Toll Collection Emissions Detection via Exhaust Plume Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Toll Collection systems do not conveniently integrate exhaust emissions testing, which is essential for environmental compliance, as they primarily focus on toll fee collection without incorporating emissions analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines toll collection with exhaust emissions testing by using RFID sensors to query vehicle information, deploying emissions detectors to capture and analyze exhaust plumes for CO, CO2, HC, and NOx during vehicle passage, and comparing the data to set standards, notifying authorities if emissions standards are not met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If emissions testing is integrated into toll collection systems, then convenience for motorists is improved and separate testing procedures are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines emissions testing functionality with existing toll collection infrastructure. The emissions detector is integrated into the toll booth system, allowing both toll collection and emissions testing to occur simultaneously at the same location, thereby improving convenience for motorists while utilizing existing system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The toll collection system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: collecting toll fees, detecting emissions, and providing information to authorities. The system uses the existing toll booth infrastructure to serve dual purposes, making the system more versatile without requiring completely separate testing facilities.
2Reliability
If emissions detectors are deployed at toll collection structures, then emissions compliance monitoring is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emissions detection system is merged with the toll collection infrastructure, utilizing existing toll booth locations and processing systems. This integration allows the system to monitor emissions compliance at critical points without requiring completely separate, dedicated testing facilities, thereby controlling costs while maintaining monitoring effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects emissions, processes the data, and notifies authorities without requiring manual intervention. The automated detection and processing reduces operational costs and increases efficiency compared to manual testing procedures.
3Ease of operation
If automatic emissions detection during toll collection is implemented, then testing accessibility for motorists is improved, but the precision of emissions measurement may be affected by vehicle speed and plume dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The system accounts for vehicle speed and plume dispersion dynamics when measuring emissions. The detector captures emissions data while the vehicle moves through the toll booth, and the system processes this dynamic data to determine emissions levels, adjusting for the effects of motion and plume spread to maintain measurement accuracy.
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
This integrated system enables convenient and efficient emissions testing during toll collection, ensuring vehicles meet environmental standards and reducing the need for separate testing procedures, thereby enhancing compliance and reducing pollution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one emissions detector for analyzing an exhaust plume of the vehicle for carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), and/or (NOx)
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a system and method for testing a motorized vehicle's exhaust emissions in a non-controlled emissions testing environment. In one embodiment, the present system comprises a toll collection structure having a sensor for obtaining information about a registered owner of a motor vehicle and about the motor vehicle itself, as the vehicle travels on a lane which passes through the structure. At least one emissions detector, which is fixed to the toll collection structure, performs an emissions test on the vehicle by analyzing an exhaust plume emitted by the vehicle. Speed/acceleration of the vehicle is also measured. In various embodiments hereof, the emissions detector comprises a combination of dispersive or non-dispersive infrared detector and a dispersive or non-dispersive ultraviolet detector. Emissions data collected is automatically compared to emissions standards and an authority is notified if that the vehicle does not meet those standards. Various embodiments are disclosed.