Synergistic Dual-Mode Interchange for Traffic Flow and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road interchanges occupy large areas, hinder pedestrian access, are difficult to expand, and cause traffic congestion due to complex travel directions and speed differences between freeways and urban roads, leading to bottlenecks and potential paralysis.
Innovation Solution
A synergistic dual-modes sustainable interchange design with accessible highways, where upstream and downstream cut-through lanes are separated and connected by overpasses, and a traffic light control system manages traffic and pedestrian flow, allowing for compact and flexible expansion, and reducing red-light modes to minimize congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional interchange structures are used, then traffic flow can be managed, but the area occupied is large and pedestrian access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The interchange is divided into separate functional zones: upstream cut-through portion, downstream cut-through portion, and ramp areas. The ramps are segmented into inner and outer loops, allowing independent control and optimization of each section while reducing the overall footprint and improving pedestrian accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from traditional two-dimensional plane intersections to a three-dimensional configuration with elevated overpasses and multi-level ramps. This vertical dimensionality allows traffic to bypass the ground-level intersection, reducing land occupation while maintaining safe pedestrian access routes.
2Ease of operation
If complex travel directions are provided, then traffic can be routed, but the directions are easy to get lost and no correction method exists
Solution Approach 1:
The interchange incorporates feedback mechanisms through clearly marked directional signage at each ramp entrance and exit, allowing drivers to correct routing errors. The design includes redundant routing options where missed exits can be safely accessed through alternative paths, providing real-time guidance feedback to maintain reliable traffic flow.
3Ease of manufacture
If road reconstructions are difficult, then construction is stable, but expansion and subsequent development are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interchange design incorporates dynamic scalability with modular ramp sections and adjustable traffic light configurations. The road structure is designed to accommodate future expansion through standardized connection points and flexible lane configurations, allowing the system to adapt to growing traffic demands while maintaining construction stability.
4Productivity
If freeway is zero-red and all-green traffic, then freeway flow is smooth, but urban road with three-red and one-green causes bottleneck in peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic light system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both freeway and urban road traffic needs through a unified control mechanism. The system can operate in different modes (zero-red/all-green for freeway, three-red and one-green for urban roads) and automatically adjusts to optimize flow for each road type, eliminating the need for separate complex lighting systems.
5Speed
If speed difference between freeway and urban road is large, then traffic flow is efficient, but bottleneck and congestion occur in peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The interchange design incorporates intermediary transition zones with graded speed reductions and extended ramp sections that mediate between high-speed freeway traffic and lower-speed urban road traffic. These transition areas allow vehicles to safely adjust speeds without creating sudden bottlenecks, maintaining flow continuity despite speed differences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a synergistic dual-modes sustainable interchange. The interchange is mainly formed by accessible highways and intersecting roads, herein disposed with a plane intersection of traffic lights and crosswalks; under the schedule of dual modes of one-red and one-green, the plane intersection is connected to the connecting roads for entering and exiting the accessible highways or entering and exiting the accessible highways from the intersecting roads; the upstream and downstream accessible cut-through lanes are respectively disposed on both sides of the plane intersection by overpasses, and rejoin at the other end. The group of ramps for entering and exiting the accessible highways, their relevant connecting roads and the ring roads configured with error-corrected U-turn mechanism, are all disposed between the upstream and downstream portions of the highway.