WO2023084462A1 - Barrière routière modulaire - Google Patents

Barrière routière modulaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023084462A1
WO2023084462A1 PCT/IB2022/060870 IB2022060870W WO2023084462A1 WO 2023084462 A1 WO2023084462 A1 WO 2023084462A1 IB 2022060870 W IB2022060870 W IB 2022060870W WO 2023084462 A1 WO2023084462 A1 WO 2023084462A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
longitudinal beam
upright
devices
sensors
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/060870
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Valerio Salvatore AIELLO
Original Assignee
Katech S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Katech S.R.L. filed Critical Katech S.R.L.
Priority to CA3233005A priority Critical patent/CA3233005A1/fr
Publication of WO2023084462A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023084462A1/fr

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
    • E01F15/08—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements ; Cable-linked blocks
    • E01F15/081—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements ; Cable-linked blocks characterised by the use of a specific material
    • E01F15/085—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements ; Cable-linked blocks characterised by the use of a specific material using metal
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
    • E01F15/08—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements ; Cable-linked blocks
    • E01F15/088—Details of element connection

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a road barrier having a modular structure, that is, including a plurality of modules that can be assembled together. More particularly, the present invention relates to a road barrier having a modular structure in which one or more road barrier modules are equipped with instrumentation on board
  • Road barriers are in wide use along the edges of roadways.
  • said road barriers can extend substantially continuous along the entire roadway, such as a motorway network or expressway.
  • the road barriers are generally placed both at the edges of the roadway on both sides, and centrally to function as a traffic divider barrier.
  • road barriers extend along very short stretches of the roadway, such as in winding roads, particularly in foothills or mountainous areas where road barriers are generally used in more dangerous stretches of the roadway, e.g., stretches that run along cliffs or escarpments, hairpin bends, and other similar features.
  • road barriers are usually permanently mounted along roadways.
  • Road barriers can also be installed temporarily on a roadway, for example in the case of construction sites or temporary deviations. From the above, it is therefore evident that the presence of road barriers implies the possibility of accidents or other events that pose a risk to motorists who travel on the roadway. Indeed, as in the case of construction sites, road barriers are commonly the first element to be installed. Road barriers have a variety of uses but are primarily utilized to prevent a vehicle from inadvertently leaving the road and entering a dangerous or protected area, such as oncoming traffic, wooded areas, or construction zones, thereby minimizing injury to the vehicle passengers and/or other motorists.
  • a road barrier module e.g., a module part of a road barrier system.
  • the module may include a first longitudinal beam comprising a first hollow portion along its length.
  • the module may include a second longitudinal beam disposed below the first longitudinal beam, the second longitudinal beam comprising a second hollow portion along its length.
  • the module further may include a first upright connected to a first end of the first longitudinal beam and a first end of the second longitudinal beam.
  • the module may include a second upright connected to a second end of the first longitudinal beam and a second end of the second longitudinal beam.
  • the second longitudinal beam may have a width that is greater than any of the first upright and second upright.
  • the module further may include a connection system disposed on the first upright and the second upright.
  • the connection system may be constructed and arranged to provide for mechanical connections to adjacent modules.
  • the module additionally may include protective elements spanning the length of the first longitudinal beam and second longitudinal beam and connected to the first upright and second upright.
  • the module may include a third upright disposed between the first upright and the second upright.
  • the second longitudinal beam may have an outward tapered profile.
  • the protective elements may be connected to the outward tapered profile of the second longitudinal beam.
  • the module may include a source of electrical power disposed in the first longitudinal beam or second longitudinal beam.
  • the source of electrical of power may include a connection to an electrical grid.
  • the source of power may include a photovoltaic panel.
  • the source of electrical power may include a battery.
  • the photovoltaic panel may be disposed on the first longitudinal beam e.g., on a top surface.
  • connection system further provides electrical continuity between adjacent modules.
  • the module may include one or more lighting devices positioned on the first longitudinal beam, second longitudinal beam, or the protective elements.
  • the one or more lighting devices may be positioned horizontally or vertically along on the protective elements.
  • the one or more lighting devices may be positioned horizontally or vertically along on the first horizontal beam.
  • the one or more lighting devices may include light emitting diodes.
  • the module may include one or more electrical devices attached to the first longitudinal beam, second longitudinal beam, or the protective elements.
  • one or both of the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam or the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam may be constructed and arranged to house the one or more electrical devices.
  • the module may include a source of electrical power operatively coupled to the one or more lighting devices or the one or more electrical devices.
  • the one or more electrical devices include imaging devices, one or more sensors, RADAR, LIDAR, charging devices, or communications devices.
  • the one or more sensors are selected from the group consisting of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, visibility sensors, and traffic detection sensors.
  • the communications devices include WiFi transmitters or cellular data transmitters.
  • the module may include a control unit constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices and the one or more electrical devices.
  • the control unit may be constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices responsive to a measurement of a parameter from the one or more sensors.
  • the control unit may be constructed and arranged to change one or more colors of the one or more lighting devices responsive to measurement of a parameter from the one or more sensors.
  • the control unit may be constructed and arranged to change one or more illumination patterns of the one or more lighting devices responsive to measurement of a parameter from the one or more sensors.
  • the module may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, polymers, and metals.
  • the material of the module may include an outer layer of polyurethane, fiberglass, or a pultruded composite material.
  • a modular road barrier system may include one or more road barrier modules.
  • Each of the one or more road barrier modules may include a first longitudinal beam including a first hollow portion along its length, a second longitudinal beam disposed below the first longitudinal beam and including a second hollow portion along its length, a first upright connected to a first end of the first longitudinal beam and a first end of the second longitudinal beam, a second upright connected to a second end of the first longitudinal beam and a second end of the second longitudinal beam having a width that is greater than any of the first upright and second upright, a connection system disposed on the first upright and the second upright constructed and arranged to provide for mechanical connections to adjacent modules, and protective elements spanning the length of the first longitudinal beam and second longitudinal beam connected to the first upright and second upright.
  • the modules of the system may include one or more lighting devices operatively connected to the module.
  • the modules of the system may include one or more electrical devices positioned to measure one or more parameters around the module.
  • the modules of the system further may include a photovoltaic panel disposed on a top surface of the module operatively coupled to the one or more lighting devices or the one or more electrical devices.
  • the modules of the system additionally may include a control unit constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices and the one or more electrical devices.
  • each module of the system includes a third upright disposed between the first upright and the second upright.
  • the second longitudinal beam of each module has an outward tapered profile.
