traffic signal system - This was a research based project in which we were assigned to think of a subject in general, then find a problem and design a product for a solution. While there are many problems with todays traffic system; I decided to target the most fatal area, intersections. For my project I improved upon the three light system that we all have become so acustomed to. I did this by giving drivers constant feedback in an easy to
understand signal, with a modular design.
Research - This chart shows that distracted drivers are the main cause of accidents. Although we can not stop drivers from getting distracted, all together, constant feedback from a traffic signal will help a driver understand what is happening more quickly when they refocus on the road than a simple green or yellow light.
Research - This chart shows that distracted drivers are the main cause of accidents. Although we can not stop drivers from getting distracted, all together, constant feedback from a traffic signal will help a driver understand what is happening more quickly when they refocus on the road than a simple green or yellow light.
Concept Development - The first direction I went on this project was to create an ideal, safe intersection. Because there are so many different types of intersections, I steered my focus on something that could be easily integrated anywhere, such as: a line with lights that will light up when it is too late to make it through an intersection on that light, to prevent running red lights, a rumble strip that if you do not pass before the light turns yellow, you should stop...
Concept Development - Instead of adding new technology to the
existing traffic signals i decided to design somthing completely new. The top signal has a disappearing bar that shows all colors while the light is green and then disappears as time runs down on the green light. This could be confusing with more than one color displayed at one time. The second idea was to have the bar change colors as time decreased. Both of these also feature a pedestrian crossing warning for drivers and a light timer for pedestrians.
Design Development - The pedestrian crossing is a very important innovation in this signal, instead of just giving pedestrians the right of way which is hard to do when not all drivers are always aware of pedestrians or looking for them. The pedestrian warning would warn drivers that a pedestrian may be crossing the street at this intersection so keep your eyes peeled. This is activated when a pedestrian presses a crossing button, also the right turn arrow would double as a no turn on red arrow when applicable.
Design Development - Once I came up with the idea of the signal I started doing some pole designs. But then quickly realized that no one design would work at every intersection in every city so I concluded that the poles can be interchangeable with a signal that would be inserted into them. Then taking that further, if the signal itself was modular the signal could ideally be used at any intersection no matter how many lanes or different problems it could have.
Design Deveolpment - With the track in mind I originally had the wheels on the top and bottom of the modules but thought that in having a snug fit the modules would be pressing the main tracks apart and possibly bend them or loosen there fit. So I then put the wheels on the sides of the modules so that the modules themselves would help stiffen the structure.
Features - These are the main modules that I could see being used, in addition to these a speed limit sign could also be included in the signal or what ever else may be wanted. The options are limitless.
Features
Final Mock Up - This is a scale representation of my signal, with the new bigger traffic signals being installed currently. And some photoshop images of the signal in use.
Exploded View
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traffic signal system