Work Zone Geofencing Cones for Early Vehicle Intrusion Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction work zones lack effective active safety systems to promptly alert workers of potential vehicle intrusions, with existing passive devices insufficient in providing timely warnings.
Innovation Solution
A geofencing and proximity-based intrusion sensing and alerting system, configured as a safety cone, barricade, or drum, using acoustic-echo or LiDAR-based sensing to detect intruders and generate audible and visual alerts, with a mesh network for alert propagation and cloud-based monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive devices are used to alert drivers of roadway work zones, then drivers can be warned of the work zone, but workers cannot be alerted of vehicle intrusions in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical devices with an active electronic system using acoustic-echo and LiDAR sensing to detect vehicle intrusions. The system uses electromagnetic/acoustic waves for detection and electronic communication for alert propagation, substituting mechanical warning methods with sensor-based active detection and warning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mesh network communication system as an intermediary between the sensor units and workers. The mesh network propagates alerts across multiple units and transmits data to remote monitoring stations, serving as a mediator that enables real-time worker alerting without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex centralized infrastructure.
2Reliability
If impact-activated devices are used to enhance safety, then vehicle intrusion can be detected, but workers do not have sufficient time to respond
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection using acoustic-echo and LiDAR sensors that continuously monitor for vehicle intrusions before impact occurs. The system detects vehicles approaching work zones and triggers alerts in advance, allowing workers to take protective action before the vehicle reaches them, thus preventing rather than just responding to hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensor data is continuously processed and immediately transmitted through the mesh network to alert workers and remote monitoring stations. The system provides real-time feedback about vehicle intrusion detection, enabling rapid worker response and allowing monitoring stations to track and respond to multiple incidents across the work zone.
3Loss of information
If a centralized monitoring system is implemented, then remote monitoring is achieved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into distributed sensor units that each independently detect intrusions and store local data. Each unit operates autonomously with its own sensing and communication capabilities, dividing the overall system into independent modules that can function individually or collectively, reducing the burden on centralized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional sensor units that combine acoustic-echo sensing, LiDAR detection, local data storage, mesh network communication, and alert generation in single devices. These universal units can operate independently for local warning and simultaneously integrate into the broader mesh network for remote monitoring, providing multiple functions without requiring separate specialized systems.
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 provides immediate and direct warnings to workers, enhancing safety by detecting intruders and transmitting alerts across multiple units, reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities in construction zones.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electromagnetic or acoustic-based sensors that are each configured to emit and receive said emitted respective electromagnetic or acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
uses acoustic-echoes or LiDAR-based sensing to detect intruders
Implementation Method 3
uses acoustic-echoes or LiDAR-based sensing to detect intruders
Implementation Method 4
the controller being configured to generate an alert signal output based on a determined change in the received emitted electromagnetic or acoustic waves
Implementation Method 5
one or more alert devices each coupled to the controller, wherein the one or more alert devices is configured to generate warning sound or warning visual output
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method and system is disclosed that facilitates a readily-re-deployable and self-enclosed geofencing and proximity-based intrusion sensing and alerting system in a roadway or construction work zone. The sensing and alerting system is configured in the form factor of a safety cone, barricade or drum to sense and uses acoustic-echoes or LiDAR-based sensing to detect intruders that are in proximity to the sensing and alerting system to generate a siren or loud audible alert, as well as flashing lights, to warn workers of such intrusion.