Self-Righting Electronic Safety Marker for Accident Scene Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety marker systems for accident scenes require manual actuation and deployment, exposing emergency responders to risk of physical injury from oncoming vehicles, and lack effective mechanisms for automatic deployment and enhanced visibility.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lighted safety marker system with a self-righting base, low-impact sensor switch for automatic deployment, high-impact sensor for reckless motorist detection, GPS transmitter for location tracking, and feedback radar signal for warning oncoming vehicles, allowing for remote deployment and enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual actuation and deployment of safety markers is used, then the markers can be deployed, but emergency responders are exposed to risk of physical injury from oncoming vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The safety marker system automatically deploys itself when activated. The electronic flare extends from a compact housing and positions itself on the roadway without requiring emergency responders to manually place it, thereby eliminating exposure to oncoming traffic while maintaining deployment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical deployment system with an electronically controlled extension mechanism. The electronic flare uses an extendable arm or housing mechanism that can be actuated remotely or automatically, substituting human physical action with an automated mechanical system
2Illumination intensity
If traditional orange cones or pylons are used, then they are portable and visible during daytime, but they are largely invisible at night and can easily be blown or knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flare incorporates bright LED lights that emit intense illumination visible during both daytime and nighttime conditions. The light source transforms the marker from a passive reflective object to an active light-emitting device, ensuring high visibility regardless of ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic flare housing contains a weighted base or counterweight mechanism that provides stability and prevents the device from being easily blown over or knocked down by passing vehicles, while still allowing it to be positioned on the roadway surface
3Duration of action of stationary object
If chemical-burning phosphorescent flares are used, then they provide visible warning at night, but they burn for relatively short time periods requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flare uses rechargeable battery packs that can be quickly recharged or replaced. The modular design allows the light source and power supply to be separated and rapidly swapped, enabling continuous operation without lengthy replacement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic flare system maintains continuous operation through rechargeable batteries that can be recharged during the incident response period. The device remains deployed and functional throughout the entire incident duration, eliminating the need for removal and replacement of markers
4Reliability
If electronic flares with LED lights are used, then they can be placed on the ground as a marker, but they require manual actuation and deployment which can be dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flare system can be activated automatically upon detection of an incident or through remote actuation by emergency responders from a safe distance. The device self-deploys by extending its housing or arm to position the light source on the roadway, eliminating the need for responders to approach traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an extendable housing or arm as an intermediary mechanism between the activation trigger and the light source deployment. This intermediate structure allows the light to be positioned in the dangerous zone without requiring human presence in that zone during activation
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 system enables safe and remote deployment of safety markers, providing adequate warning to motorists and responders of potential hazards, reducing the risk of injury to responders and enhancing accident scene safety through automatic activation and enhanced visibility features.
Implementation Method 1
plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) lights positioned around the circumference of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a reflector that disperses light radially
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lighted safety marker system used by emergency responders to warn motorists of the presence of an accident scene ahead on or beside the roadway is provided by the invention. Such safety marker can be deployed individually or in groups by the emergency responder along the perimeter of the accident scene and ideally ahead of it along the roadway to provide adequate warning to approaching motorists to avoid the accident scene. The safety marker contains a power source, a light panel, a protective shield for the light panel, and electronic circuitry for controlling the operation of the lights in a predetermined frequency or pattern, and may be automatically actuated and self-righting when it is dropped onto the ground or other hard surface. The safety marker further includes a transmitter for sending a signal to a receiver. Upon impact with the safety marker, the signal ceases and the receiver, equipped with an alarm, triggers either or both of an audible or visual signal. The safety marker can also contain an incursion warning system against incoming vehicles, an early warning radar transponder for sending a warning message to such incoming vehicles, a GPS location detector and transmitter for providing the location of the safety marker and its associated accident scene to a central dispatcher, and a gunshot sensor for detecting the occurrence of gunfire around the accident scene and its location to provide that information to the central dispatcher.