Cuboid Stone Element with Integrated Electronic Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting vehicle presence in parking spaces lack simplicity and efficiency in data evaluation and integration with road infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A cuboid stone element with an integrated electronic assembly, including a sensor, communication, and power supply, which can be wirelessly powered and data-transmitted, allowing for detection of vehicle presence and occupancy status, and optionally guiding vehicles to reserved spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If electronic assemblies are integrated into stone elements for vehicle detection, then detection capability is improved, but protection from external influences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle detection capabilityVSAvoidexternal mechanical stress on electronic assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic assembly is nested within a recess formed in the stone element, creating a protective cavity that shields the electronics from external mechanical stress while maintaining detection functionality. The recess acts as a protective housing that integrates the electronic components within the robust stone structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If electronic assemblies are integrated into stone elements, then vehicle presence detection is improved, but ease of laying stone elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle presence detectionVSAvoidease of laying stone elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recess for the electronic assembly is pre-formed in the stone element during manufacturing, so that the electronic assembly can be easily inserted during laying without requiring complex on-site construction. The recess is prepared in advance to accommodate the electronic components, simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the top surface is made entirely of concrete material, then stability and protection are improved, but integration of electronic assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability and mechanical protectionVSAvoidintegration complexity of electronic assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stone element is segmented into different functional zones: a concrete top surface for strength and vehicular traffic, and a recess in the base body for housing the electronic assembly. This segmentation allows the top surface to maintain full concrete construction for durability while providing a dedicated space for electronic integration without compromising structural integrity.

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

Enables straightforward evaluation of sensor data, enhances vehicle detection accuracy, and provides a self-contained, line-free system for vehicle presence monitoring and guiding, blending seamlessly with road surfaces while protecting the electronic components from external stress.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor element is, in particular, a magnetic field sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar wave sensor, or a brightness sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a communication element (in particular a wireless communication element)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a radar wave sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 4

The power supply unit can be a battery, an accumulator, or a solar cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3354795B1System for detecting the presence of a vehicle on a parking spot
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 GEIGER PETER
  • EP3354795B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3354795B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The application relates to a cuboid stone element (1, 101, 201) with a drivable top surface (2, 202), a bottom surface (3, 103, 203) formed parallel to the top surface (2, 202), and side surfaces (4, 5, 6, 104), wherein an electronic assembly (7) for detecting the presence of a vehicle is integrated into the stone element (1, 101, 201), a set of stone elements comprising at least one stone element (1, 101, 201) with a cuboid outer shape and a plurality of further stone elements (21) with identical outer shape, and a system (20) for detecting the presence of a vehicle in a vehicle parking space (A, B, C, D, E), comprising at least one stone element (1, 101, 201) as described and a central unit (22) configured to transmit electronic data wirelessly from the electronic assembly. (7) to receive.