  • the protective elements connected to each module follow the outward tapered profile of the second longitudinal beam.
  • each module may include a connection to an electrical grid.
  • each module further may include a battery.
  • connection system of each module further may provide electrical continuity between adjacent modules.
  • the one or more lighting devices of each module may be positioned on the first longitudinal beam, second longitudinal beam, or the protective elements. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices of each module may be positioned horizontally along on the protective elements of each module. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices of each module may be positioned horizontally along on the first horizontal beam of each module.
  • the one or more electrical devices are positioned on the first longitudinal beam, second longitudinal beam, or the protective elements of each module.
  • the one or more electrical devices may include imaging devices, one or more sensors, RADAR, LIDAR, charging devices, and communications devices.
  • the one or more sensors may be selected from the group consisting of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, visibility sensors, and traffic detection sensors.
  • the communications devices include WiFi transmitters or cellular data transmitters.
  • one or both of the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam or the second hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam of each module may be constructed and arranged to house the one or more electrical devices.
  • control unit may be constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices responsive to a measurement of a parameter from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the control unit may be constructed and arranged to change one or more colors of the one or more lighting devices responsive measurement of a parameter from one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the control unit may be constructed and arranged to change one or more illumination patterns of the one or more lighting devices responsive measurement of a parameter from one or more sensors.
  • each of the modules may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, polymers, or metals.
  • the material of each of the modules may include an outer layer of polyurethane, fiberglass, or a pultruded composite material.
  • each module of said road barrier includes at least a first upright, a second upright, and one or more longitudinal beams arranged between said first and said second upright, in which said first upright is provided with a first connector and said second upright is provided with a second connector, said first and said second connectors being structured in such a way as to be able to cooperate, so as to be able to achieve a connection between adjacent modules.
  • each module further includes one or more intermediate uprights which are mounted between said first and said second upright and complete the supporting structure.
  • each module includes protection elements, made for example in sheet metal, which are applied on one of the sides or on both opposite sides of said structure carrier.
  • each module can be pre-assembled in the factory of production and then transported to the installation site. This greatly simplifies the installation operations to be carried out directly on the roadway, limiting both the risks for operators and the inconvenience for motorists. Moreover, it is also possible to provide for connecting several modules together already in the factory productive, forming groups of modules to be transported together to the site of installation, which further reduces the operations to be carried out at the time of final assembly.
  • one or more modules of the modular road barrier are equipped with one or more instrumentation devices.
  • said instrumentation devices include a lighting device.
  • said devices of instrumentation include a detection device and a signaling device associated with it.
  • said devices of instrumentation include a detection device and a lighting device which also has the function of a signaling device associated with said device detection.
  • the module or modules of the barrier roads equipped with instrumentation devices are also equipped with a power supply for said instrumentation devices, such as for example, a battery.
  • said modules are also provided with energy generation de, preferably based on renewable sources such as a solar panel or a wind turbine, connected to the power supply.
  • each module provided with instrumentation devices has a completely autonomous operation and independent of the remaining modules.
  • the modular barrier includes several modules equipped with instrumentation devices and said modules are also equipped with communication devices to communicate with each other and / or with a central remote control. According to this embodiment, the data relating to the operation of the devices of instrumentation of one module can be transmitted to the other modules.
  • the modules will also preferably be equipped with a control unit capable of processing data from the other modules.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module of the road barrier of ;
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a module of the road barrier of ;
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one module of the barrier road of equipped with instrumentation devices
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of the internal components of a road barrier module, according to an embodiment
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a road barrier module including external mounting points for roadway devices
  • FIGS. 6a-7c illustrates in greater detail the connection between adjacent modules of FIGS. 6a-7c, namely a schematic of a male-female connection system
  • references to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms.
  • the term usage in the incorporated references is supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the term usage in this document controls.
  • Road barriers are in wide use along the edges of roadways.
  • Road barriers generally include a plurality of uprights and longitudinal beams that together form the load-bearing structure of the road barrier onto which protective elements, such as sheet metal layers, are applied.
  • These components are typically transported separately to the installation site where the barrier is to be installed and assembled.
  • This method of installation involves risks for the workers who carry out the assembly of the road barrier. For example, installation may occur in low light conditions and without the possibility of stopping road traffic during installation. These risks are further increased as road barriers are often the first component to be installed along a stretch of roadway, even before adequate lighting devices and the appropriate road signs are provided.
  • detection and signaling systems for detecting and signaling elements of risk for motorists traveling on a roadway.
  • Such elements of risk may include, for example, accidents, traffic congestion, adverse weather conditions and so on.
  • detection and signaling systems are usually based on dedicated devices, which are discreetly arranged along the roadways.
  • said detection and signaling systems can include a plurality of detection devices, equipped with suitable sensors for the detection of quantities desired, such as for example vehicle flow sensors, visibility sensors, temperature, or humidity sensors.
  • said detection devices can be equipped with video cameras or other image acquisition tools.
  • the acquired data and/or images are usually sent to a central controller for analysis.
  • the central controller can alert service personnel and/or law enforcement and send a signal to display an alert message on appropriate signaling devices, such as a signboard.
  • Said signaling devices are typically dedicated devices, such as lighted panels, which are discreetly positioned along the roadway in question.
  • the detection and reporting systems described above involve a series of limitations.
  • They rely on dedicated devices, i.e., separate from the road barriers, which can lead to an increase in costs with respect to setting up and managing the road network.
  • These costs further increase as the number of dedicated devices increases, which generally has led to a reduced numbers of devices being arranged along the roadway.
  • Limiting the number of signaling and detection devices reduces effectiveness in the coverage of the detection of elements of risk and reduced reporting of such risks to motorists.
  • streetlamps with similar lighting devices are usually concentrated in highways and roads with greater traffic, while they are absent, or present sporadically, in less busy streets, even in situations, for example in the case of mountain roads, in which the absence of an adequate one lighting carries obvious risk factors.
  • the modules disclosed herein can obviate the need for motorists to report on accidents and other road conditions using their mobile devices while driving, improving motorist safety.
  • the modules, including various transmission devices, can detect these adverse effects on the roadway and can automatically communicate these conditions to mobile phone users within proximity of the site of an incident or accident or to other distributed systems that can notify individual users.
  • this disclosure aims to overcome the drawbacks of known systems.
  • One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a road barrier whose installation is simple and involves a limitation of the risks for safety of operators compared to known solutions.
  • Another, and no less important, object of the present disclosure is to exploit the widespread presence of road barriers to offer a system of detection and reporting of risk elements with widespread distribution on roadways.
