Remote Mobile Traffic Control Apparatus for Moving Work Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic control methods in construction zones and moving work zones rely heavily on human flag persons, who face safety risks due to exposure to fast-moving traffic, and existing automated solutions are limited in their ability to move within work zones without disassembly, necessitating human intervention and disrupting operations.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled mobile traffic control apparatus with a locomotion system, traffic control indicators, and barrier arms that can be rotated and moved to adjust traffic indications and obstruct paths, allowing for safe and efficient operation in both static and moving work zones without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human flag persons are used to control traffic in construction zones, then traffic control can be provided, but safety risks increase due to exposure to fast-moving traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the human operator from the hazardous traffic control environment by implementing a remote-controlled traffic control apparatus. The device can be operated from a safe distance using wireless remote control, eliminating the need for human flag persons to stand in fast-moving traffic while maintaining effective traffic control through automated signal display and barrier arm operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human-operated flagging system with an automated remote-controlled system. The traffic control apparatus uses electric motors to rotate the traffic control indicator and deploy barrier arms, substituting human physical actions with automated mechanical systems that can be controlled remotely, thereby eliminating exposure to traffic hazards.
2Reliability
If stationary traffic control apparatus are used in work zones, then traffic control is provided, but the apparatus cannot move with the work zone without disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary traffic control apparatus into a mobile platform that can move within the work zone. The device is mounted on a vehicle or mobile base with locomotion capabilities, allowing it to dynamically reposition itself to different locations within the work zone without requiring disassembly and reassembly, thereby maintaining both stability during operation and adaptability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal traffic control system that combines both stationary traffic control functionality and mobile capabilities in a single apparatus. The mobile platform can serve multiple functions: providing stable traffic control when positioned and moving to different locations as needed, eliminating the need for separate stationary and mobile systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the traffic control apparatus needs to be moved to a new location, then it can adapt to changing work zone positions, but it requires disassembly, moving, and reactivation which disrupts operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform enables the traffic control apparatus to dynamically reposition itself by driving to new locations while remaining assembled and operational. The system can move to different work zone positions without disassembly, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous traffic control capability throughout the relocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous traffic control functionality during relocation by using a mobile platform that can move the apparatus to new positions while maintaining its operational state. The system remains assembled and functional throughout the movement process, eliminating interruptions and downtime associated with disassembly and reassembly.
4Device complexity
If the traffic control indicator is fixed in one position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adjust to face different traffic directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable traffic control indicator mounted on the mobile platform that can dynamically adjust its facing direction. The indicator can rotate to face different traffic directions as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure through the use of a single rotational mechanism rather than multiple fixed indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote controlled mobile traffic control system which can be used in the place of a human flag person. A mobile platform with an adjustable traffic control indicator thereon is controlled by a remote control. The operator can move the platform and change the indication of the traffic control apparatus from a safe distance. The apparatus permits “flagging” of traffic in a moving traffic control zone arrangement, and operational safety is maximized. A traffic barrier arm is movable between deployed and retracted positions obstructing the path of oncoming traffic, for example by a remote controlled actuator or by remote controlled turning of the platform. A remote alarm unit accompanies to the work crew to alarm them of traffic entering the work zone without authorization or at unsafe speed. The apparatus can travel with a moving or changing work zone, either by human remote control or autonomous “follow me” functionality.