Rotating Holder for Traffic Signal Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic signaling systems require complete shutdown and lengthy repair times due to the need to open the entire housing for module replacements, leading to traffic disruptions and potential light signal obscuration during maintenance, even with redundant systems.

Innovation Solution

A housing with a rotatably mounted holder containing multiple slots allows for module exchange without shutting down the system, using a side opening that can be aligned with slots by rotating the holder, enabling quick and dustproof/watertight replacement without dismantling the housing, and utilizing latching means for secure assembly positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the entire housing is opened for module replacement, then the defective element can be accessed and replaced, but the system must be shut down and road traffic is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule accessibilityVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into a main body and a removable cover that can be opened independently. This allows access to the holder and slots without opening the entire housing, enabling module replacement while keeping the system operational and avoiding traffic impairment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The defective module is extracted from the holder through the opened cover without requiring removal of the entire housing. This extraction process allows replacement of individual modules while maintaining system availability and avoiding complete shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the housing is opened for module replacement, then the module can be accessed, but the light signal is obscured and road traffic is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule accessibilityVSAvoidlight signal obscuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into sections with a removable cover that provides access to specific slots. This segmentation allows opening only the necessary portion of the housing, keeping the light signal visible and avoiding road traffic impairment while maintaining module accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple slots are provided for redundant modules, then fault tolerance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidholder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a universal structure with multiple identical slots that can accommodate different types of modules (light sources, electronics, sensors). This multi-functional design provides fault tolerance through redundancy while avoiding excessive complexity by using a standardized, repeatable slot configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3701511B1Device for receiving electronic assemblies
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 MSW VERKEHRSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3701511B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for receiving assemblies, comprising a housing with at least one opening and a mounting which is arranged in the housing and is rotatably mounted. The mounting has at least two insertion slots for at least one respective assembly, and the insertion slots can be aligned with the opening by rotating the mounting in order to remove or add an assembly. The invention additionally relates to a signaling system which comprises the device.