2-Axis Sensor Bracket Assembly for Remote Reader Realignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic monitoring readers on roads often become misaligned due to weather and other factors, leading to inaccurate data collection, revenue loss, increased labor costs, and safety risks, as manual realignment requires shutting down lanes and exposing workers to traffic.
Innovation Solution
A 2-axis bracket assembly with smart linear actuators and a remote smart controller allows for precise positioning of sensors and antennas, enabling remote operation and adjustment, reducing the need for on-site labor and minimizing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual realignment is performed using a bucket truck and crew, then the reader can be realigned to correct misalignment, but worker safety risks increase and traffic lanes must be closed causing backups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical realignment operations with an automated motorized system. The bracket assembly includes a motorized actuator that can remotely adjust the reader's position and orientation without requiring workers to physically access the elevated mounting location, thereby eliminating worker safety risks while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service realignment capability where the reader mounting bracket can be remotely repositioned and realigned without external human intervention at the site. The motorized actuator allows the bracket to autonomously adjust its position based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention and associated safety hazards.
2Reliability
If manual realignment with bucket truck is used, then misalignment can be corrected, but labor costs and equipment expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive manual realignment operations requiring bucket trucks and multiple workers with an automated motorized system. The bracket assembly includes a motorized actuator that can perform realignment remotely, significantly reducing labor costs and equipment expenses while maintaining the ability to correct misalignment accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the realignment capability from the manual operation domain and integrates it directly into the mounting bracket system itself. By embedding the motorized actuator within the bracket assembly, the system eliminates the need for external bucket truck operations and reduces dependence on external maintenance resources.
3Reliability
If manual realignment is performed, then reader alignment can be restored, but revenue loss occurs due to lane closure and traffic backup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual realignment operations that require lane closures with an automated remote system. The motorized actuator can adjust the reader's position without requiring workers to be positioned in the roadway or for lanes to be closed, thereby maintaining both data collection accuracy and roadway throughput simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary positioning and alignment adjustments to be made remotely before any potential roadway intervention would be needed. The motorized actuator can proactively maintain proper reader alignment, preventing misalignment-related revenue loss before it occurs.
4Ease of operation
If motorized bracket assembly is used, then remote realignment is enabled reducing safety risks, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the bracket assembly to justify the increased complexity. The motorized actuator serves multiple purposes: it can adjust the bracket's position, maintain alignment, enable remote operation, and potentially compensate for environmental factors like wind and weather. This multi-functionality balances the added device complexity by providing comprehensive operational capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A 2-axis bracket assembly with smart linear actuators forms a mount for one or more sensors, and is controllable via a remote smart controller for the actuators, which may in turn be controlled by a remote PC and may control multiple 2-axis bracket assemblies. A two-axis gimballed support is mounted to an elevated structure, and a sensor is fixed thereto. The gimballed support includes a gimbal assembly, and a bracket to mount the assembly on a pole, a bracket assembly to hold the sensor. The gimbal assembly connects the pole bracket to the sensor bracket, permitting two-axis motion therebetween. Two smart linear actuators, one connecting the pole bracket to the gimbal assembly, and one connecting the sensor bracket to the gimbal assembly control the position of the sensor bracket and the sensor.