  • another object of the present disclosure is to exploit the widespread presence of road barriers to offer the possibility of providing a lighting system with a widespread distribution on roadways.
  • each module 1 includes a first upright 3a and a second upright 3b arranged at opposite ends of module 1 that are perpendicular to roadway section 200.
  • Each module 1 also may include one or more intermediate uprights 3c (three intermediate uprights are shown in the illustrated example, but the number of intermediate uprights is non-limiting) arranged between said first upright 3a and said second upright 3b.
  • Each module 1 can further include one or more longitudinal stiffening beams 7 arranged between said first upright 3a and said second upright 3b and substantially parallel to roadway section 200.
  • each module 1 includes a longitudinal beam top connecting the upper ends of the uprights 3a and 3b (and of the intermediate uprights 3c, where provided) and a lower longitudinal beam that connects the lower ends of the uprights 3a and 3b (and of the intermediate uprights 3c, where provided).
  • the uprights 3a, 3b, 3c and the longitudinal beams 7 together form the supporting structure of the module 1.
  • the uprights 3a, 3b, 3c can have any suitable cross-section or shape, such as I- or H-beam, C- or U-channel, square, or rectangular.
  • the longitudinal beams 7 can have any suitable cross-section or shape, such as I- or H-beam, C- or U-channel, square, or rectangular.
  • the longitudinal beams 7 are U-shaped channels sized to accept the uprights 3c.
  • Protection elements 9 are applied to said supporting structure, made for example from sheet metal, in particular corrugated sheet metal.
  • the wave shape of the protective elements 9 can effectively absorb the impact of a vehicle that impacts against module 1 of the road barrier 100.
  • the protection elements 9 can be secured to the uprights 3a, 3b, 3c and so on using any suitable fastener used for road barriers, i.e., rivets, nuts, bolts, and the like.
  • the protection elements 9 cover the whole corresponding face of the supporting structure of module 1 and, in particular, extend up to the lower end of the uprights of said modules 1.
  • “Face,” used in the context of this disclosure, refers to an outward facing surface of a structural component that is constructed and arranged to receive another barrier component. This can increase safety for cyclists or motorcyclists who, after a fall, slide on the road surface until they collide against the road barrier 100.
  • the road barrier as described herein can be used as a central reservation barrier, and in this configuration, module 1 will be equipped with two different protection elements 9, arranged on opposite faces of the uprights 3a, 3b, 3c (and for as many uprights are included).
  • a single protection element 9 can be provided on the face of the load-bearing structure, i.e., the supporting structure, of module 1 to face the carriageway.
  • the load-bearing structure i.e., the supporting structure
  • respective bases 4a, 4b are mounted for fixing the module to the road surface.
  • the first upright 3a of the module 1 is provided with a first connector 5a and the second upright 3b of said module is provided with a second connector 5b, structured in such a way as to be able to cooperate with said first connector of an adjacent module.
  • Each upright 3a and 3b terminated in an anchoring system 11a and 11b constructed and arranged to rest on the road surface and optionally, be secured down using fasteners known in the art.
  • FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b schematically illustrate the connection between the modules of the road barrier 100. In Figure 3a, module 1 and a module 1' adjacent to it are illustrated.
  • the second connector 5b provided on the second upright 3b of the module 1 are adapted to cooperate with the first connector 5a' provided on the first upright 3a' of the module 1', either directly or through an intermediate connection, such as a pin.
  • an intermediate connection such as a pin.
  • a coupling can be provided directly between the first connector of a module 1 and a second connector of the module 1’ adjacent to it, such as a male-female coupling fitted together with friction.
  • the first connector and the second connector of adjacent modules 1, 1’ are configured to be coupled together with an intermediate connector.
  • the first connector 5a' may be in the form of one or more plates 13a' mounted overhanging on the surface of the first upright 3a' of module 1' and are provided with a through hole 15a' and the second connector 5b may also be in the form of one or more plates 13b mounted affixed on the surface of the second upright 3b of module 1 and provided with a through hole 15b. While three connectors 5a’ and 5b are illustrated, this only an example and an upright can have as many or as few connectors are needed to provide for secure attachment between two adjacent modules. In this configuration, the first connector 5a' and the second connector 5b are vertically offset along their respective uprights 3a', 3b.
  • the modules 1, 1' can be placed side by side in such a way that the through holes 15a' of the plates 13a' are aligned with the through holes 15b of the plates 13b and a connecting pin 17 can be made to pass through said through holes 15a', 15b.
  • ring 19 can be grasped and the connecting pin 17 can be lifted vertically up and away from the modules 1, 1’.
  • the mechanical connection between adjacent modules can further provide for electrical continuity between connected modules, e.g., for lighting devices and electrical devices.
  • the modules 1, 1’ can be pre-assembled already in the factory production and transported, already assembled, to the installation site where they will be positioned and coupled together by connecting pins 17. This reduces the operations to be carried out on the roadway and consequently limits both the risks for the operators involved in the installation of the road barrier(s) and the inconvenience for motorists who travel the roadway.
  • Said module 1 can have a length, i.e., the distance between the first upright 3a and the second upright 3b, between 2 and 12 meters (m), e.g., 2 m, 3 m, 4 m, 5 m, 6 m, 7 m, 8 m, 9 m, 10 m, 11 m, or 12 m.
  • one or more of module 1 can also be connected in groups of 2-4 units in the production plant, which reduces further the operations to be carried out on the installation site.
  • the connecting pins 17 can be equipped at the top with a ring 19 which, in addition to making them more manageable, can be used to hook and lift a group of modules already connected to each other.
  • the connecting pin 17 can be secured such that it cannot be inadvertently removed.
  • one end of the connecting pin 17 can be threaded to receive a nut or may have an aperture sized to accept a retention clip, e.g., a Cotter pin or similar retention clip.
  • one or more modules 1 of the road barrier 100 are equipped with one or more instrumentation devices mounted on board.
  • the instrumentation devices include a lighting device 21.
  • said lighting device can be a strip LED applied to the protective element (or elements) 9 and extending in the direction substantially perpendicular to the uprights 3a, 3b.
  • the lighting device 21 can be any other type of light source suitable for use on roadways, including incandescent bulbs or halogen bulbs.
  • the lighting device 21 can be a traditional amber road barrier light having a halogen bulb. This disclosure is in no way limited by the type of light used for lighting device 21.
