10) forms at least two bays (38,40) are arranged one behind the other in the expected impact direction. The frame 12 includes an extension consisting of the side frame (26,27,28,30) between at least three transverse frames (20,22,24) and adjoining horizontal frame (20,22,24). Each side frame (26,27,28,30) has a first side frame element are connected to each horizontal frame (20,22,24) 32 and the second side frame element 32 and the first side frame element and a hinge (34) connected between the 32 and the second side frame element 32. At least one energy absorbing element (16) has a bay is arranged in one (38,40), at least a first restraint device (46) and the second constraint device (46) is a hinge (34,36 early in the impact event ) it is connected to the side frame (26,27,28,30) to resist movement. The crash cushion 10 is automatically deployed to the operating position when the crash cushion 10 is made automatically in a partially folded, the crash cushion when the vertical position up to a vertical position in a horizontal position to a horizontal position. Energy-absorbing element 16 may include a tapered thin plate element of the stacked truncated conical shape with a small end (98) facing a first side and a second side opposite the direction of the energy absorbing element (94).