Description:Title of The Invention
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BRIDGE COLLAPSE PREVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to System and method for Bridge Collapse Prevention using Weigh-in-Motion Sensors, Smart Barriers, and show warning to the Vehicle Driver through Display Unit.
Background of the Invention
CN206448191U says that The utility model is related to a kind of road and bridge limit for height weight-limiting apparatus, including the height-limiting frame being fixed on road surface, LED display is fixed with height-limiting frame, height-limiting bar, controller, alarm and limit for height freight weight limit direction board, LED display and alarm are connected with controller, road surface both sides are respectively fixed with the high bar of survey in front of height-limiting frame, RF transmitter is fixed with the wherein one high bar of survey, another survey on high bar is fixed with infrared receiver, RF transmitter and infrared receiver are connected with controller, on road surface vehicle obstructing device is provided with the middle of height-limiting frame and the high bar of survey, on road surface measuring vehicle weight device is provided with front of the high bar of survey.
Research Gap: Vehicle load will be calculated before it reaches the bridge.
Vehicle load will be calculated using WIMs (Weigh in Motion sensors).
Smart barriers will be installed at the entrances of a bridge. These smart barriers are programmed to prevent the overloaded vehicles from crossing the bridge. These barriers also have a display unit that will show a warning message to the driver, if the weight limit is exceeded.
RU2373501C2 says that The utility model is related to a kind of road and bridge limit for height weight-limiting apparatus, including the height-limiting frame being fixed on road surface, LED display is fixed with height-limiting frame, height-limiting bar, controller, alarm and limit for height freight weight limit direction board, LED display and alarm are connected with controller, road surface both sides are respectively fixed with the high bar of survey in front of height-limiting frame, RF transmitter is fixed with the wherein one high bar of survey, another survey on high bar is fixed with infrared receiver, RF transmitter and infrared receiver are connected with controller, on road surface vehicle obstructing device is provided with the middle of height-limiting frame and the high bar of survey, on road surface measuring vehicle weight device is provided with front of the high bar of survey.
Research Gap: Vehicle load will be calculated before it reaches the bridge.
Vehicle load will be calculated using WIMs (Weight in Motion sensors).
Smart barriers will be installed at the entrances of a bridge. These barriers are programmed to prevent the overloaded vehicles from crossing the bridge. These smart barriers also have a display unit that will show a warning message to the driver, if the weight limit is exceeded. Lastly, the digital camera captures the image of the overweight vehicle and their number plate, enabling the authorities to take action against the violators.
None of the prior art indicate above either alone or in combination with one another disclose what the present invention has disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is directed to a system and method for preventing bridge collapses by utilizing weight-in-motion sensors, smart barriers, and shows warning to vehicle drivers through display units installed on smart barriers. The system detects overweight vehicles in real-time and initiates a warning to the driver, preventing the vehicle from entering the bridge until its weight is reduced. A digital camera will be installed on the bridge which will trigger and capture the image of the vehicle and number plate and send it to the control room through further action.
Bridges are critical infrastructure that provides safe and efficient transportation for people and goods. However, overweight vehicles can cause damage to the bridge, leading to catastrophic failure and loss of life. Therefore, it is essential to implement a system that prevents overweight vehicles from crossing bridges.
Bridges may get deteriorated over time, and the design live load has been increased due to the growth of related industries. Therefore, the structural integrity assessment of bridge structures has drawn lots of interest for engineers. Load carrying capacity is one of the widely used structural integrity indexes for the bridge rating and maintenance. This model can remind the driver of the vehicle's ultra-high overweight in advance. Vehicle is avoided to continue to move ahead, so that the driver selects other roads to detour, so as to avoid the generation of accidents, it is ensured that the safety of bridge and vehicle crew.
System and method for bridge collapse prevention using weigh-in-motion sensors, smart barriers, and show warning to the vehicle driver through display unit comprises Cloud (20), Control Room (10), Smart Barrier Computing Unit (11 and 12), WIM Sensor (13 and 14), Display Unit (15), Zigbee protocol (16), Bridge (19), Smart Barrier Computing Unit (30), Power Supply (31), WIM Sensor (32), Zigbee protocol (33), Display Unit (34), Control Unit (35), Digital Camera (36) and Cloud Centre (37).