  • Equipping one or more modules 1 of the road barrier 100 with lighting devices 21 provides a source of light to any site the road barrier is mounted, even in positions that are not would allow for the installation of lampposts or other separate lighting devices, such as on narrow, winding roads in mountainous areas.
  • the presence of lighting devices 21 on one or more modules 1 of the road barrier 100 can avoid the additional costs associated with the need to provide for separate lampposts or other dedicated lighting devices.
  • the presence of said lighting devices 21 on one or more modules 1 of the road barrier 100 can provide for increased worker safety, who would otherwise find themselves working in poorly lit areas.
  • the lighting devices 21 of modules 1 can be connected to an existing electrical network, such as a local power grid.
  • the modules 1 may be equipped with autonomous electrical power supply 25, such as for example a battery and/or a capacitor.
  • Autonomous power supply 25 permits the operation of the lighting devices 21 in areas that may not have access to a local electrical grid, e.g., isolated areas, road construction sites, roads under construction, and other similar locations.
  • the modules 1 can also include power generation devices associated with said electrical power supply. Energy generation devices can include use of renewable sources e.g., photovoltaic (PV) panels, small wind turbines, or similar devices.
  • each module 1 includes a power supply 25 even if a module 1 does not include any devices drawing power.
  • the instrumentation devices can include one or more electrical, e.g., detection, devices 23, adapted to detect corresponding quantities of interest.
  • said electrical, e.g., detection, devices 23 can include sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, visibility sensors, and other sensors relevant to roadways.
  • the electrical devices 23 includes a vehicular traffic sensor, i.e., a sensor constructed and arranged to count the number of vehicles passing in front of the module 1 during a predetermined period of time.
  • the road barrier 100 can be used as traffic detection system and can identify potential motorist risk situations, e.g., slowdowns, queues, and accidents that are communicated to motorists responsive to the sensor measurements.
  • each module 1 of the road barrier 100 can include detection devices, thus providing a distributed detection system as road barriers extend over a long section of a roadway.
  • the number of modules including electrical devices 23, e.g., sensors, and in what position they are equipped with an electrical, e.g., detection, device 23, can be chosen by one of skill in the art and the number and position of modules having electrical devices 23 does not limit the scope of this disclosure.
  • every modules 1 of the road barrier 100 can be equipped with electrical, e.g., detection, devices 23, which can provide for continuous monitoring of the events on the roadway.
  • the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 can also be powered by the autonomous power supply 25, e.g., a PV panel.
  • Use of standalone power further can increase the efficiency and reliability of the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 within the road barrier 100.
  • the operation of the other modules will not be compromised.
  • modules 1 that include an electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 can include a corresponding signaling device associated with said electrical, e.g., detection, device 23.
  • the location of said electrical device 23 on the module 1 will be determined by its function.
  • electrical devices 23 that are used for visual signaling or detection of a parameter will be disposed on an exterior surface of the module, e.g., a protective element 9.
  • Electrical devices 23 used to control or operate other electrical devices 23 ca be disposed in an interior area of the module 1, e.g., within the supporting structure covered by protective elements 9.
  • Said signaling device can be configured to issue an alert, for example in the form of acoustic or light warning, in case the values detected by the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 exceed corresponding predetermined limit values.
  • the detection device is a visibility sensor
  • the signaling device can emit an acoustic or luminous warning in case the visibility detected falls below a limit threshold, e.g., signaling the possible presence of fog.
  • the detection device is a temperature sensor
  • the signaling device can emit an acoustic or luminous warning in case the temperature detected falls below a limit threshold, e.g., signaling the possible presence of ice on the road surface.
  • the signaling device can emit an acoustic or light warning in case the number of vehicles detected in the reference time interval increases above a detected threshold, e.g., indicate an increase in traffic.
  • a module 1 of the road barrier 100 can be provided with both a lighting device 21 and an electrical, e.g., detection, device 23.
  • the lighting device 21 can be used as a signaling device associated with the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23, without the need to provide a separate device, though the inclusion of separate devices is within the scope of this disclosure.
  • Lighting devices 21 for use as signaling devices can display lights of different colors or ranges of different illumination patterns to differentiate the normal use of the device lighting 21 as a device for providing light from the use of the same lighting device 21 to generate warning signals.
  • the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 includes a sensor for vehicular traffic and the lighting device 21 is a multiple color LED strip
  • one color scheme for indicating traffic may be: white for normal traffic; yellow light for heavy traffic; orange light for intense traffic or traffic jams, and red light for accidents and stationary vehicles.
  • a similar coding can be provided with intermittent emission frequencies of the light by the lighting devices 21.
  • modules provided with devices 21, 23 can also be provided with a control unit 27 for management of said instrumentation devices.
  • the control unit 27 can manage the switching on / off of the lighting devices 21 and can include a timer, a twilight sensor, or other similar sensors.
  • the control unit 27 can also receive from the electrical, e.g., detection, device 23 data collected, compare the collected with predetermined thresholds, and perform actions on basis of this comparison, for example by controlling the activation of the signaling device associated with said detection device.
  • the control unit 27 will also be provided with a memory, in which both the data collected from the sensors and devices associated with a module 1 and the corresponding reference values are stored.
  • each module 1 is autonomous and independent and does not interact with the other modules or with devices outside the road barrier.
  • the one or more modules 1, if more than one module 1 is present can be constructed and arranged to communicate with each other and/or with a remote-control center and/or with mobile devices on board vehicles passing on the carriageway along which the barrier is mounted to the road.
  • the control unit 27 is equipped with a communication device, such as a transceiver communication device, that can transmit the data coming from the instrumentation devices of the module on which it is mounted and can receive data from instrumentation devices of other modules.
  • the communications device can also receive instructions and data transmitted from a remote-control center.
  • the communication between the different modules equipped with instrumentation devices increases the effectiveness of the road barrier 100 for the detection and signaling of risks on the road.
  • control unit of a module interprets the data coming from its traffic detection sensor as indicative of an accident, in addition to controlling the activation of the signaling device of one's own module, the control unit can communicate the information to the control units of other modules in the series, and in particular to the control units of the modules arranged upstream of the place where the accident occurred with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicles.
  • the control units of the modules arranged upstream of the accident will be able to command the activation of their respective module’s signaling devices so that the motorists will be informed of the risk situation in advance.
  • the signaling devices of the modules arranged on a certain stretch upstream of an accident can emit high intensity warnings inversely proportional to the distance from the place where the alleged accident occurred.
  • the control units 27 of the modules 1 By equipping the control units 27 of the modules 1 with communication devices capable of communication with each other, it is also possible to carry out an effective diagnosis of the status of the road barrier 100.
