Lighted Traffic Signal Mats for Work Zone Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work zones on highways and roadways are hazardous due to drivers often failing to notice work zone signage, which blends into the background amidst cluttered signage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lighted traffic control devices, such as signal mats with integrated LED lighting and control circuits, which can be configured and controlled remotely to provide attention-grabbing warnings in work zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional road signage is used in work zones, then drivers are provided with traffic information, but the signage blends into the background and is not noticed by drivers due to signage clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using LED lights that emit bright, contrasting colors (red, yellow, green) to create highly visible traffic control signals. These colored lights stand out against the background environment and existing signage clutter, ensuring drivers can easily notice work zone warnings. The use of universally recognized traffic signal colors enhances immediate recognition and attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static road signs to three-dimensional light-emitting signal devices placed directly on the roadway surface. This dimensional change allows the signals to be viewed from multiple angles and distances, significantly improving visibility. The vertical placement of LED arrays creates a prominent visual presence that cuts through horizontal signage clutter along the roadside.
2Reliability
If lighted traffic control devices are deployed to improve visibility, then driver attention is effectively captured, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing signal mats that can display multiple traffic control messages using different LED color patterns. The same physical device can convey various warnings (stop, proceed with caution, lane closure) through color combinations and illumination patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high driver notification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling LED illumination characteristics including brightness levels, color wavelengths, and temporal patterns (steady vs. flashing). These adjustable parameters allow a single device type to adapt to different traffic control scenarios and environmental conditions, reducing the variety of hardware needed while achieving reliable driver attention across diverse situations.
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 use of lighted traffic control devices effectively decreases accidents and fatalities by ensuring that drivers notice work zone warnings, even in environments with high signage clutter.
Implementation Method 1
The traffic control device includes a lighting circuit with a plurality of lights... The lights can be colored and/or the light output color can be changed
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic control system is disclosed as it may include a plurality of separate signal mats for placement on a surface on or near a road or pathway. An example traffic control system includes a lighting circuit having a plurality of lights mounted to each of the signal mats. The example traffic control system also includes a control circuit mounted to each of the signal mats. The example traffic control system also includes a communications device configured for remote communications with the communications device of at least one other of the signal mats. The example traffic control system also includes a programming module to execute a coordinating program to operate the lighting circuit based at least in part on the remote communications with the at least one other signal mat to alert travelers on or approaching the road or pathway to a traffic control plan.