Recessed Solar Road Marker for Visibility in Adverse Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflective and illuminated road markers are ineffective in adverse weather conditions, vulnerable to damage, and have poor visibility and reliability due to obstructed sightlines and fragile housings, necessitating a solution for improved visibility and durability.
Innovation Solution
A road marker with a housing made from high-impact polycarbonate material, featuring a light source powered by solar energy and energy storage, positioned partially below the roadway surface, with recesses for secure installation, and designed to withstand impact and extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional reflective markers are used, then the markers are simple and inexpensive, but they rely on vehicle headlights and reduce visibility in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The road marker incorporates a solar panel that converts sunlight into electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable battery. This self-powered system eliminates dependence on external power sources or vehicle headlights, allowing the LED to illuminate the marker autonomously during nighttime and adverse weather conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional illuminated markers are mounted on roadway surface, then they provide illumination, but they are vulnerable to damage and removal by vehicles and heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The marker transitions from a surface-mounted configuration to a recessed installation. The housing is positioned partially below the roadway surface level, with only the lens and solar panel exposed. This dimensional change protects the majority of the housing from direct impact by vehicles and heavy equipment while maintaining visibility and functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If known illuminated markers are used, then they provide light, but they have poor visibility due to obstructed sight line with motorists
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is recessed into the roadway surface rather than sitting on top, positioning the light source at optimal height and angle. This dimensional adjustment eliminates sight line obstructions caused by protruding markers while maintaining clear visibility for motorists approaching from a distance.
4Illumination intensity
If known illuminated markers are used, then they provide illumination, but they have unreliable electronic power supply and fragile housing causing failure or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is constructed from high-impact polycarbonate material, a composite that combines durability with impact resistance. This material choice protects the fragile electronic components (LED, solar panel, battery) from physical damage while maintaining operational reliability in harsh environmental conditions.
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 provides enhanced visibility and durability, significantly improving motorist and pedestrian safety by maintaining effectiveness in rain, fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, while being resistant to damage from vehicles and heavy equipment, and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a solar energy collection member disposed at the central portion and configured to be positioned below the roadway surface
Data Source
AI summary
A road marker and an installation for a roadway extending along a longitudinal axis and having a roadway upper surface. The road marker includes a housing containing an energy source and a light source to be powered by the energy source and configured to emit light along the longitudinal axis.