Integrated Traffic Controller: Dual Processing and Retractable Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traffic controllers lack edge processing capabilities and are limited by the absence of integrated components that enhance their functionality.

Innovation Solution

An integrated traffic controller with a dual-processing architecture, including an applications processor for executing applications and a signal controller processor for traffic light control, along with a retractable display assembly, passively cooled processors, and redundant power supplies, to enhance capabilities and user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional traffic controllers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but edge processing capabilities and functionality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge processing capabilitiesVSAvoidcontroller architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traffic controller is divided into two distinct processing subsystems: a signal controller processor for real-time traffic light control and an applications processor for executing higher-level applications and edge processing tasks. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing enhanced capabilities without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applications processor serves multiple functions including executing traffic management applications, performing edge processing of sensor data, providing a graphical user interface, and enabling wireless communications. This multi-functionality consolidates what could have been separate components into a single versatile unit, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a retractable display assembly is added, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddisplay assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display assembly is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend when user interaction is needed and retract when not in use. This dynamic design provides improved user interface functionality while minimizing the display's physical footprint during normal operation, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If passively cooled processors are used, then reliability is improved through reduced failure points, but heat dissipation capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor reliabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The processors are designed to be passively cooled, meaning they dissipate heat through their own thermal design features (such as heat sinks or thermally conductive materials integrated into the processor housing) without requiring external active cooling systems like fans or pumps. This self-service approach eliminates additional moving parts and failure points, improving reliability while managing heat dissipation through careful thermal engineering of the processor components themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If redundant power supplies are implemented, then system reliability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply redundancyVSAvoidpower supply configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Redundant power supplies are implemented as a preventive measure to ensure continuous operation in case one power supply fails. The system is designed with two power supplies from the outset, with automatic failover capability, so that if one supply fails, the other can immediately take over without interrupting traffic control operations. This beforehand cushioning approach enhances reliability by anticipating potential failures before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12361823B2Integrated traffic controller

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 YUNEX LLC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a traffic controller comprising an enclosure that houses an applications processor, the applications processor configured to execute one or more applications; a signal controller processor, the signal controller processor configured to control one or more traffic lights, wherein the applications processor is in data communication with the signal controller processor; a first memory coupled to the applications processor and a second memory coupled to the signal controller processor; one or more communication interfaces; and a retractable display assembly, the retractable display assembly comprising a touch-sensitive display, and a keypad that is adjacent to the touch-sensitive display.