Road Stud Control Apparatus for Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional road studs face issues with unnecessary battery power consumption due to unsuitable flickering operations and integrated battery-light emitting member configurations, leading to reduced stability and lifespan, especially when different types are installed for various locations with distinct illumination requirements.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that identifies the type of road stud and adjusts its flickering mode accordingly, using a watchdog and sleep mode to conserve power by interrupting power supply based on peripheral illumination levels, and incorporates an overturning detecting sensor to prevent power consumption during transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the battery and light emitting member are integrated by molding in the state where they are electrically connected, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the battery power is unnecessarily wasted during transport and long-term storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated structure into separable components: the battery and light emitting member are molded together but designed with a separable connection mechanism. This allows the components to function as a unified structure during manufacturing while enabling separation during storage and transport to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary protective action by designing a connection structure that can be activated or deactivated based on operational status. The battery connection to the light emitting member can be established before installation and maintained only when needed, preventing power waste during storage while simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If the road stud performs a flickering operation of a road stud type unsuitable for the installation place, then the control system is simple, but the battery power is unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the road stud automatically detects its installation environment (tunnel vs. pavement) and autonomously adjusts its flickering operation mode accordingly. This eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while preventing unnecessary power consumption by matching the operation type to the installation location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an environmental detection mechanism that provides feedback to the control system. The detector identifies installation conditions and feeds this information back to adjust the flickering operation, enabling energy-efficient operation without requiring complex pre-programming or manual setup.
3Illumination intensity
If different types of road studs are installed for each installation place, then the visibility is optimized for specific locations, but a control apparatus for controlling the flickering operation should be separately manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal control apparatus that can perform multiple functions by automatically adapting to different installation environments. A single control unit can manage both tunnel stud and pavement stud operations by detecting the installation type, eliminating the need to manufacture separate control apparatus for different locations while maintaining optimized visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can change its operation mode based on detected environmental conditions. The control apparatus transitions between different flickering patterns (tunnel type or pavement type) depending on the installation location, providing location-optimized visibility without requiring multiple static control unit designs.
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 effectively prolongs the light-emitting life of road studs by ensuring power is only used when necessary, matching the flickering operation to the specific installation environment, thus enhancing visibility and safety while reducing battery drain.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates an overturning detecting sensor to prevent power consumption during transport and storage
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting member configured to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for controlling an operation of a road stud. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit of the road stud, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the light emitting unit, an illumination sensor unit configured to apply a voltage corresponding to a peripheral illumination of the road stud, a reference-voltage generating unit configured to apply a reference voltage corresponding to a reference illumination of the road stud, a light emitting control unit configured to interrupt supply of power to the light emitting unit when the peripheral illumination of the road stud is equal to or more than the reference illumination, and configured to allow the supply of the power to the light emitting unit only when the peripheral illumination of the road stud is less than the reference illumination, and a road stud type-identification unit.