Noise Protection Wall Element with Speed-Controlled Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise protection walls lack advanced features for displaying information and efficiently managing light sources to enhance visibility and functionality, particularly in relation to vehicle speed measurement and traffic control.
Innovation Solution
A wall element with a perforated plate on the sound-facing side, where light sources are arranged behind the plate to emit light through holes, and integrated with a speed measuring device and control device to adjust lighting based on vehicle speed, allowing for expanded information systems and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are arranged behind the perforated plate to emit light through holes, then visibility and information display are improved, but the light sources become vulnerable to weather and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are nested within the wall element structure, positioned behind the perforated plate. This nesting arrangement allows the light sources to be protected by the plate while still functioning effectively, as the plate serves as both a protective enclosure and a light transmission medium through its holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated plate acts as an intermediary element between the light sources and the external environment. It provides protection against weather and unauthorized access while simultaneously allowing light to pass through its holes, thus mediating between the need for protection and the need for visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are arranged horizontally one above the other, then information display capabilities are expanded, but the complexity of the wall element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are segmented into multiple horizontal rows, with each row capable of independent control. This segmentation allows different information to be displayed at different heights, expanding information display capabilities while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through standardized repeating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple light sources are designed to serve multiple functions: they can display various information messages, provide general illumination, and potentially indicate different states or conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing versatile information display capabilities within a single wall element design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control device is integrated to adjust lighting based on vehicle speed, then traffic control functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback from the speed measuring device regarding vehicle speed and automatically adjusts the lighting accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic traffic control functionality without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time speed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is integrated within the wall element structure, merging the lighting control functionality with the noise protection wall. This integration reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions (noise protection, light emission, and speed-based control) into a single unified structure rather than separate 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 solution enables enhanced information display and improved visibility by using light sources that can be controlled based on vehicle speed, integrating with traffic control systems, and providing protection from weather and unauthorized access while maintaining sound absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (8-10, 13-30), in particular in the form of LEDs, which is/which are arranged in the wall element (4) behind the perforated plate (6) and by means of which light can be emitted outwards through the holes (7) in the perforated plate (6)
Implementation Method 2
A sound-absorbing material and/or a sound-absorbing body is arranged behind the perforated plate, which absorbs the sound waves penetrating the perforated plate through the holes or recesses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a wall element for a noise barrier, where the wall element has two opposing surfaces, one side of which faces potential sound sources and is at least predominantly clad with perforated metal sheeting, at least one light source is arranged behind the perforated metal sheeting within the wall element. This provides protected illumination and, with targeted control, the ability to convey information.