Collapsible Speed Bump Mechanism with Pneumatic Retaining Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed bumps on public thoroughfares cause significant shocks to vehicles, leading to deterioration of vehicle components, and current designs are mechanically complex and costly, with a need for improved reliability and reduced energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible surface mechanism with a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit featuring a hose break valve, where the retaining means are activated based on the speed of the collapsible surface, utilizing centrifugal force or a parachute valve to control the surface's movement, allowing for a purely mechanical and energy-independent solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional speed bumps are used to reduce vehicle speed, then the speed regulation function is achieved, but significant shocks are transmitted to vehicles causing deterioration of vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The speed bump mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its state based on vehicle speed. The collapsible surface remains raised and visible during normal operation but can collapse to a lowered position when a vehicle approaches at high speed, thereby adapting its form to eliminate harmful shocks while maintaining speed regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the physical parameter of the surface position (raised vs. lowered) based on the detected vehicle speed parameter. When vehicle speed exceeds a threshold, the surface parameter changes from raised to lowered, transforming the speed bump from a speed-regulating obstacle into a flat surface that allows smooth passage, thus eliminating shock transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable speed bump mechanisms are implemented to respond to approaching vehicles, then speed-sensitive control is achieved, but mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed to be self-activating through a purely mechanical detection system that automatically responds to vehicle approach without requiring external control systems. The mechanical detector senses vehicle presence and directly triggers the collapse mechanism through mechanical linkage, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for complex electronic controls or power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electric power supply component from the system, replacing it with a purely mechanical detection and actuation system. By removing the electrical subsystem, the patent simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the speed-sensitive control functionality through mechanical means alone.
3Measurement precision
If complex mechanical mechanisms are used for speed-sensitive control, then speed regulation accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit to provide retaining force on the collapsible surface and to actuate the release mechanism. This fluid-based system offers smooth, controlled motion and can be designed with simple mechanical sensors that detect vehicle approach and trigger the fluid pressure change, achieving reliable speed-sensitive control with fewer moving parts than purely mechanical linkage systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the collapsible surface is always lowered to eliminate shocks, then vehicle comfort is improved, but the speed regulation function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The speed bump surface is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of switching between raised and lowered positions based on real-time vehicle speed detection. During normal operation with slow-moving or stationary vehicles, the surface remains raised to provide speed regulation. When a fast-moving vehicle is detected, the surface dynamically collapses to a lowered position to eliminate shocks, thus achieving both speed regulation and shock elimination at different times.
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 mechanism effectively reduces vehicle speed by activating retaining means based on surface speed, providing a rapid response and reducing mechanical complexity, while ensuring the surface remains visible to drivers, thus minimizing shock and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining means comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit that is completely independent of an electric supply
Implementation Method 2
the retaining means are adapted for being activated when the speed of movement of the collapsible surface is higher than a predetermined maximum speed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A mechanism for reducing the speed of road traffic and corresponding speed bump. A mechanism for reducing the speed of road traffic on public thoroughfares comprising [a] a collapsible surface (1) which moves between a raised position and a lowered position, where the collapsible surface is normally in the raised position, and [b] retaining means (19) adapted to retaining the collapsible surface in the raised position. The retaining means are activated when the speed of movement of the collapsible surface is greater than a predetermined maximum speed. With this mechanism it is possible to make a speed bump for reducing the speed of road traffic comprising one or two of these mechanisms. If it comprises two mechanisms, each of them has a width of less than 1.2 m and they are spaced apart at a distance such that an automobile rides simultaneously over both mechanisms.