Automatic speed bump

Abstract

The automatic speed bump is installed in a roadway to discourage motor vehicle travel at excessive speeds. The device includes a box-like structure set into the surface, the box having upper edges flush with the surface. Two doors are hinged to the box along their opposite edges. Concentric spring and shock absorber assemblies lift the centers of the doors to create a speed bump. A guide strut is installed between each spring and shock absorber assembly to maintain alignment of the apparatus. The springs and shock absorbers retract at a predetermined rate when a standard motor vehicle encounters the raised doors at a reasonable speed. The doors folding flush with the surface to allow the vehicle to travel over a flat surface. The shock absorbers cannot retract faster than their predetermined rate, resulting in the doors remaining raised when a vehicle travels over the device at higher than reasonable speed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to vehicular traffic control devices, and particularly to an automatic speed bump that is normally raised, but retracts upon vehicle contact at reasonable vehicle speeds.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The control of motor vehicle speeds is a chronic problem in the field of traffic engineering and law enforcement. While posted speed limits are nearly universal on public roads, there is a tendency by some drivers to exceed those limits, and law enforcement cannot possibly maintain a watch at all times and places for such speeding traffic. Moreover, there are areas, such as shopping malls, school zones, and streets and intersections. with heavy pedestrian traffic in which the common relatively low posted speed limits are frequently violated.[0005]Accordingly, some physical restriction to traffic speed is often installed in such areas where it is important that traffic s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The automatic speed bump is a device that raises a cover when a vehicle passes over it, to slow down the vehicle. The device is made up of symmetrical doors that are raised by lift struts that are designed to compress when a vehicle passes over the device. The compressing of the springs and shock absorbers allows the doors to fold flush with the surface, minimizing any impact on the vehicle. The technical effect is to provide a safe and effective way to slow down vehicles passing through a speed bump area.

Problems solved by technology

A motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed will not allow the shock absorbers to retract sufficiently rapidly so that the doors remain at least partially raised to produce a significant jolt to the vehicle as it passes over the device.

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