Trapezoidal Workstation for Flagman Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flagmen directing traffic in construction or accident zones face challenges due to exposure to extreme temperatures and water ponding, which affects their safety and ability to effectively convey traffic control messages.

Innovation Solution

A trapezoidal-shaped workstation made from an expandable polymer matrix with a density of at least 5 kg/m3, featuring a top surface for the flagman to stand on, tapered sides for easy drainage, and a non-slip surface to prevent slipping, designed to insulate the flagman's feet from the road surface and facilitate comfortable standing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the flagman stands directly on the road surface to be in plain view of oncoming traffic, then the flagman's visibility and ability to control traffic is improved, but the flagman is exposed to extreme temperatures and water ponding which compromises safety and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility and traffic control effectivenessVSAvoidexposure to extreme temperatures and water ponding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a workstation platform as an intermediary between the flagman and the road surface. This platform provides thermal insulation and elevation, allowing the flagman to stand on it rather than directly on the road surface, thus protecting against extreme temperatures and water ponding while maintaining visibility and traffic control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation is constructed from expandable polymer matrix material that combines insulating properties with structural integrity. This composite material approach allows the platform to provide thermal insulation against extreme temperatures while maintaining the strength needed to support the flagman and withstand outdoor conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the flagman stands on the road surface for long periods to effectively convey traffic control messages, then traffic control effectiveness is improved, but fatigue and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic control effectivenessVSAvoidflagman comfort and fatigue reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The workstation platform serves as a mediator that elevates the flagman above the road surface, providing a comfortable standing surface that reduces fatigue from prolonged standing while maintaining the flagman's position for effective traffic control communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the standing surface by introducing a platform with specific height, insulation properties, and surface characteristics. This parameter change from direct road contact to platform standing reduces fatigue and improves comfort while maintaining traffic control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10246839B2Workstation for flagman

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 BVPV STYRENICS LLC

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for traffic control and safety. More particularly, the present invention provides a platform adapted to support a flagman and optionally a pole mounted sign to control the flow of traffic near road construction or other similar sites.