  • each control unit 27 is able to communicate with, e.g., periodically or after predefined events, adjacent control units to verify correct operation. Should there be no response, the malfunction of a particular module may be identified.
  • the communication between the different control units and the sharing of the data collected can also provide reasons for an identified malfunction. For example, if the control unit of a module is not working and the control unit of the modules downstream of said module in the direction of vehicular travel do not detect the passage of any vehicle, there may have been an accident involving the road barrier at the location of the malfunctioning module.
  • Both the devices 21, 23, and the control units 27, as well as the power supply 25, can be mounted on the supporting structure of the respective one module, for example using a support bracket or other similar supporting structure.
  • FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a-7e illustrate another embodiment of the modules of a modular road barrier system.
  • the embodiment of the individual module of the modular road barrier system illustrated in FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 7a-7e functions substantially the same to the individual modules disclosed in FIGS. 1-5, e.g., electrical connections, lighting devices, and communication platforms.
  • FIGS. 7b-7e illustrate the view of as renders including different components of the module.
  • module 1 includes a first longitudinal beam 10 having a first hollow portion along its length and a second longitudinal beam 11 disposed below the first longitudinal beam 10.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 includes a second hollow portion along its length.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 may be made of two different sections of a particular material that are juxtaposed to form the first hollow portion.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 has first and second sections formed from substantially closed C- or U-shaped sections facing each other where a portion of each section is connected to the first upright 3a, second upright 3b, and the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright.
  • FIGS. 1 includes a first longitudinal beam 10 having a first hollow portion along its length and a second longitudinal beam 11 disposed below the first longitudinal beam 10.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 includes a second hollow portion along its length.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 may be made of two different sections of a particular material that are juxtaposed to form the first hollow portion.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 has first and second sections formed from substantially closed C- or U
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 has first and second sections formed from square wave shaped sections facing each other where a portion of each section is connected to the first upright 3a, second upright 3b, and the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright. Positioning the first and second sections opposite each other provides for an approximately square or rectangular hollow portion.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 can be made from more than two section, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, or more.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 may be of unitary construction, i.e., a single piece of material having a lumen therethrough to act as the first hollow portion.
  • Module 1 also includes a first upright 3a connected to a first end of the first longitudinal beam 10 and a first end of the second longitudinal beam 11 and a second upright 3b connected to a second end of the first longitudinal beam 10 and a second end of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the module 1 includes plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright, positioned disposed between the first upright 3a and the second upright 3b that are connected to the first longitudinal beam 10 and second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the first upright 3a, second upright 3b, and plurality of uprights 3c can be H- or I-beams that provide flat portions to attach to a bottom surface of the first longitudinal beam 11 and/or a top surface of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the first upright 3a and second upright 3b can be square, rectangular, or flat pieces of material.
  • the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright can include one or more apertures to permit connecting additional module components to.
  • the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright can include a slot along the vertical axis of the upright to permit connection of a fastener.
  • the plurality of uprights 3c can include apertures along the vertical axis of the upright to permit connection of a fastener.
  • This disclosure is in no way limited in the manner other module components are connected to the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 is of unitary construction, i.e., a single piece of material having a lumen therethrough to act as the second hollow portion.
  • the first upright 3a, second upright 3b, and plurality of uprights 3c e.g., a third upright, attach to the top surface of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 may be made from one or more lengthwise sections, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sections, that are shaped or formed such that when installed, form the second hollow portion.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 has a width that is greater than that of any of the plurality of uprights 3c e.g., a third upright.
  • the second longitudinal beam 11 can include triangular shaped projections attached to either side of the second hollow portion to provide for an outward tapered profile.
  • the triangular shaped projections can be solid filled, e.g., made from a solid piece of a material such as a metal.
  • the triangular shaped projections can be hollow, e.g., can be ballast chambers.
  • the triangular shaped projections can be filled, in whole or in part, with a suitable fluid, e.g., water or concrete, to increase the strength of the module and satisfy crash test requirements from regulatory authorities.
  • the ballast may include a ballast device 29 positioned below the second longitudinal beam 11 and coupled to the anchoring system 6.
  • the ballast device 29 may be a solid piece of material or may be a hollow chamber that is filled with a ballast liquid, such as water or concrete.
  • the bottom surface of the second longitudinal beam 11 includes anchoring system 6 that rest on the ground and can be secured.
  • the anchoring system 6 can be permanently secured to the ground or temporarily secured to the ground using fasteners known in the art and this disclosure is in no way limited by how the module 1 is secured to the ground.
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate various embodiments of anchoring systems suitable for securing the modules 1 to a road surface and each other.
  • the uprights of the module can be secured to the anchoring system using methods known in the art, i.e., welds, nuts and bolts, rivets, and other suitable fasteners.
  • the recessed pins reduce tire damage should a vehicle contact the module 1 when installed.
  • a channel is placed onto and secured to the road surface or ground and the anchoring system 6 placed, i.e., slid, onto the channel.
  • the anchoring system 6 can be secured to the channel using transverse fasteners.
  • the anchoring system 6 need not be secured to the road surface or ground, i.e., the barrier system can be a temporary barrier.
  • the module’s anchoring system can be placed on the ground and not secured to permit the barrier system to be more readily positioned.
  • the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 includes a source of electrical power 12 used to provide energy to the devices and electronics that are part of the module 1.
  • the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11 can include the source of electrical power 12.
  • the inclusion of first and second hollow portions incorporated into the longitudinal beams of the module 1 reduce or eliminate the need to dig trenches for laying conduits, piping, or electrical wiring. This increases how quickly the modular road barrier can be deployed and increases worker safety by not having to dig into the ground.
  • the first hollow portion or the second hollow portion can include conduits, piping, sheaths, and other standard cabling guides to accommodate the wiring from one or more lighting devices 21 and wiring from the source of electrical power 12.
  • positioning the electrical 23 and lighting 21 devices of the module in the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 provides for close proximity to the source of electrical power 12, minimizing the amount of wiring to be stored in first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 and/or second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the source of electrical power 12 is a photovoltaic (PV) panel disposed along at least a portion of the length of the first longitudinal beam 10 and can serve as the top cover of the first hollow portion.
  • the PV panel can run along the full length of the first longitudinal beam 10 to provide for maximum power generation.
  • the PV panel can be disposed on a portion of the first longitudinal beam 10, e.g., the first longitudinal beam 10 can include one or more shorter PV panel spaced along its length.
