In-Road LED Light Strips for Temporary Crosswalk Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction workers face increased risks due to inadequate methods for alerting drivers to temporary crosswalks and construction zones, particularly in urban areas with rising fatalities attributed to distracted driving and increased congestion.
Innovation Solution
A Temporary Cross Walk Warning System (TCWWS) and Temporary Construction Zone Warning System (TCZWS) utilizing in-road flashing LED light strips that can be temporarily installed and moved, activated by pedestrians or sensors, to enhance visibility and alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians or construction workers, powered by solar, batteries, or vibration harvesting, and compatible with smart vehicle technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If warning lights are attached to crosswalk signal activation poles located along the roadside, then installation is simple, but visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the light strip installation from a vertical roadside pole location to a horizontal in-road surface location. This dimensional change places the light source directly in the roadway where it can be viewed from multiple angles by approaching vehicles and pedestrians, significantly improving visibility while maintaining relatively simple installation through adhesive application or mechanical attachment to the road surface.
2Reliability
If permanent crosswalk systems are installed, then long-term safety is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temporary light strips that can be quickly installed and removed without permanent infrastructure changes. These disposable or reusable temporary systems provide immediate safety benefits during construction zones or interim periods, avoiding the lengthy installation and high costs associated with permanent crosswalk systems while still delivering reliable safety improvements for the duration needed.
3Strength
If light strips are made durable to withstand heavy traffic, then reliability improves, but ease of relocation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes light strips with flexible, thin-film construction that can withstand vehicular traffic loads while maintaining ease of relocation. The flexible design allows the light strips to bend and flex under vehicle weight without breaking, yet remains simple to remove and reposition as construction zones shift, resolving the contradiction between durability and relocatability.
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 systems significantly improve safety by increasing visibility and alerting drivers to slow down, reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing an interim solution until permanent crosswalks are installed, and are designed to withstand heavy traffic and be easily relocated as construction projects progress.
Implementation Method 1
the light strip will have one or more Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights and/or another light source
Implementation Method 2
powered by solar, batteries, or vibration harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system of light strips is configured for use on a roadway surface. The light strips are configured to withstand vehicular traffic driving over the light strips. The light strips have a rigid, durable housing protecting a series of LEDs within the housing. LED lenses direct light from the LEDs through the sidewall of the housing at vehicular traffic on the roadway. The channel is filled with a protective material, such as a polymer resin that protects the LEDs and power supply. The modular system includes a power source or can connect to a power grid. The modular system can include a sensor to activate the system and/or to control the light brightness Preferably the light strips connect together or can be substituted for one another to be interchangeable and easily carried, moved, installed and disassembled.