Traffic Signal Position Detection System for Skew Conflict Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic signal malfunctions due to external forces like earthquakes and high winds can cause signal lights to become misaligned, leading to dangerous conflicts where one direction receives a green light while another direction has a red light, posing risks to drivers and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A traffic signal position detection system with fixed and movable sensor portions that interact to detect misalignment, triggering conflict management by altering electrical signals to a control cabinet, which can initiate warnings and communicate with command and control facilities, using various embodiments such as reed switches, conductive links, optical sensors, and spring-loaded switches to indicate conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic signal lights are mounted in fixed positions, then signal stability is maintained, but the system cannot detect misalignment caused by external forces like earthquakes or high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor portions as intermediary elements between the fixed mount and the movable signal head. These sensors detect relative movement between the two components, enabling misalignment detection without compromising the fixed mounting structure. The sensor acts as a mediator that translates physical displacement into detectable electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment verification methods with electronic sensor-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical fixtures or visual inspection, the system uses electrical sensors to automatically detect misalignment, providing continuous monitoring without adding mechanical complexity to the mounting structure.
2Measurement precision
If sensor portions are added to detect misalignment, then conflict detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into separate sensor portions: a first sensor portion attached to the fixed mount and a second sensor portion attached to the movable signal head. This segmentation allows each sensor to remain simple in structure while collectively providing comprehensive misalignment detection. The segmented approach simplifies individual component design compared to a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically detects and reports misalignment conditions without requiring external intervention or complex processing. The relative movement between sensor portions directly generates detectable electrical signal changes, enabling the system to self-monitor and self-report conflicts without additional complexity in signal processing or control logic.
3Reliability
If automatic conflict detection is implemented, then safety is improved by reducing accidents, but the system requires additional components that increase manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety systems with simpler electronic sensor components. Instead of using mechanical interlocks or physical safety mechanisms, the system uses electrical sensors to detect misalignment and trigger safety responses, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining or improving safety effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides automatic conflict detection and reporting without requiring additional manual safety systems. By leveraging the existing electrical infrastructure of traffic signals, the patent enables safety functionality through simple sensor additions rather than requiring complex additional safety mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
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
Automatically senses and manages traffic signal conflicts, ensuring safety by terminating normal traffic signals and initiating warnings like flashing red lights, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by misaligned signals.
Implementation Method 1
a combination reed switch and magnet allow current to flow to the control cabinet if and only if there is no traffic signal conflict
Implementation Method 2
a combination optical sensor disposed over an alternating pattern of black and white squares generates an alternating on/off signal during movement of a signal head during a conflict occurrence
Data Source
AI summary
Traffic signals can become skewed due to car crashes, severe winds, vandalism, earthquakes and other man-made or natural phenomena. Severe skewing is termed a “conflict.” An advantageous position detection mechanism is configured to mount inside a traffic light signal head. If signal head movement is outside of predefined limits, an electrical signal is generated indicating a conflict, i.e. traffic signal skewing so severe that drivers and pedestrians are endangered. Normal operation of the intersection is terminated and automatic communications to an appropriate command and control facility are made. For example, a conflict may cause the traffic signal to generate a flashing red light until the traffic signal is repaired.