Double Crossover Merging Interchange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchanges lack a compact footprint, result in significant at-grade conflicts and lane weaving, require multiple flyover bridges, and are costly to construct, especially in terms of acquiring right-of-way, and often necessitate signal-controlled intersections and cloverleaf turns.
Innovation Solution
A Double Crossover Merging Interchange (DCMI) design featuring a main bridge crossover and two minor bridge crossovers that allow pathways to cross without intersecting at grade, eliminating the need for signal control and reducing weaving patterns, while maintaining free-flowing traffic and minimizing the number of flyover bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional interchange designs are used, then traffic flow can be maintained, but the footprint is large and construction costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from at-grade intersections to elevated bridge structures, utilizing the vertical dimension to separate traffic flows. The main bridge and minor bridges create grade-separated pathways that eliminate the need for large horizontal right-of-way while reducing construction costs compared to traditional flyover interchanges.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If at-grade signal-controlled intersections are used, then the footprint is compact, but at-grade conflicts and lane weaving are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates at-grade conflicts by vertically separating traffic streams through bridge structures. The main bridge carries through-traffic while minor bridges handle turning movements, completely removing conflict points that would otherwise require signal control and complex intersection management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple flyover bridges are used, then at-grade conflicts are reduced, but construction costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bridge functions into a unified structure. The main bridge and two minor bridges work together as an integrated system where the minor bridges attach to the main bridge, allowing turning movements to be handled at grade while through-traffic flows overhead, reducing the total number of separate flyover structures needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments traffic flows by function: the main bridge handles through-traffic while minor bridges handle turning movements. This segmentation allows each bridge component to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall complexity compared to traditional designs where all movements require separate elevated structures.
4Ease of operation
If cloverleaf turns are used, then traffic can flow continuously, but the footprint is large and weaving patterns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces horizontal cloverleaf loops with vertical bridge structures. Minor bridges provide continuous flow for turning movements by carrying them overhead or at grade separated from through-traffic, eliminating the need for large-radius horizontal curves and associated weaving patterns while maintaining continuous traffic flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A crossover for travel paths is provided. The crossover includes a primary travel path having a first pathway arranged for travel in a first direction and a second pathway arranged for travel in a second direction, and a secondary travel path having a third pathway arranged for travel in a third direction and a fourth pathway arranged for travel in a fourth direction. A main bridge crossover is provided so that the first and second pathways cross each of the third and fourth pathways without intersecting at grade. Two minor bridge crossovers are provided, each constructed and arranged so that the third and fourth pathways cross each other without intersecting, at grade. Lane communication is provided between select exits and entrances to minimize weaving traffic patterns, additional flyovers are minimized and no 270-degree loops are required, providing continuous traffic flow.