Driverless Traffic Management Vehicle With Deployable Impact Attenuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roadside traffic management vehicles lack efficient driverless operation modes and integrated impact attenuation systems that can automatically adjust to different scenarios, such as speed and obstacle detection, limiting their autonomous functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A driverless traffic management vehicle equipped with a control system that includes a controller for multiple operation modes (follow, remote-control, and autonomous) and an impact attenuator, which can be automatically deployed or stowed based on speed and verge offset, using sensors and electronic signage for navigation and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If driverless operation modes are added to traffic management vehicles, then autonomous functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent mode controllers (follow mode controller, remote-control mode controller, autonomous control mode controller), each handling specific driverless operation modes. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high autonomous functionality while managing complexity through divided responsibilities among controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple driverless operation modes (following lead vehicle, remote control, autonomous navigation). This universal design allows a single control system to perform diverse autonomous functions, improving automation extent while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each mode.
2Reliability
If impact attenuator is integrated with electronic signage board, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact attenuator and electronic signage board are merged into a single integrated rear assembly. The signage board is positioned on the rear surface of the attenuator, allowing both safety function (impact attenuation) and communication function (electronic signage) to be combined in one structure, improving safety while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear assembly serves multiple functions: the impact attenuator provides collision safety, while the integrated electronic signage board provides traffic management communication. This multi-functional design achieves both safety and information dissemination without requiring separate dedicated structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attenuator is made pivotally coupled for deployment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuator is designed with pivotal coupling that allows it to dynamically change between deployed and stowed configurations. This dynamic capability enables the attenuator to adapt to different operational scenarios (deployed for safety, stowed for signage visibility), improving versatility while using a relatively simple rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuator can be pre-positioned in deployed or stowed configuration based on anticipated operational needs. The pivotal coupling mechanism allows preliminary preparation of the attenuator state before actual use, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios by pre-configuring the appropriate attenuator position.
4Loss of information
If multiple signage boards are provided on the vehicle, then communication effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic signage boards are strategically positioned at different locations on the vehicle (rear surface of attenuator, front surface, hoist). Each signage board serves a specific local communication function optimized for its position, improving overall communication effectiveness while distributing the signage system across multiple locations rather than using a single complex display.
Solution Approach 2:
The signage system utilizes multiple spatial dimensions and surfaces (rear, front, elevated hoist position) to distribute information display. By exploiting the three-dimensional space around the vehicle, the system achieves comprehensive communication coverage without requiring a single large complex signage structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A driverless traffic management vehicle has a control system having a controller interfacing steering and drive interfaces for control of respective steering and drive subsystems of the vehicle. The vehicle also has an impact attenuator and actuator therefor for configuring the attenuator in deployed and stowed configurations. The control system comprises at least one driverless mode controller operably controlling the steering and drive interfaces for controlling the vehicle in at least one of follow mode, remote-control and autonomous driverless mode of operation. To control traffic, the vehicle may be driven to a roadside location and set in the at least one driverless mode of operation to control the steering and drive interfaces accordingly.