Modular Traffic Cone with Integrated Lighting and Segmented Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic cones are bulky and inefficient for storage, and indoor cones are flimsy and unsuitable for outdoor use, lacking enhanced visibility and space-saving design.
Innovation Solution
A modular traffic cone assembled from a flat, translucent sheet and a dish, with a platform for a light, allowing for enhanced visibility and compact storage, forming part of a traffic directing kit that includes ballast for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional traffic cones are designed to be weighted and unitary for outdoor use, then stability and durability are improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic cone is divided into separate components: a collapsible conical body that can be folded flat, and a separate weighted base. This segmentation allows the conical portion to be compacted to minimal thickness for storage while the base provides stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical body is designed with collapsible sides that can transition between an expanded conical shape for use and a compressed flat state for storage. This dynamic structure enables the same object to occupy different volumes based on whether it is in use or stored.
2Volume of stationary object
If indoor traffic cones are designed to be lightweight and folding for compact storage, then storage space requirement decreases, but structural strength and outdoor usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cone is segmented into a lightweight collapsible body and a separate weighted base. The base provides the structural strength and stability needed for outdoor use, while the collapsible body maintains compact storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic cone combines different materials with complementary properties: the conical body uses lightweight, foldable material for compact storage, while the base uses heavy, stable material for outdoor durability and wind resistance.
3Illumination intensity
If traffic cones are designed with enhanced visibility features, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged with the existing base structure. The base serves dual purposes as both the weighting element for stability and the housing for the light source, eliminating the need for separate lighting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed to perform multiple functions: providing weight for stability, housing the light source for visibility, and potentially serving as the assembly point for the collapsible conical body. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
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 minimizes storage space, provides enhanced visibility with integrated lighting, and ensures stability in various conditions, addressing the limitations of existing traffic cones.
Implementation Method 1
a light configured for placing inside the traffic cone
Data Source
AI summary
A modular traffic cone assembled from a flat sheet and a dish that stores in a minimum of space. In one embodiment, translucent traffic cone has enhanced visibility through a light seated on a platform inside the translucent cone. In one embodiment, the modular traffic cone is included in a traffic directing kit comprising a translucent flat sheet, a dish and a platform, the sheet, the dish and the platform forming the traffic cone. The kit may also include ballast and the light for seating inside the traffic cone. A method of assembly for the traffic cone and the kit is disclosed.