Road Sensor Assembly Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road sensors for measuring slipperiness and temperature require frequent maintenance, causing traffic disruptions due to the need for road closures and vulnerable wiring installations, and are susceptible to defects from traffic impacts.
Innovation Solution
A road sensor assembly with a solid dielectric disc housing a metal outer and inner sleeve, a printed circuit board, antenna, and battery, which is wireless and encased in a dielectric material, allowing for wireless data transmission and reduced exposure to environmental and mechanical stress, thus simplifying installation and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are installed in the road with wired connections, then data transmission reliability is improved, but installation complexity and traffic disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The sensor node transmits measurement data (electrical conductivity, temperature) wirelessly to a base station, eliminating the need for physical cable installation through the road structure. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining data transmission functionality while dramatically simplifying installation procedures and reducing traffic disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electronic components (sensor elements, signal processing circuits, power management) from the traditional wired sensor system and integrates them into a self-contained wireless sensor node embedded in the road. By taking out the wiring infrastructure and replacing it with wireless communication capabilities, the system achieves both reliability through integrated design and reduced installation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed near the road surface, then measurement accuracy is improved, but susceptibility to traffic impact and defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the temperature sensor and other measurement elements within a protective housing that is integrated into the road structure. The sensor is nested within multiple protective layers: the housing encapsulation, the road material itself, and positioning structures that maintain optimal measurement depth. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to remain close to the road surface for accurate measurement while being protected from direct traffic impact and environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides protective cushioning for the temperature sensor by embedding it at an optimized depth within the road structure and surrounding it with protective materials. This beforehand protection cushions the sensor against thermal shocks, mechanical impacts from traffic, and environmental factors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper positioning.
3Reliability
If grooves are milled into the road for wire installation, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but road closure requirements and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical groove-milling and cable-laying process with a wireless communication system. The sensor node transmits data electromagnetically to the base station, eliminating the need to mill grooves and install physical wiring. This substitution dramatically reduces installation time and eliminates road closure requirements while maintaining reliable data transmission through wireless protocols.
4Ease of manufacture
If sensors are exposed on the road surface, then installation simplicity is improved, but vulnerability to mechanical damage and environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor element, protective housing, and embedding structure into a single integrated sensor node unit. This combined design allows the sensor to be installed as one component within the road structure, maintaining installation simplicity while providing inherent protection against mechanical damage and environmental factors through the integrated housing and embedding approach.
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 a more autonomous and durable sensor system that can be installed with minimal traffic disruption, reduces the risk of defects, and enhances data transmission efficiency while protecting components from environmental and mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna which is enclosed in the dielectric and is electrically connected to the electronic components and is configured to transmit data wirelessly
Implementation Method 2
The sensor assembly according to the invention is enclosed in a dielectric and at least one of the sleeves is embedded in the dielectric
Implementation Method 3
electronic components which are enclosed in the dielectric and are electrically connected to the inner and outer sleeves and are configured to determine the electrical conductivity of the top layer
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention relates to a road sensor-assembly for performing measurements on the surface of a road. The assembly consists of a disc from a dielectric of solid material surrounded by a metal outer sleeve which comprises an inner sleeve concentrically therein. On the top side of the disc, between the inner sleeve and outer sleeve, there is an annular top layer with a road-like structure. The dielectric contains a printed circuit board with electronic components which are connected to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and are configured to measure the electrical conductivity of the top layer. The dielectric furthermore contains a battery for supplying the printed circuit board with power and an antenna for transmitting a signal containing information about the measured electrical conductivity. In addition, the dielectric may contain a temperature sensor. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing such an assembly.