Radar Traffic Sensor Antenna Plate and Transceiver Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic sensors, such as inductive loop and video sensors, face challenges with high installation and maintenance costs, as well as operational limitations in adverse weather conditions, while radar sensors require frequent maintenance and are not designed for long-term outdoor use without servicing.
Innovation Solution
A radar traffic sensor with a compact housing design featuring a planar antenna plate and transceiver circuit plate, protected by a grounded metal case, which transmits and receives low-power microwave signals to detect vehicles and processes data for extended outdoor operation with minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar sensors are used for traffic detection, then operational reliability in adverse weather conditions is improved, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor is divided into functionally independent modules: antenna assembly, transceiver module, processor unit, and housing. This segmentation allows individual components to be maintained or replaced without affecting the entire system, enabling extended operational reliability while reducing overall maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates self-diagnostics and automated calibration features that allow it to monitor its own performance and maintain optimal operation without external intervention. The system includes built-in test signals and self-adjustment mechanisms that extend the maintenance interval by handling routine servicing autonomously.
2Measurement precision
If inductive loop sensors are installed under pavement, then measurement precision for traffic data is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation of inductive loops embedded in pavement with a non-contact radar-based detection system. The antenna assembly uses electromagnetic radiation to detect vehicles without requiring physical contact with the road surface, eliminating complex pavement installation while maintaining traffic data measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If video sensors are used for traffic monitoring, then installation cost is reduced, but operational reliability in poor visibility conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the antenna assembly to use microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation instead of visible light. This parameter change allows the sensor to operate effectively in all weather conditions including fog, rain, and darkness, maintaining operational reliability while keeping installation costs low through a simplified housing and antenna design.
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 radar traffic sensor provides accurate vehicular data for extended periods, operating effectively in various weather conditions and reducing maintenance needs, thus addressing the limitations of existing sensors.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna plate is disposed within the housing for transmitting radiation to a vehicle through the front surface and for receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicle through the front surface
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver circuit plate can include a protective grounded metal case for enclosing at least a part of the component side to impede leakage of radiation from the component side
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for obtaining vehicular traffic data is described. The sensor includes a housing having a front surface. The sensor also includes an antenna plate having an antenna ground surface and a radiating surface. The antenna plate is disposed within the housing for transmitting radiation to a vehicle through the front surface and for receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicle through the front surface. A transceiver circuit plate is disposed within the housing for electrically driving the antenna plate. The transceiver circuit plate has a component side for supporting circuit components and a circuit ground side for grounding the circuit components. The antenna ground surface is between the radiating surface and the transceiver circuit plate. A processor unit drives and processes electrical signals from the transceiver circuit plate to obtain vehicular traffic data.