Expandable Traffic Warning Device Using Linear Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic warning devices require manual effort to expand and collapse, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in hazardous situations where attention is needed for disabled vehicles alongside roadways, leading to potential fatalities and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically collapsible and expandable body member using a controllable linear motion machine assembly, such as a battery-powered telescopic linear actuator, allows the device to automatically expand and collapse with user interaction, eliminating the need for manual effort and reducing storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual expansion and collapse mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical expansion/collapse operations with an automated linear motion machine assembly that uses electrical power to drive the body member between extended and retracted positions. This substitution eliminates the need for manual effort while providing automated control through an actuator switch member, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs its own expansion and collapse operations automatically through the linear motion machine assembly without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own power source (battery-powered) and control mechanisms to deploy and store the body member, improving operational ease while accepting increased internal complexity.
2Reliability
If the body member is expanded for use, then visibility and safety function is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body member transitions between two dynamic states: an extended position for optimal visibility and safety function, and a retracted position for compact storage. The linear motion machine assembly enables the body member to dynamically change its configuration, allowing it to adapt between these opposing requirements of visibility and storage space based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
When retracted, the body member is drawn into and nested within the base member, creating a compact stored configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied during storage while preserving the full extended length and visibility characteristics when deployed for safety functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances convenience and safety by allowing quick deployment and storage of the traffic warning device without manual effort, encouraging its use during hazardous situations and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Implementation Method 1
employing a controllable linear motion machine assembly, such as a battery-powered telescopic linear actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechanically expandable and collapsible traffic warning device safety marker comprising a base member, a controllable linear motion machine assembly and a battery with its connecting components which are contained within the base member, a collapsible body member, and an actuator switch member. The controllable linear motion machine assembly is controlled by an actuator switch member that enables the collapsible body member to mechanically collapse and expand upon user interaction. The controllable linear motion machine assembly mechanically retracts the collapsible body member to a nested position within the base member for compaction upon the user pressing the actuator switch member resulting in the mechanically expandable and collapsible traffic warning device safety marker to be easily stored within a compartment of a vehicle and mechanically expanding the expandable and collapsible body member conveniently to a ready for application condition.