Flooded Roadway Assessment for Vehicle Passage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in accurately identifying the severity of flooding on roadways, leading to potential vehicle stranding due to incorrect assessments of surface water levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling vehicles approaching potentially flooded roadways, involving water level detection, surface water-related parameter determination, and assessment to generate alerts and commands for infotainment, autonomous, and communication modules to guide occupants and navigate around flooded areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drivers rely on visual assessment to identify flooding severity, then the detection method is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to incorrect assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple detection capabilities (water level sensors, weather data reception, roadway condition monitoring) into a single flood assessment system. The system can detect various parameters including water depth, weather conditions, and roadway status, combining these functions to provide comprehensive flood severity assessment rather than relying on单一 detection method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as communication modules that receive flood information from external sources (weather services, traffic authorities) and translate this data into actionable assessments. The system acts as an intermediary between raw environmental data and driver decision-making, processing and interpreting multiple data sources to provide accurate flood severity evaluation
2Reliability
If drivers assume minimal surface water, then the vehicle may proceed without caution, but the vehicle becomes stranded due to incorrect assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing advance flood warnings and assessments before the vehicle reaches flooded roadways. The system detects flood conditions ahead of time and notifies drivers in advance, allowing them to make informed decisions about route selection or precautions before entering hazardous areas, rather than reacting after damage occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring roadway conditions and providing real-time updates to drivers about flood severity and vehicle safety. The feedback loop allows drivers to adjust their behavior based on current conditions, receiving continuous information about whether the roadway remains safe to traverse or if conditions have deteriorated
3Reliability
If drivers assume excessive surface water, then the vehicle avoids the roadway unnecessarily, but the vehicle loses potential travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of flood conditions and provides advance guidance on which roadways are safe to traverse. By evaluating flood severity beforehand and communicating clear safety information, the system enables drivers to confidently proceed on safe routes without unnecessary detours, maintaining travel efficiency while ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting flood severity assessments based on varying conditions such as water level, weather patterns, and roadway characteristics. The system processes changing environmental parameters and translates them into updated safety assessments, allowing drivers to receive accurate, real-time information about roadway passability rather than static warnings
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for assisting a vehicle when traveling within an area experiencing a meteorological event capable of potentially flooding a roadway is disclosed. The assistance may include determining a water level over top of the roadway, determining a plurality of surface water related operating parameters for the vehicle, and comparing the water level to the surface water related operating parameters to generate a flooded roadway assessment. The flooded roadway assessment may be used for determining the roadway to be in one of a passable state and an impassable state for the vehicle. Based thereon, a flooded roadway command may be generated for correspondingly controlling one or more systems onboard the vehicle.