  • the length and/or number of PV panels can be determined based, at least in part, on the power requirements of the module and any associated devices with the module.
  • the module 1 further can include an electrical power storage device, such as a battery 12a or a capacitor (and any associated power management electronics) to store collected energy from the PC panel(s) or other power generation devices that are part of the module 1.
  • the battery 12a may be stored in the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 or in the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11. Alternatively, or in addition, the battery 12a may be stored in the spaces between the uprights 3c, the first longitudinal beam 10, and the second longitudinal beam 11 as illustrated in FIGS. 7d, 7e, and 7f. The location of the battery 12a or capacitor in no way limits the scope of this disclosure.
  • the source of electrical power 12 can also be a connection to a local electrical grid or a portable source of electrical power, such as a fuel-powered generator or another similar portable source of electrical power.
  • the connection can be any standard electrical receptable connection, such as the 220V/240V standard or the 110V/120V standard, with the specific connector being determined by the termination standard of the location the module is deployed.
  • the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11 can be used for storing one or more electrical devices 23 that are part of the module 1 and disposed along one or more of the first longitudinal beam 10, second longitudinal beam 11, and the protective elements 9.
  • the second hollow portion can include conduits, piping, sheaths, and other standard cabling guides to accommodate the wiring from the one or more electrical devices 23, as can the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10, again obviating the need to dig trenches near the modules to accommodate electrical wiring.
  • the one or more electrical devices can include, but are not limited to, imaging devices, e.g., cameras, one or more sensors, RADAR, LIDAR, charging devices, and communications devices.
  • the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11 can further be used to house the control unit 27, i.e., controller, of the module, that is constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices and the one or more electrical devices.
  • the control unit 27 can also be housed in the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10. Alternatively, or in addition, the control unit 27 may be stored in the spaces between the uprights 3c, the first longitudinal beam 10, and the second longitudinal beam 11 as illustrated in FIGS. 7d, 7e, and 7f.
  • the one or more electrical devices are shown as element 23, but this is only illustrative.
  • the one or more electrical devices 23 can be positioned in any location of the module 1 with the corresponding electronics housed in the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the active area of these devices is positioned in such a manner that they can measure relevant parameters, e.g., environmental, traffic conditions, and the like.
  • the one or more sensors can be selected from the group including temperature sensors, humidity sensors, visibility sensors, and traffic detection sensors. As disclosed herein, these types of sensors can provide information pertaining to the road conditions in view of the weather, e.g., ice, snow, rain, fog, and traffic volume on a particular section of roadway where the module is installed.
  • the communications devices include a wireless communications module.
  • the wireless communication module can include a wireless radio or emitter, such as a Wi-Fi radio, BLUETOOTH® radio, 5G NR FR2 radio, or other wireless transmission standard, e.g., based on the LTE Cat 1, LTE Cat M1 or Cat NB1 standard.
  • the wireless communication module includes a Wi-Fi radio.
  • the wireless communication module includes a cellular data transmitter.
  • the use of communications devices permits the modules to communicate with platforms installed in vehicles as part of a federated network, communicate mobile devices such as cellular telephones and tablets using common apps, e.g., GOOGLE® Maps and WAZE®, and communicate with other modules installed in series along a roadway.
  • the communications devices can transmit any and all information types to any of the aforementioned devices, such as images of traffic, readouts of environmental conditions, or the like as described herein and can communicate this information to motorists.
  • the one or more electrical devices 23 include devices constructed and arrange to provide for wireless power transmission, i.e., wireless charging via inductive coils 30, e.g., placed under asphalt on the road surface.
  • the devices used for charging can be used to provide electrical power to one or more devices within the module, e.g., the one or more lighting devices 21 or the one or more electrical devices 23.
  • the charging devices can be used to power devices from motorists or others who may be in the vicinity of the module 1.
  • the module 1 includes protective elements 9 spanning the length of the first longitudinal beam 10 and second longitudinal beam 11 and connected to at least the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright.
  • the connection between the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright, and the protective elements 9 can be made using any suitable fastener approved by a regulatory authority, such as nuts and bolts, rivets, carriage bolts, and other similar fasteners.
  • the protective elements can be applied in two portion – a first portion that connects to the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright, and second portion that connects to the second longitudinal beam 11. As illustrated in FIGS.
  • the protective elements 9 track the outward tapered shape of the second longitudinal beam 11 that includes the triangular shaped projections attached to either side of the second hollow portion. Having the protective elements 9 track the outward tapered shape of the second longitudinal beam 11 provides for a stronger barrier better able to withstand an impact. Much of the mass will be at the base of the module 1, and the angle of the module minimizes barrier damage by allowing vehicle tires to ride up on the angled protective element 9.
  • the angled protective element 9 causes vehicles to lift from the ground sufficient to stop forward momentum and preventing the vehicle from rolling and redirecting it to a safe direction upon impact.
  • the protective elements 9 can be of any suitable shape, such as flat strips or corrugated strips. Corrugated strips provide improved impact absorption relative to flat strips and thus reduce the impact of a collision into the module 1.
  • the module 1 includes a plurality of external mounting points constructed and arranged to secure external devices.
  • An embodiment of a module including external mounting points for external devices is illustrated in .
  • external devices intended for roadway use such as traffic lights, traffic cameras, sensors, solar panels, speed limit signs, directional signs, RADAR and LIDAR emitters, weather instruments, wind turbines for power generation, LED and LCD screens with traffic-related messages, and other similar implements, are standalone devices with their own platforms and connections to the road surface and available infrastructure, e.g., source of power, if necessary. This increases the number of devices on the roadway, which in turn increases risk to motorists and installation crews alike.
  • the modules 1 disclosed herein include mounting brackets on exterior surfaces, such as on exposed portions of an upright 3 or incorporated into the anchoring system 6, permitting connection of external devices intended for roadway use. These external mounting brackets can provide for a complete standalone traffic alert system using fewer physical devices on the roadway, reducing installation time, risk to motorists, and risk to installation crews.
  • Road barriers are typically made from metals and alloys thereof, wood, and polymers.
  • the module 1 is made entirely from a metal, such as steel.
  • the module 1 may be made from one or more different materials.
  • the portions of the module 1 most likely to experience the force from an impact, such as the protective elements 9 and the uprights 3, can be made from a stronger material, e.g., metal.
  • the portions of the module 1 that experience lesser impact forces, such as the first longitudinal beam 10 or the second longitudinal beam 11 can be made from a less resilient material, such as a polymer or fiberglass. Using different materials for different portions of the module 1 reduces the overall weight of each module, providing for a more facile installation process.
