Modular Signal Post with Segmented Housing and Multi-Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal posts at pedestrian crossings face issues with reliability and cost-effectiveness, particularly in diffuse lighting conditions, and are prone to false activation by environmental factors like leaves or passing people, leading to safety concerns and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular signal post with a housing containing a lighting device and electronic control unit, secured by a locking mechanism, featuring a bayonet lock and pull rod system for easy maintenance and integration into a network, equipped with sensors and adjustable LED lighting for enhanced visibility and compliance with local regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a signaling device with motion sensors or light barriers is used to detect pedestrians, then the visibility and detection capability is improved, but the device is prone to false activation by environmental factors like leaves or passing people
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent sensors (motion sensor, light barrier, acoustic sensor) that work together. Each sensor segment detects different aspects of pedestrian presence, and the control unit integrates these segments to make a reliable determination, reducing false activations from environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors and adjusts its detection logic accordingly. By analyzing patterns across multiple sensor inputs over time, the system can distinguish between genuine pedestrian presence and environmental disturbances, improving reliability while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If traffic light systems are installed at pedestrian crossings, then safety and visibility are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential safety function from complex traffic light systems by using a simplified signaling device with modular components. Instead of implementing a full traffic light control system, only the necessary warning lights and detection elements are retained, reducing complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling device uses cost-effective components such as LED warning lights, simple sensors, and a basic control unit. These relatively inexpensive components can be easily replaced if needed, providing an economical alternative to expensive traffic light systems while achieving the same safety objective.
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but maintenance and replacement of individual components becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple independent modules (first housing part, second housing part, third housing part) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows individual modules to be replaced during maintenance without replacing the entire housing, improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized modular components.
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 modular design allows for cost-effective installation and maintenance, reduces false activations, and provides a reliable self-sufficient warning system that adapts to environmental conditions, ensuring improved safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The signal post (1) comprises a housing (2) with at least one lighting device (5)
Implementation Method 2
Furthermore, the housing (2) can be equipped with photovoltaic elements (7) and/or reflectors (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal post (1) comprises a housing (2) with at least one lighting device (5) connected to an electronic control unit (8) and a first locking element (14) at a foot end which can be secured with a locking device (21) and which interacts with a second locking element (15) of a fixedly mountable base (16), wherein the housing (2) has a modular structure and at least the lighting device (5) and the first locking element (14) are assigned to different modules which can be connected to each other by means of a pulling device.