Road Cone Impact Alerts for Wearable Road Worker Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roadway workers are at high risk of being struck by vehicles due to insufficient warning systems, despite the use of orange cones and flag persons, leading to a significant number of fatalities, which have been increasing over the years.
Innovation Solution
A roadway cone safety augmentation device comprising an impact sensor transmitter mounted on a cone and a wearable alert receiver that sends alerts when a threshold level of motion is detected, providing audible, visual, and haptic warnings to workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orange roadway cones and flag persons are used to cordon off construction zones, then workers are provided with basic safety measures, but worker fatalities continue to increase due to insufficient warning of approaching vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical safety devices (orange cones and flag persons) with an active electronic sensing and alerting system. The impact sensor transmitter mounted on cones detects vehicle impacts and transmits wireless alerts to wearable receivers, substituting human vigilance with automated electronic detection and notification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between the impact sensors on cones and the wearable alert receivers. This intermediary system enables rapid transmission of impact detection data to workers, creating a new communication channel that bridges the gap between hazard detection and worker awareness.
2Reliability
If workers remain vigilant to passing motorists and machinery, then they can detect potential threats, but workers become oblivious over time leading to fatalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having impact sensors continuously monitor cones for vehicle impacts before workers can become oblivious. The system proactively detects threats through impact sensing and pre-alerts workers via wireless transmission to wearable receivers, eliminating the need for workers to maintain constant vigilance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where impact sensors continuously monitor the environment, detect vehicle impacts, and provide real-time wireless alerts to workers. This closed-loop system continuously feeds hazard information back to workers, preventing awareness degradation that occurs with passive vigilance methods.
3Reliability
If a quick acting alert system is implemented to warn workers of approaching vehicles, then worker safety is improved, but the system requires additional electronic components and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing wearable receivers that can serve multiple functions: receiving impact alerts from cones, providing haptic feedback, and potentially integrating with other safety systems. The impact sensors on cones also serve dual purposes as both safety devices and alerting nodes in the wireless network, reducing the need for separate dedicated alerting infrastructure.
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
Enhances worker safety by quickly alerting them to approaching vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and potentially saving lives through a combination of impact detection and wearable alerts.
Implementation Method 1
an impact sensor transmitter mounted on a cone configured for rapid and secure affixation to a roadway cone
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable alarm device warning roadway workers of approaching errant drivers. An impact sensor transmitter is removably affixed into the top of a road cone to an expanding cone adapter. Upon impact the impact sensor sends a wireless alarm/alert signal to a wireless receiver worn by a nearby road worker. The receiver may incorporated auditory, vibratory, and visual signals to alert the worker. The alarm devices may be incorporated into the receiver and/or may be incorporated into an article of clothing worn by the road worker, such as a vest, armband, hardhat or the equivalent. Preferentially, the receiver will be attached to an ANSI Class 2 and 3 safety vest that has an LED panel housed on the front and back, or an LED light tube that is located the diameter of the vest at the mid section.