Devices and systems for improved traffic control signal assembly

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses are provided for improved traffic control devices including a continuous central hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control device and provides a central load path. In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal housing and traffic signal housing of the traffic control device can be included in a single unit housing. A single unit housing can also include an integral backplate. Embodiments with an integral backplate can provide a solar energy generation system that utilizes a traffic signal's exterior surface as a substratum to secure thin-film photo cell laminates (TFPVL). The continuous central hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control device with improved securement of electrical components and structural stability for survivability during high wind events as compared to conventional traffic signal devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61 / 627,739, filed Oct. 16, 2011; 61 / 628,103, filed Oct. 23, 2011; 61 / 628,439, filed Oct. 30, 2011; 61 / 628,440, filed Oct. 30, 2011; 61 / 628,827, filed Nov. 7, 2011; 61 / 629,744, filed Nov. 26, 2011; 61 / 631,555, filed Jan. 6, 2012; 61 / 632,177, filed Jan. 19, 2012, 61 / 685,862, filed Mar. 26, 2012, 61 / 689,082, filed May 29, 2012, 61 / 690,861, filed Jul. 6, 2012, and 13 / 554,475 filed Jul. 20, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]During the early development of the traffic signal housing, the major focus was the operational aspect, primarily a securement of lighting displays and a housing for electrical connections. The basic manufacturing and construction, materials, and specifically the structural and mechanical functions of traffic signals, have not been significantly changed or improved upon in approxim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The subject invention results from a novel approach to avoiding structural failure of traffic control signals utilizing a continuous load path hanger. The continuous load path hanger of the subject invention provides an uninterrupted load path that is distinctly separate from the housing of the electronics. In some embodiments the continuous load path hanger has a direct central load path. In other embodiments, the continuous load path hanger has a circuitous continuous peripheral load path. Methods and apparatuses are also provided for an improved traffic control signal comprising a continuous load hanger support system that is integral to the traffic control signal. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing of the electronics and indicator housing of the traffic control signal can be included in a single unit housing, obviating the need for a traditional-type disconnect box. In another embodiment of the invention, the single unit housing can include a backplate.

[0007]The continuous load path hanger integrated with the single unit housing can provide the traffic control signal with increased structural stability (for survivability), storage capacity, and securement of electrical components. Integrating the traffic signal housing, disconnect box and backplate into a single unit housing can enable use of a wider range of materials during fabrication and more efficient means of manufacture. For example, the single unit housing can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, aluminum, composite fiberglass, thermoplastics, and carbon fiber.

[0008]The traffic control signal includes a support system to allow storing and securing the electrical components of the traffic control device. The traffic signal housing can provide a means for securing the indicators (lighting displays or modules) and keeping electrical connectors dry and easily accessible by removing terminal hanger and signal heads from the structural load path of the system.

Problems solved by technology

Traffic signal hangers and housings have a known history of structural failures during hurricanes which sometimes result in injury and even fatalities due to uncontrolled roadway intersections.

Traffic control signals, when designed as individual components, are very susceptible to damage from hurricane force winds, and multiple points of failure can occur in more than one specific component.

Prior art devices suffer from flawed design in which the housing of the electronics, known as the “disconnect box” and / or “disconnect hanger,” itself is used to support traffic signals by multiple linear load paths around the periphery of the disconnect box, rendering it susceptible to structural failures, especially at the disconnect box's cantilevered shelf areas during high wind events.

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