Roadside Vehicle Height Sensing for Real-Time Overhead Clearance Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle clearance alert systems require installation on vehicles or rely on user memorization to determine if a vehicle's height is above or below an overhead obstruction's clearance height, lacking real-time feedback and universality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising poles positioned on opposite shoulders of a roadway, measuring vehicle height and communicating with a display panel attached to an overhead obstruction, providing positive or negative indicia based on clearance height comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle-mounted measurement systems are installed, then vehicle height can be measured accurately, but system cost and complexity increase for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of poles with sensors positioned on the roadway that indirectly measures vehicle height by detecting when the vehicle passes between them. This mediator system eliminates the need for vehicle-mounted sensors while still providing accurate height measurement data to the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system serves itself by using the vehicle's own passage through the measurement zone as the measurement mechanism. The vehicle doesn't need any special equipment; its normal traversal of the area between poles triggers the measurement, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating vehicle installation requirements.
2Ease of operation
If overhead obstruction-mounted systems are used, then no vehicle installation is needed, but the system relies on user memorization of vehicle height
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying a green indicator when the measured vehicle height is less than the clearance height and a red indicator when it exceeds the clearance height. This immediate visual feedback eliminates the need for user memorization or calculation, providing intuitive guidance on whether the vehicle can safely pass under the obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the height measurement and comparison calculation before the vehicle reaches the overhead obstruction, allowing the driver to see the result indicator in advance and make informed decisions about whether to proceed, stop, or lower the vehicle.
3Reliability
If real-time measurement and display systems are implemented, then safety is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent, simple components: measurement poles with sensors, a clearance height input mechanism, and a display panel. Each component performs a single function and can be implemented using off-the-shelf materials and technologies, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement poles can be constructed from inexpensive materials such as PVC pipes or wooden posts with attached sensors. These simple structures are easy to install and replace if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that doesn't require expensive vehicle-mounted or professionally installed infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle height sensing system for determining and indicating to a user whether a vehicle height exceeds a clearance height of an overhead obstruction includes a display panel is configured to be visible from a vehicle when the vehicle is driving toward the overhead obstruction. A measurement device is in communication with and operationally coupled to the display panel. The measurement device measures the vehicle height and communicates the vehicle height to the display panel. The measurement device includes a pair of poles that are positioned on opposite shoulders of a roadway and are aligned with each other across the roadway. Each of the pair of poles is in communication with the other to determine the vehicle height. The display panel provides a positive indicium when the vehicle height is less than the clearance height and a negative indicium when the vehicle height is greater than the clearance height.