Self-Propelled Warning Device Driving Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rear-end collisions often occur due to inadequate advance warning after a vehicle accident or breakdown, particularly because traditional warning devices are not self-propelled, leading to safety risks for workers placing them and insufficient response time for following vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled warning device equipped with a driving mechanism, including a motor, transmitting shaft, and rollers, which allows the device to be remotely controlled and positioned automatically to alert following vehicles of an accident or breakdown, thereby enhancing safety and response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a warning device is manually placed, then the device can be positioned to warn vehicles, but the safety of workers placing the device is threatened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safetyVSAvoidmanual placement requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The warning device is equipped with a driving mechanism including a motor, transmitting shaft, and rollers that enable it to move and position itself automatically without requiring manual placement by workers, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with manual deployment while maintaining the ability to reach required warning distances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The warning device transitions from a static manually-placed object to a dynamic self-propelled system that can autonomously navigate to optimal positioning locations, allowing the device to adapt its position based on road conditions and accident scenarios while eliminating worker exposure to traffic hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If traditional warning devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the response time for following vehicles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-propelled warning device can autonomously position itself at optimal warning distances (100-250 meters ahead of accidents) before vehicles approach, ensuring that following vehicles receive advance warning with sufficient response time. The device proactively seeks optimal positions rather than passively waiting to be placed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual placement system with an automated electromechanical system that uses motors, transmitting shafts, and rollers to achieve self-propulsion, thereby extending response time without significantly increasing overall system complexity through the use of standard actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If the warning device is placed closer to the accident scene, then the warning is more visible, but the safety risk to workers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The self-propelled warning device acts as an intermediary that autonomously positions itself at safe distances (100-250 meters) from accident scenes, eliminating the need for workers to physically place the device near hazardous areas. The device mediates between the need for visible warning and worker safety by independently achieving optimal positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The warning device is segmented into functional modules including a driving mechanism (motor, transmitting shaft, rollers) and a warning sign mounting system, allowing the device to autonomously perform the positioning function that previously required human intervention, thereby separating the worker from the hazardous environment while maintaining warning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 self-propelled warning device effectively warns vehicles of potential hazards at a safe distance, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions and ensuring worker safety by providing timely and automated alerts.

Implementation Method 1

a driving mechanism (103), wherein the driving mechanism (103) comprises a driving motor (210), a transmitting shaft (220) and rollers (230, 240)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a transmitting shaft (220) and rollers (230, 240). The rollers (230, 240) are rotatably connected to each other and to the transmitting shaft (220)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3416157B1Self-propelled warning device
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • EP3416157B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3416157B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3416157B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A self-propelled warning device (100) used for road safety includes a bracket (101), a warning sign (102) mounted to an upper side of the bracket (101), and at least one driving mechanism (103). The driving mechanism (103) includes a supporting leg, a driving unit, and a wheel (30). The supporting leg includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion defines an accommodating space. The driving unit is accommodated in the accommodating space. The wheel (30) is mounted on the receiving portion and is drivingly connected to the driving unit. The wheel (30) is driven by friction of the driving unit. The driving mechanism is also disclosed.