  • the module or a component thereof, e.g., the protective elements 9 or the uprights 3, can be wrapped in a different material, e.g., a polymer, e.g., polyurethane, fiberglass, or a pultruded material, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, i.e., carbon fiber composites.
  • a polymer e.g., polyurethane, fiberglass
  • a pultruded material such as a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, i.e., carbon fiber composites.
  • FRP fiber-reinforced polymer
  • the one or more lighting devices 21 can be operatively coupled to the first longitudinal beam 10, e.g., positioned underneath the first longitudinal beam 10.
  • said lighting device can be a strip LED applied to the first longitudinal beam 10 that extends in the direction substantially perpendicular to the uprights 3.
  • the one or more lighting devices 21 can be any other type of light source suitable for use on roadways, including incandescent bulbs or halogen bulbs.
  • the one or more lighting devices can be affixed to the protective elements 9, e.g., positioned on a crest or a trough of the protective element 9 when embodied as a corrugated piece of steel.
  • the LED can be any single color, e.g., red, white, orange, yellow, or green, or can be a multicolor RGB LED that can display multiple colors upon a change in voltage.
  • the LED further can be static LED, i.e., having an “off” and an “on” mode or can be an LED that can illuminate in one or more user-selected patterns, e.g., cycle, strobe, flash, blink, or other similar patterns.
  • the lighting device 21 can include a typical construction light 21’, that can be affixed to the first longitudinal beam 10 or the second longitudinal beam 11 as illustrated in FIGS. 7e and 7f. Other types of lighting devices are within the scope of this disclosure.
  • the one or more lighting devices 21 can be affixed horizontally along a portion of or the full length of the protective element 9. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices 21 can be affixed vertically, i.e., parallel to the plurality of uprights 3c, e.g., a third upright. In some embodiments, a module 1 can include both horizontally and vertically positioned lighting devices 21. A module 1 can include a single lighting device 21 as illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 7c. Alternatively, a module 1 can include any number of lighting devices 21, e.g., 2 lighting devices, 3 lighting devices, 4 lighting devices, 5 lighting devices, or more.
  • a series of modules 1 installed along a roadway can include both horizontal and vertical lighting devices 21, with the specific modules having lighting device 21 chosen to communicate specific information regarding road conditions.
  • One of skill in the art would be able to determine how many lighting elements 21 to include on a module and their orientation, and this disclosure is in no way limited by the orientations or embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the module 1 further includes a control unit 27, i.e., a controller, that is constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices 21 and the one or more electrical devices 23 that are part of the module 1.
  • the one or more lighting devices 21 and the one or more electrical devices 23 are connected to the control unit 27 using industry standard wired electrical connectors that are specific to each device, e.g., RS-232, USB, BNC, SHV, MHV, and other similar electrical connectors, with the control unit itself being connected to the source of electrical power 12.
  • the one or more lighting devices 21 and the one or more electrical devices 23 can communicate to the control unit 27 over a wireless transmission protocol as described herein, e.g., Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, 5G NR FR2, LTE Cat 1, LTE Cat M1 or Cat NB1.
  • a wireless transmission protocol as described herein, e.g., Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, 5G NR FR2, LTE Cat 1, LTE Cat M1 or Cat NB1.
  • the control unit 27 of any system or module embodiment described herein may be implemented using one or more computer systems.
  • the computer system may be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as those based on an Intel CORE®-type processor, an Intel XEON®-type processor, an Intel CELERON®- type processor, an AMD FX-type processor, an AMD RYZEN®-type processor, an AMD EPYC®-type processor, and AMD R-series or G-series processor, or any other type of processor or combinations thereof.
  • the computer system may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), specially programmed, special-purpose hardware, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or controllers intended for analytical systems.
  • PLCs programmable logic controllers
  • control unit 27 may be operably connected to or connectable to a user interface constructed and arranged to permit a user or operator to view relevant operational parameters of the module, adjust said operational parameters, and/or stop operation of the module as needed.
  • the user interface may include a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a display configured to be interacted with by a user or service provider and output status information of the module.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the control unit 27 of any system or module embodiment described herein can include one or more processors typically connected to one or more memory devices, which can comprise, for example, any one or more of a disk drive memory, a flash memory device, a RAM memory device, or other device for storing data.
  • the one or more memory devices can be used for storing programs and data during operation of the system.
  • the memory device may be used for storing historical data relating to one or more of the parameters measured by the sensors over a period of time.
  • the control unit 27 is constructed and arranged to operate the one or more lighting devices to provide alerts, e.g., visual or audible, on road conditions.
  • control unit 27 is constructed and arranged to change one or more colors of the one or more lighting devices responsive to road conditions, such as determined by a sensor measurement or a captured image.
  • one color scheme for indicating traffic may be white light for normal traffic, yellow light for heavy traffic; orange light for intense traffic or traffic jams, and red light for accidents and stationary vehicles.
  • the control unit 27 is constructed and arranged to change one or more illumination patterns of the one or more lighting devices responsive to road conditions.
  • the control unit 27 can cause the one or more lighting devices 21 to cycle, strobe, flash, blink, or illuminate in other similar patterns responsive to road conditions.
  • control unit 27 can cause the one or more lighting devices 21 to alert a motorist that they are traveling the wrong direction on a roadway.
  • This type of lighting alert can be a change in illumination pattern, e.g., cycle, strobe, flash, blink, or illuminate in other similar patterns responsive to detection of a motorist driving the wrong way on the roadway.
  • the control unit may also emit an audible tone or other sound when a motorist driving the wrong way on the roadway is detected by a sensor on the module.
  • Software including programming code that implements embodiments disclosed herein, can be stored on a computer readable and/or writeable nonvolatile recording medium, and then typically copied into the one or more memory devices wherein it can then be executed by the one or more processors.
  • Such programming code may be written in any of a plurality of programming languages, for example, ladder logic, Python, Java, Swift, Rust, C, C#, or C++, G, Eiffel, VBA, or any of a variety of combinations thereof.
  • the control unit 27 can further be constructed and arranged to provide guiding instructions for autonomous vehicles.
  • Autonomous vehicles such as vehicles with self-driving modes from Waymo, Hyundai, Toyota, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Nuro, Cruise, and AutoX, among other, use automation in the form of machine learning software to operate the vehicle’s mechanical components such that the vehicle drives with a reduced amount of human input.
