LIQUID SHOCK ABSORBING BUFFER

摘要

A reuseable impact attenuation construction designed to protect fixed objects near highways or vehicular traffic routes from damage due to high velocity impact. The invention comprises a plurality of collapsible, incompressible fluid filled energy absorbing and dissipating buffer elements separated by collapsible panel and diaphragm means whereby the force of impact of a colliding vehicle compresses the aforesaid structure, causing a pressure build-up in the fluid filled buffer elements which are sandwiched between the panel and diaphragm means. The energy of impact is dissipated in said buffer elements by the controlled escape of fluid therefrom through a series of sharp edged orifices. The internal pressure in the buffer elements creates a resisting force which dissipates the kinetic energy of the impacting vehicle and brings it to a safe, controlled stop without damage to said fixed object and without injuring the occupants of the vehicle.