Vehicular Incursion Alert System Using Distributed Sensor Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for alerting personnel in work zones about potential vehicular incursions are often expensive, cumbersome, prone to false triggers, and ineffective in noisy or chaotic environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular incursion alert system comprising incursion sensing devices positioned near protected areas, which detect vehicular incursions and transmit a signal to a vehicle receiver/interface device, triggering audible or visual alarms in the vehicle and optionally remote alarm devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar or Lidar systems are used to detect vehicular incursions, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and power consumption increases requiring mounting on trailers or large stationary objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple simple sensor nodes distributed around the work zone perimeter. Each node independently detects incursions using basic sensors (accelerometers, impact sensors, optical sensors) rather than one complex centralized system. This segmentation reduces individual component complexity while maintaining overall detection reliability through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical systems (radar, Lidar) with simpler electronic sensors that detect vehicle incursions through acceleration, impact, or optical interruption. This substitution uses basic electronic sensing principles rather than complex electromagnetic wave systems, reducing device complexity and power requirements while maintaining detection effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If temporary protective barriers are placed around work zones, then physical protection is improved, but deployment becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with an electronic sensing and alerting system. Instead of using heavy concrete or steel barriers that are cumbersome to deploy, the system uses lightweight sensor nodes that detect incursions and trigger alarms in vehicles, providing protection through awareness rather than physical obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alerting system that mediates between the work zone and approaching vehicles. Rather than directly blocking vehicles with physical barriers, the system uses sensors and vehicle-mounted alarms as intermediaries to communicate incursion risks, allowing vehicles to self-regulate their behavior without physical obstruction.
3Reliability
If traditional alarm devices (horn or vibration) are worn by workers, then alert capability is improved, but effectiveness decreases in noisy environments or when workers use power tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional alerting approach by not alerting the worker directly, but rather alerting the vehicle driver through the vehicle's existing alarm systems. This reversal shifts the alert function from the worker's personal devices to the vehicle's built-in horns, lights, and sirens, which are already designed to be effective in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vehicle's alarm system as an intermediary to deliver alerts. Instead of relying on worker-worn devices that may be ineffective, the system triggers the vehicle's own horn, lights, and siren systems to alert the driver, leveraging existing high-effectiveness alert mechanisms already present in vehicles.
4Reliability
If radar or Lidar systems are mounted on trailers or large stationary objects, then detection range is improved, but adaptability decreases when work zones need to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent, portable sensor nodes that can be easily positioned and repositioned around moving work zones. Each node is self-contained and can be independently deployed, allowing the system to adapt to mobile work zones without requiring movement of large centralized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, reconfigurable detection system where sensor nodes can be easily added, removed, and repositioned as work zones move. The system transitions from static, fixed installations to a flexible, adaptive configuration that follows the work zone's movement, maintaining detection effectiveness throughout.
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
The system effectively alerts personnel of potential vehicular incursions, enhancing safety in work zones by providing clear and reliable alerts that can be heard, seen, or felt, even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle impacting the incursion sensing device
Implementation Method 2
a vehicle running over, crushing or compressing the incursion sensing device
Implementation Method 3
a vehicle causing movement of the incursion sensing device
Implementation Method 4
a transmitter which transmits an incursion signal when the sensor senses an event indicative of a vehicle entering the protected area
Implementation Method 5
circuitry connected to one or more components of the vehicle and configured to cause the audible or visual alarm(s) of the vehicle to emit an incursion alarm
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for alerting personnel (e.g., workers, emergency responders, pedestrians, observers, etc.) that a vehicle (e.g., car, truck, watercraft, etc.) has entered into, or crossed a boundary of, a protected area or zone.