  • Autonomous vehicles include a number of devices, such as sensors, wireless transmitters, and receivers, for functions including automatic driving, global positioning, software updates, and firmware updates.
  • Control units 27 of the present disclosure can be constructed and arranged to communicate with the control system of autonomous vehicles to provide directions, traffic updates, weather updates, and other information pertaining to roadway conditions.
  • control units 27 of the present disclosure can be constructed and arranged to operate autonomous vehicles directly by driving them through traffic and other areas of increased risk on roadways.
  • the module 1 can further include any associated electrical components for operating an autonomous vehicle, e.g., GPS devices, sensors, and the like, positioned in the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 and any associated electrical connections housed in the first hollow portion, in the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11, and in the spaces between the uprights 3c and connected to the control unit 27.
  • control unit 27 can be disposed in the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11 with the associated connections to the one or more lighting devices 21 and the one or more electrical devices 23 being throughout the module 1 with wiring being housed in the first hollow portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 or the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11.
  • the control unit 27 can be disposed in the second hollow portion of the second longitudinal beam 11 in a similar manner, and this disclosure in not limited by the location of the control unit 27 in the module 1.
  • modules of the present disclosure are designed to be connected together in series along a length of roadway, whether positioned at the edges of a roadway or positioned as central barrier.
  • the modules 1 of the present disclosure can be connected together and secured to form a road barrier for the length of roadway needing such a barrier.
  • FIGS. 7d-7f, 10a-10c illustrate the connection of adjacent modules 1 together using a male-female connection system that can fit by alignment, i.e., nestling or insertion, optionally with friction, with one end of a module 1 having a female connector and the opposing end of the module 1 having a male connector, e.g., push-fit. As illustrated in FIGS.
  • one end of a module 1a has a male projection 18a, smaller in dimension than the first longitudinal beam 10 that is inserted into a corresponding female recess 18b on an end of the nearest adjacent module 1b.
  • the female recess 18b may be an open-sided outer housing having apertures that align with apertures on the male projection 18a.
  • one end of module 1 has a portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 that extends beyond the first upright 3a, itself including a plurality of apertures along the upright. The portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 that extends over the first upright 3a is sized to accept the female connector 18b of the next adjacent module 1 to cover the female connector 18b.
  • the female connector 18b is disposed on the outside of the second upright (not shown) and also including a plurality of apertures.
  • the female connector 18b as disclosed herein, is directed into the portion of the first longitudinal beam 10 extending over the first upright 3a that is sized to accept it such that plurality of apertures are in alignment.
  • the pair can be mechanically secured using a transverse or orthogonally positioned fastener suitable for roadway use, e.g., nuts and bolts, rivets, carriage bolts, and other similar fasteners through the plurality of apertures.
  • the modules 1 can have one or more, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more, of these types of friction fit connectors, typically positioned on the uprights 3 at each immediate end of a module 1.
  • the first upright 3a including the female connection 18b for the connection system for adjacent modules, the second longitudinal beam 11, and the anchoring system 6 extend beyond the first longitudinal beam 10 and protective elements 9.
  • the first longitudinal beam 10 and protective elements 9 extend beyond the second upright 3b including the male connection 18b for the connection system for adjacent modules, the second longitudinal beam 11, and the anchoring system 6 on the second upright 3b. This configuration is further illustrated in .
  • the male and female connectors are secured together with the protective elements 9, e.g., having the opposite orientation, acting to hide the connection between the male and female connectors.
  • the securing elements 9 can have a fastener passed therethrough, i.e., through the apertures disclosed herein, to secure the male and female connectors of module 1a and 1b.
  • the male projection 18a and female recess 18b when fitted together provide for a continuous electrical connection between the connected modules.
  • Electrical continuity between modules can be established by including suitable electrical connectors into the male projection 18a and female recess 18b, including but not limited to, contact pads, springs, posts, pins, e.g., pogo pins, blades, tubes, or other suitable push-fit electrical connections.
  • This disclosure is in no way limited to the type of electrical connector that provides for continuity between adjacent modules 1 when fitted together at a roadway.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)

Abstract

Un module de barrière routière est divulgué. Le module comprend une première traverse longitudinale comprenant une première partie creuse le long de sa longueur et une seconde traverse longitudinale disposée au-dessous de la première traverse longitudinale, la seconde traverse longitudinale comprenant une seconde partie creuse le long de sa longueur. Le module comprend un premier montant relié à une première extrémité de la première traverse longitudinale et à une première extrémité de la seconde traverse longitudinale et un second montant relié à une seconde extrémité de la première traverse longitudinale et à une seconde extrémité de la seconde traverse longitudinale, la seconde traverse longitudinale ayant une largeur supérieure à l'un quelconque des premier et second montants. Le module comprend un système de liaison construit et conçu pour être relié à des modules adjacents. Le module comprend en outre des éléments de protection s'étendant sur la première traverse longitudinale et la seconde traverse longitudinale. Sont également divulgués des systèmes de barrière routière modulaires comprenant un ou plusieurs modules.
PCT/IB2022/060870 2021-11-11 2022-11-11 Barrière routière modulaire WO2023084462A1 (fr)

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CA3233005A CA3233005A1 (fr) 2021-11-11 2022-11-11 Barriere routiere modulaire

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IT102021000028742 2021-11-11

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202008011203U1 (de) * 2008-08-22 2008-10-30 Sps Schutzplanken Gmbh Fahrzeugrückhaltesystem an Verkehrswegen
DE202011104387U1 (de) * 2011-07-01 2011-11-16 Horst Luther Schutzwand aus einzelnen Schutzwandelementen zur Sicherung von Verkehrswegen
DE202012003240U1 (de) * 2012-03-30 2012-05-07 Horst Luther Schutzwand und Schutzwandelement zur Herstellung einer solchen
US20190352868A1 (en) * 2017-01-05 2019-11-21 Jose Manuel Sanchez De La Cruz Improved road protection barrier

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202008011203U1 (de) * 2008-08-22 2008-10-30 Sps Schutzplanken Gmbh Fahrzeugrückhaltesystem an Verkehrswegen
DE202011104387U1 (de) * 2011-07-01 2011-11-16 Horst Luther Schutzwand aus einzelnen Schutzwandelementen zur Sicherung von Verkehrswegen
DE202012003240U1 (de) * 2012-03-30 2012-05-07 Horst Luther Schutzwand und Schutzwandelement zur Herstellung einer solchen
US20190352868A1 (en) * 2017-01-05 2019-11-21 Jose Manuel Sanchez De La Cruz Improved road protection barrier

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