Portable Self-Illuminating Traffic Sign with LED Collars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic control signs are inadequate in low visibility conditions, such as nighttime or poor weather, as reflective materials can obscure the traffic signal and external lights do not clearly indicate the intended signal to motorists.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that correspond to traffic signals (red for stop, yellow for slow), featuring a reflective panel, collars with light assemblies, and a handle with a switch to activate the lights, ensuring clear visibility and long battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective material is used on the sign, then the sign is visible during daytime, but the reflective material obscures the traffic signal when external lights are directed at the sign at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflective material from the sign surface and replaces it with a non-reflective white background. This extraction of the harmful reflective property allows the traffic signal colors to be clearly visible when illuminated by external lights, while the white background provides sufficient daytime visibility without the obscuring effect of reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the background color parameter from reflective material to non-reflective white. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the sign interacts with light - instead of reflecting external light sources which obscures the signal, the white background diffusely scatters light to provide daytime visibility while allowing clear signal indication when lit.
2Illumination intensity
If a flashing light is added to the sign to draw motorist attention, then the sign becomes more noticeable, but the light still does not provide a clear indication of the traffic signal being indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color properties to different locations on the sign - the background is white while the traffic signal indicators are red, yellow, or green. This local quality differentiation allows the background to provide general visibility and attention-drawing capability, while the colored indicators clearly communicate the specific traffic signal meaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded traffic signal indicators (red for stop, yellow for caution, green for go) on a white background. The color changes in the indicators provide clear semantic information about the traffic signal being indicated, while the white background ensures the colors are vivid and visible when illuminated.
3Ease of operation
If the sign is designed to be portable and hand-held, then the sign is easy to position, but the operator experiences fatigue from holding the sign for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterweight mechanism in the handle assembly that balances the sign head, reducing the effective weight the operator must support. This counterbalancing allows the operator to hold the sign for extended periods with reduced fatigue while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sign into separable components - the sign head can be detached from the handle assembly. This segmentation allows the operator to carry only the handle when not actively displaying the signal, reducing fatigue during periods when the sign is not in use while maintaining easy positioning capability when needed.
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 sign provides enhanced visibility and clear indication of traffic signals in various conditions, reducing operator fatigue and improving safety by maintaining visibility even when lights are on, with battery life lasting approximately 40 hours.
Implementation Method 1
Both the first light assembly and the second light assembly may comprise light emitting diodes.
Implementation Method 2
a sign head having a first and second side and made of a reflective panel
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign having a sign face with two opposite sides. One side indicates a first traffic signal, and the other side indicates a second traffic signal. Light assemblies are attached to each side of the sign. The light assemblies emit light that may match the predominant color of one of the sides of the sign. A battery may be disposed in a pole that connects to the sign. A handlegrip allows for the sign to be held and provides a switch to allow for the lights to be selectively turned on and off. The light assemblies are disposed within collar assemblies so as to reduce, or prevent, light emitted from the light assemblies reflecting off of the sign faces.