Stacked Traffic Light Visibility for Obstructed Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic signals, especially those mounted above intersections on poles or wires, can be difficult for drivers to see, particularly when approaching behind large or tall vehicles, leading to potential collisions due to obstructed views.
Innovation Solution
A traffic signaling apparatus comprising a first and second traffic light structure, where the second structure is attached to a horizontal cable or mast arm, and the first structure is attached to the second by a pole, allowing for a stacked configuration with the first structure at least three feet above the second, enabling simultaneous display of the same traffic signals to improve visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traffic lights are mounted above the intersection on a pole or wire, then the traffic signals can be displayed at a higher position, but the visibility of the traffic signals is reduced for drivers approaching behind large or tall vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a vertical stacking arrangement where a first traffic light structure is positioned above a second traffic light structure. This creates multiple vertical levels (dimensions) for signal display, allowing drivers whose view of lower signals is obstructed by tall vehicles to see the higher signals, while maintaining the beneficial elevated position for overall traffic management.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a stacked configuration with multiple traffic light structures is implemented, then the visibility of traffic signals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic signaling system into multiple independent traffic light structures (first and second structures) that can be vertically stacked. Each structure can be independently installed, maintained, and adjusted, allowing the system to achieve improved visibility through vertical distribution while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked traffic light structures are designed to display the same traffic signals simultaneously, making each structure multi-functional. This universality allows the system to improve visibility without requiring complex differentiating controls or multiple specialized signal types, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the visibility improvement goal.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, traffic signaling apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a traffic signaling apparatus described herein comprises a first traffic light structure and a second traffic light structure. The second traffic light structure is operable to display a plurality of traffic signals, such as a red traffic signal and a green traffic signal. Further, the second traffic light structure is attached to a horizontal or substantially horizontal cable or to a horizontal or substantially horizontal mast arm. Moreover, the first traffic light structure is attached to the second traffic light structure or to the mast arm by a pole. Additionally, in some cases, the first traffic light structure is disposed at least three feet above the second traffic light structure. The first traffic light structure can also be substantially horizontally aligned with the second traffic light structure.