Modular Traffic Control Device Joiner Plate Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic control devices face issues with angular misalignment of modular sections, high maintenance costs due to spring failures, and noise generation from metallic components, which affect their effectiveness in puncturing tires while allowing vehicles to pass in one direction without damaging those in the opposite direction.

Innovation Solution

The use of joiner plates for accurate angular alignment of shaft sections, counterweight members to replace springs, and resilient materials for noise reduction and improved longevity, along with adjustable stop members for optimal calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If modular sections are connected using socket connections with small tolerances, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each module contains a portion of the shaft assembly and can be connected to adjacent modules through simplified joiner plates with fastener apertures, eliminating the need for complex socket connections while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If numerous modular sections are connected in series, then the device length is increased to cover more roadway, but angular misalignment accumulates causing tire puncturing members to be positioned unsuitably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice lengthVSAvoidangular position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Joiner plates are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent shaft sections. These joiner plates include fastener apertures that allow for precise angular alignment and rigid connection, serving as mediators that prevent angular misalignment accumulation across multiple modular sections while enabling the device to extend over long roadways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If springs are used to bias tire puncturing members into the working position, then the automatic return to retracted position is achieved, but the springs fail frequently requiring costly maintenance and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return functionVSAvoidspring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the use of expensive and unreliable springs by employing a counterweight member that provides the necessary biasing force through gravitational attraction. This counterweight system is more durable and maintenance-free compared to spring-based systems, though it requires a different mechanical approach to achieving the automatic return function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If metallic parts are cycled between working and retracted positions, then the tire puncturing function is achieved, but considerable noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire puncturing effectivenessVSAvoidnoise generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the tire puncturing members from metallic to non-metallic materials such as plastic or composite materials. This material substitution maintains the functional capability of puncturing tires while significantly reducing the noise generation associated with cycling metallic parts between working and retracted positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures precise alignment, reduces maintenance costs, minimizes noise, and enhances the traffic control device's ability to effectively puncture tires of vehicles traveling in the wrong direction without harming those in the correct direction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one counterweight member operatively connected to the tire puncturing members such that the counterweight member is pivotal together with the tire puncturing members between the working position and the stored position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

resilient materials for noise reduction and improved longevity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11603634B2Modular traffic control device

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 ROADSHARK INT INC

AI summary

A traffic control device, for a roadway receiving vehicles travelling longitudinally along the roadway, includes a housing, which may be formed in two or more modular sections, mounted transversely across the roadway. A frame comprised of a shaft supporting tire puncturing members thereon is rotatable within the housing between stored and working positions for selectively puncturing tires. In modular embodiments, the shaft of each module includes a joiner plate supported at one end of the shaft to enable rigid connection between the shafts of adjacent modules. In some embodiments, offset counterweights are coupled to the frame to bias the tire puncture members towards the working position, and an upper stop member on the housing, formed of resilient material, is engaged by the frame in the working position and is adjustable in height to control position of the tire puncturing members in the working position.