Dynamic Roadway Evacuation System Using Mesh Network Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

During emergencies, sudden increases in traffic due to mass vehicle evacuations often lead to gridlock and congestion on roadways, hindering efficient evacuation of people from dangerous areas.

Innovation Solution

A roadway evacuation system utilizing stationary and mobile nodes with wireless communication capabilities to monitor traffic, share information, and dynamically instruct vehicles to take different routes, optimizing roadway usage and evacuation strategies through a mesh network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mass vehicle transport is used for evacuation, then the quantity of people evacuated is improved, but roadway congestion and gridlock worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of people evacuatedVSAvoidevacuation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the evacuation process by dividing vehicles into different groups based on their location, destination, and route. The system creates multiple evacuation corridors and assigns vehicles to specific segments, preventing all vehicles from converging on the same routes simultaneously. This segmentation allows high volume evacuation while maintaining flow by distributing traffic across multiple pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic route assignment that continuously adapts to changing traffic conditions. The system monitors roadway congestion in real-time and dynamically reassigns vehicles to alternative routes, adjusting evacuation strategies as conditions evolve. This dynamic approach prevents gridlock by continuously optimizing traffic flow distribution across the roadway network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional static traffic control is used, then system complexity is reduced, but ability to manage emergency traffic flow worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic flow management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single communication network serves multiple purposes: providing emergency information to drivers, collecting traffic data from vehicles, transmitting route instructions, and coordinating with emergency services. This universal communication infrastructure handles diverse functions through a unified platform, managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a system where vehicles and drivers actively participate in their own evacuation process by receiving real-time information and instructions through their existing communication devices. The system provides self-service capabilities where drivers can query route information, report their status, and receive automated guidance without requiring constant human intervention from traffic controllers, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8000887B2Method and system of directing vehicles traveling over roadway during emergency
Publication Date: 2011.08.16 LEAR CORP
  • US8000887B2 patent drawing
  • US8000887B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of directing and/or alert vehicles during an emergency or other event. The method may include providing messages and other information to the vehicles through wireless communications. The message may detail the emergency and/or an evacuation strategy for avoiding the emergency. Different vehicles may receive different messages and instructions depending on vehicle location and other parameters.