Remote Traffic Gate Control via Wireless Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling railway crossing gates and associated signal lights require manual intervention, exposing personnel to environmental hazards and safety risks due to the need for physical access to control systems, especially during maintenance and operational updates.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote control system that allows personnel to operate and maintain traffic gates, including setting operational characteristics of lighting and sensing gate positions, using a portable device that communicates with an electronic circuit mounted on the gate, reducing the need for physical proximity and minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual physical access to control systems is used, then operational control is achieved, but personnel safety deteriorates due to exposure to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with control systems by portable electronic devices. Personnel can operate traffic gates, adjust signal lights, and monitor gate positions remotely using wireless communication technology, eliminating the need for physical proximity to hazardous locations while maintaining full operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable electronic devices as intermediaries between personnel and the traffic gate control systems. These devices serve as mediators that transmit control commands and receive status information wirelessly, allowing personnel to interact with the system from safe distances without direct physical contact with hazardous components.
2Ease of operation
If physical proximity to control systems is required, then direct control is achieved, but exposure to environmental hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical presence at the control location with wireless electronic communication. Portable devices enable personnel to exercise direct control over traffic gate operations, signal light configurations, and gate position monitoring from remote locations, completely eliminating exposure to environmental hazards such as snow, ice, and proximity to operating rail lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function from the physical location of the traffic gate. By dividing the control system into remote portable devices and gate-mounted components that communicate wirelessly, personnel can perform control operations without being physically present at the hazardous gate location, effectively separating the operator from the harmful environment.
3Reliability
If remote wireless control is implemented, then personnel safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where portable electronic devices automatically establish wireless connections with traffic gate control systems and perform operations without requiring complex setup or configuration. The system handles connection management, data transmission, and control execution autonomously, minimizing the complexity burden on users while maintaining enhanced safety benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed including a system that can include a traffic gate, an electronic circuit and a portable controller. The traffic gate can have an arm. The electronic circuit can have a controller, a first communication module, and one or more light sources configured to mount to the arm or other portions of the traffic gate. The controller can be configured to control the electronic circuit to selectively operate the one or light sources as desired. The portable controller can have a second communication module configured to communicate with the first communication module to actuate the controller to control of the electronic circuit.