Continuous Load Path Hanger for Traffic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic signal structures are prone to structural failures during high wind events, particularly due to flawed design in the disconnect box and hanger systems, which can lead to injuries and fatalities by transferring loads horizontally, causing instability and damage.
Innovation Solution
A continuous load path hanger system that provides an uninterrupted load path separate from the electronics housing, integrating the traffic signal housing, disconnect box, and backplate into a single unit, using materials like aluminum, composite fiberglass, and thermoplastics to enhance structural stability and secure electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the disconnect box and hanger system are used to support traffic signals with multiple linear load paths around the periphery, then the traffic signals can be secured and housed, but structural failures occur during high wind events due to horizontal load displacements and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the structural support function from the electrical housing function. The continuous load path hanger system provides structural support independently, while the disconnect box serves only as an electrical housing, eliminating the structural loading role that caused failures in prior art systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the structural support function from the disconnect box and hanger system, removing the source of horizontal load displacements. The continuous load path hanger takes over the structural support role, allowing the disconnect box to be relieved of structural stresses that caused cantilevered shelf failures during hurricanes.
2Reliability
If traditional disconnect box and hanger systems are used, then traffic signals can be supported and electrical components housed, but multiple points of failure occur susceptible to hurricane force winds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a continuous load path through the hanger system that provides uninterrupted structural support from the traffic signal through the hanger to the support structure. This continuous load path eliminates the interrupted load paths and multiple connection points that created failure opportunities in traditional disconnect box systems during hurricanes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the disconnect box is used for both structural loading and electrical housing, then space is utilized efficiently, but the cantilevered shelf areas become susceptible to structural failures during high wind events
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the combined structural and electrical housing into separate functional components: the continuous load path hanger system handles structural loading, while the disconnect box provides electrical housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the compromises required when combining functions in a single unit.
Data Source
AI summary
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.