Wrong-Way Vehicle Detection and Motor Shut-Off System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traffic monitoring and safety systems are ineffective in preventing high-speed collisions caused by impaired or distracted wrong-way drivers, as visual or audible warnings often go unnoticed by drivers under the influence or confused elderly drivers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled roadway safety system using sensors, alarms, and barriers to detect and prevent wrong-way vehicles from entering an exit ramp, including remote engine shut-off for vehicles equipped with the system, and deploying physical barriers to block the wrong-way vehicle's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or audible warning systems are used to alert wrong-way drivers, then the system can provide early warning to potentially prevent collisions, but the warnings are ineffective against impaired or distracted drivers who cannot perceive or respond to them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual and audible warning systems with a direct mechanical intervention system. When sensors detect a wrong-way vehicle, the system automatically sends a signal to shut off the vehicle's motor, providing reliable stopping capability that does not depend on the driver's perception or response ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts between the detection system and the wrong-way vehicle. The control system receives detection signals and transmits motor shut-off commands to the vehicle, serving as a mediator that enables reliable intervention without direct driver involvement.
2Reliability
If physical barriers are deployed to stop wrong-way vehicles, then collision prevention is ensured, but the system complexity and response time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deploys physical barriers in advance on the exit ramp before wrong-way vehicles can enter the main roadway. The barriers are pre-positioned and can be quickly activated, providing reliable collision prevention while reducing response time requirements compared to deploying barriers after detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protection system into multiple independent components: detection sensors, control system, motor shut-off mechanism, and physical barriers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors exit ramps continuously to detect wrong-way vehicles, then detection reliability improves, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic scanning or triggered detection methods rather than continuous monitoring. The system activates sensors and detection mechanisms only when vehicles are present or when specific conditions are met, maintaining high detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system to prevent a wrong-way vehicle from entering a roadway by driving onto an exit ramp in the wrong direction. A detection system monitors and detects the wrong-way vehicle as soon as it enters the exit ramp in the wrong direction. Upon detecting a wrong-way vehicle, the roadway safety system remotely sends a signal to turn off the motor of the wrong-way vehicle. The system may also record the vehicle's identification and communicate it to a command center to determine the mobile phone number of the owner/driver and call the driver to alert them that they are driving the wrong-way. Alternatively, a series of one or more penetrable and/or impenetrable barriers could be deployed to stop the wrong-way vehicle. The safety system may further include a communications system to communicate to a central office to initiate other alarms and control traffic on the roadway in response to detecting a wrong-way vehicle.