Above Ground Inductive Loop Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop detector systems face challenges in accurately detecting vehicles due to costly underground installations and signal attenuation, as well as variability in vehicle size and metal distribution, leading to inconsistent detection performance.
Innovation Solution
An above-ground loop detection system with an inductive loop disposed partially above the surface, connected to a processing device that senses changes in inductance, allowing for accurate detection of vehicles without the need for costly underground installation and minimizing signal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inductive loop is buried underground, then the detection system can be installed, but installation costs increase and signal attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional installation approach by placing the inductive loop above ground rather than burying it underground. This reversal eliminates the need for excavation and material burial while maintaining detection functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between installation cost and detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the inductive loop from a subsurface (vertical dimension below ground) to an above-ground position (vertical dimension above ground). This dimensional change allows the loop to operate in air space rather than embedded in pavement, reducing installation complexity and cost while improving signal characteristics
2Reliability
If the inductive loop is buried underground, then the system can function, but signal attenuation reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the installation position from underground to above-ground, the patent eliminates the ground material that causes signal attenuation. The loop operates in air rather than through pavement, directly reducing energy loss and improving detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the inductive loop from the ground material environment and positions it in air space. This extraction removes the attenuating effect of concrete, asphalt, or soil that would otherwise interfere with the magnetic field and reduce signal strength
3Ease of manufacture
If the inductive loop is placed above ground, then installation cost decreases, but the system must accurately detect vehicles of various sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of the above-ground loop position and processing device parameters before vehicle detection begins. This pre-setup allows the system to be optimized for detecting various vehicle types, ensuring measurement precision is maintained despite the simplified above-ground installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the processing device to adapt to different vehicle sizes and shapes. By adjusting detection thresholds, frequency analysis parameters, and inductance change criteria, the system maintains high measurement precision across diverse vehicle types while benefiting from cost-effective above-ground loop installation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects vehicles of various sizes and shapes by positioning the inductive loop above the surface, reducing installation costs and improving detection accuracy, and can activate various devices or control movable barriers based on proximity and presence.
Implementation Method 1
The detecting mechanism provides the inductive loop with power, which creates a magnetic field in the inductive loop area having a frequency that is monitored by the detecting mechanism. When a vehicle or other metallic object passes over the inductive loop, the frequency increases.
Implementation Method 2
When a vehicle or other metallic object passes over the inductive loop, the frequency increases. The detecting mechanism senses this increase in frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A loop detection apparatus and corresponding methods are provided that includes an inductive loop and a processing device. The processing device includes circuitry to connect to the inductive loop and control and sense from the inductive loop a change in a characteristic thereof. The inductive loop is disposed at least partially above a surface on which a vehicle travels. The processing device detects a change in a characteristic of the inductive loop beyond a first threshold value, and in response, transmits a first signal configured to effect a first action. The processing device further detects a change in the characteristic of the inductive loop beyond a second threshold value, and in response, transmits a second signal configured to effect a second action different than the first action.