Workzone Safety System Using Wireless Worker Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thousands of workers are injured annually in road work zones due to being struck by construction vehicles or passing traffic, highlighting the need for effective worker positioning and vehicle-speed management systems to enhance safety.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that integrates wearable safety devices with construction vehicles and portable signs, using GPS and DSRC technology to provide real-time worker positioning, allowing processors to determine relative positions and adjust displayed speed limits based on worker presence, thereby influencing vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time worker positioning and vehicle-speed management systems are implemented, then worker safety is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into an integrated system where wearable devices, construction vehicles, and portable signs communicate through a unified wireless network. The wearable device merges GPS positioning, wireless communication, and alert functionality into a single unit, while the system integrates real-time tracking of multiple workers and vehicles through centralized processing
Solution Approach 2:
The portable signs serve multiple functions: they display speed limit information to passing traffic, provide real-time worker location data, and dynamically adjust messaging based on worker presence. The construction vehicles similarly perform both construction work and safety monitoring functions through integrated sensors and communication systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic speed limit adjustment is implemented based on worker presence, then accident risk is reduced, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where wearable devices transmit worker position data to portable signs, which then automatically adjust their displayed speed limit information based on real-time worker presence. The construction vehicles also receive and respond to worker location data, creating a closed-loop safety system that dynamically adapts to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The portable signs are positioned strategically throughout the work zone in advance to cover specific segments, and the system pre-establishes communication protocols and response thresholds. When workers enter predefined zones, the signs automatically activate appropriate safety messages before potential hazards arise
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a wireless communication system capable of receiving position information for a plurality of workers in a work zone and a position system capable of providing position information for a piece of movable equipment in the work zone. A processor is capable of receiving the position information for the plurality of workers and the position information for the movable equipment and is capable of determining the position of the workers relative to the position of the movable equipment.