Variable Lane Dividing Line Control for Urban Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban tunnels face capacity issues due to increasing traffic demand and the presence of slow vehicles, which existing intelligent control systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An urban tunnel variable lane dividing line control method using infrared detection apparatuses and LED indication lights to identify slow vehicles and adjust lane markings in real time, changing the lane dividing line from solid to dashed to allow lane changes and overtaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of cars in urban tunnel exceeds the limit or very slow vehicles are present, then traffic capacity is insufficient, but increasing the number of lanes or adjusting lane configuration is needed to improve capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lane dividing line configuration changeable in real-time based on traffic conditions. The solid white line dynamically transforms into a dashed white line when slow vehicles are detected, allowing lane changes to be enabled or disabled according to actual traffic flow needs, thus optimizing tunnel capacity without permanent structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of lane marking reflectivity/visibility through the use of intelligent reflective elements that can alter their optical properties. The lane dividing line changes from a solid state (prohibiting lane changes) to a dashed state (allowing lane changes) based on detected traffic conditions, effectively changing the traffic flow parameter without physical reconstruction
2Productivity
If intelligent control systems are used to adjust lane dividing lines, then traffic efficiency is improved, but system complexity and detection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with optical detection using infrared sensors. The system detects vehicle presence and speed through infrared radiation detection, substituting mechanical measurement methods with optical field-based detection, thereby improving traffic efficiency while keeping the detection system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that receives infrared detection signals and controls the lane marking display. This intermediary layer processes detection data and triggers appropriate lane marking configurations, simplifying the overall control architecture by separating detection, processing, and execution functions
3Reliability
If lane change is prohibited to maintain safety around slow vehicles, then safety is improved, but traffic flow and capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lane change permission dynamic rather than static. The lane dividing line configuration (solid or dashed) dynamically adjusts based on real-time detection of slow vehicle presence, allowing lane changes when safe and prohibiting them when slow vehicles are detected, thus balancing safety and traffic flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tunnel into detection zones using multiple infrared sensors positioned at different locations. By dividing the tunnel space into segments with different traffic conditions, the system can apply different lane change rules to different segments, maintaining safety in areas with slow vehicles while preserving traffic flow in clear areas
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 method enhances traffic efficiency by identifying slow vehicles and adjusting lane markings, thereby minimizing their impact on tunnel capacity and improving overall traffic flow.
Implementation Method 1
a number n of infrared detection apparatuses and a lane dividing line formed by a number m of LED indication lights arranged in sequence
Data Source
AI summary
An urban tunnel variable lane dividing line control method, comprising: setting a distance between adjacent infrared detection apparatuses, and arranging a number n of infrared detection apparatuses side by side directly above the center of a lane of an urban tunnel; when a certain infrared detection apparatus in the urban tunnel detects a passing vehicle signal, extending the travelling direction, and if a number a of adjacent infrared detection apparatuses further along the travelling direction do not detect a passing vehicle signal within a time t, determining that the vehicle is a very slow vehicle, and changing a number m of LED indication lights which are fully illuminated to be illuminated at intervals. The urban tunnel variable lane dividing line control method can determine whether a very slow vehicle is present in a lane, and adjust a display state of a lane dividing line in an urban tunnel in real time, thereby increasing urban tunnel traffic efficiency, and preventing very slow vehicles from affecting urban tunnel traffic capacity.