Portable Rumble Strip Retrieval Winch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable rumble strips are heavy and require multiple sections to span a lane, making them difficult for one person to lift and retrieve from roadways without assistance, posing a safety risk due to prolonged exposure to traffic.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval system featuring a winch mountable on a rumble strip carrier with a hook that engages the rumble strip, allowing it to be pulled into the carrier using a motor-driven lead, facilitating easy transportation and storage by minimizing manual effort and exposure to traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If portable rumble strips are made heavy to provide stability and effectiveness on roadway, then they can withstand traffic loads and provide adequate warning, but they become difficult for one person to lift and retrieve without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
A winch system acts as an intermediary mechanical device between the heavy rumble strip and the operator. The winch, mounted on the carrier vehicle, uses a drum and cable mechanism to mechanically lift and retrieve the rumble strip sections, eliminating the need for manual lifting while maintaining the rumble strip's weight for stability during deployment
2Length of moving object
If multiple sections are used to span a lane of traffic, then adequate coverage and warning are provided, but the complexity of deployment and retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rumble strip system is divided into multiple modular sections that can be individually deployed and retrieved. Each section is designed to be a separate unit that connects to adjacent sections during deployment but can be independently handled by the winch system, simplifying the overall deployment process while achieving full lane coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier vehicle serves multiple functions: it transports the rumble strip sections, mounts the winch system for deployment and retrieval, and provides a base for the entire operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and simplifies the overall system complexity
3Productivity
If workers manually handle heavy rumble strips on active roadway, then deployment and retrieval can be performed, but worker exposure to traffic increases creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical system of workers physically handling and positioning rumble strips is replaced with an automated winch system mounted on the carrier vehicle. The winch automatically retrieves the rumble strip sections by winding the cable onto the drum, eliminating the need for workers to be on the roadway during retrieval operations while maintaining efficient deployment speed
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
Enables a single person to efficiently retrieve and store a 110 lb. rumble strip in approximately ten seconds with reduced manual exertion and minimized worker exposure to traffic, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a winch including a motor, a rotatable drum connected to the motor
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the drum winds the lead about the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A system for retrieving a portable rumble strip from a roadway includes a carrier mountable to a vehicle for transporting retrieved portable rumble strips and a winch mountable to the carrier. The carrier has a support surface configured to support a rumble strip. And the winch includes a rotatable drum and a lead with a major dimension being a length dimension. A proximal end of the lead is connected to the drum such that rotation of the drum winds the lead about the drum. A hook is connected to a distal end of the lead opposite the proximal end. The hook is configured to engage and hold a portable rumble strip as the drum rotates to draw the lead and the hook to the winch, thereby drawing the engaged portable rumble strip into the carrier.