In another embodiment, in fig1; The weigh in motion sensors (13,14) are installed on the bridge (19) at entry and exit points to detect the weight of approaching vehicles.
In another embodiment, the weight data is then sent to the control Unit (11,12) , which processes the information to determine whether the vehicle's weight exceeds the weight limit of the bridge; if the vehicle's weight exceeds the limit, the system triggers the automated barriers to prevent the vehicle from crossing the bridge.
In another embodiment, at the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (15) and displays the message on the display board, notifying the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advising them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit; providing real-time information about the weight limit of the bridge and ensuring safe passage.
In another embodiment, in fig2; The smart barriers are installed at the entry and exit points of the bridge; the weight in motion sensor (32) sends the weight data to the computing unit (30) which analyzes it and sends a signal to the appropriate barrier controller; the barrier controller then activates the barrier at the entry point if the weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight limit of the bridge, preventing the vehicle from crossing the bridge.
In another embodiment, at the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (34) and splashes the message on the display board and notifies the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advises them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit; digital camera (36) installed on both sites of the bridge which capture the number plate and image of the overloaded vehicle and send it to the control room through zigbee wireless protocol (33) for future reference and all the data will be further send to cloud (37).
In another embodiment, In fig2; The weight in motion sensor (32) comprises a pressure-sensitive pad or plates that are installed on the bridge at entry and exit points; when a vehicle passes over the pad or plates, it compresses and generates a pressure signal; this signal is then sent to the control unit; the computing unit (30) processes the pressure signal and converts it into a digital signal that is sent to the processor.
In another embodiment, the processor analyzes the weight of the vehicle and compares it to the weight limit of the bridge; if the weight of the vehicle exceeds the limit, the processor sends a signal to the system to trigger the smart barriers and display unit (34).
In another embodiment, the display unit will notifying a message to the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge; finally, the weight data is outputted as data output that can be stored for further analysis or displayed in real-time to the control room (35).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
Fig 1: General Diagram of Bridge Collapse Prevention System
Fig 2: Working of Smart Barrier and other unit
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The present invention provides a system and method for preventing bridge collapses by utilizing weigh-in-motion sensors, smart barriers, and display units. Weigh-in-motion will be installed on the road before the start of the bridge. The sensors are placed on the road bridge approach and detect the weight of the vehicle as it approaches the bridge. The weigh-in-motion sensors are connected to a central control unit that receives data in real-time. The central control unit determines if the vehicle's weight exceeds the maximum weight limit of the bridge.
The weight in motion sensors are placed in the road and measure the vehicle's weight before it enters the bridge. The sensors used for weighing in motion can be classified in two types: intrusive and non-intrusive sensors, depends if there are mounted in the road (intrusive) or off the road (non-intrusive) which can be mounted on pillars, bridges, footbridges, in metal boxes or wardrobes mounted near the road.
If the weight of the vehicle exceeds the maximum weight limit, the central control unit activates the smart barriers. The smart barriers prevent the overweight vehicle from entering the bridge until its weight is reduced. The smart barriers may be of any suitable type, such as vertical lift barriers, drop arm barriers, or swing gates.
In addition, the system also comprises a display unit that will show a warning to vehicles If an overweight vehicle is detected, the central control unit sends a message on display and alerting the driver that they cannot cross the bridge. The warning may be in the form of a text message, providing the driver with instructions on how much to reduce the vehicle's weight.
The system may also be connected to a camera system that captures the image of the overweight vehicle and its license plate. The image will be sent to the central control unit for further analysis and to initiate appropriate actions.
The present invention provides several advantages over the existing bridge collapse prevention systems. Firstly, the system prevents overweight vehicles from entering the bridge in real-time, reducing the risk of bridge collapse. Secondly, the system provides a warning to the driver, allowing them to take appropriate actions to reduce the vehicle's weight. Lastly, the digital camera captures the image of the overweight vehicle and their number plate, enabling the authorities to take action against the violators.
Best method of working
In fig1; The weigh in motion sensors (13,14) are installed on the bridge (19) at entry and exit points to detect the weight of approaching vehicles. The weight data is then sent to the control Unit (11,12) , which processes the information to determine whether the vehicle's weight exceeds the weight limit of the bridge. If the vehicle's weight exceeds the limit, the system triggers the automated barriers to prevent the vehicle from crossing the bridge. At the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (15) and displays the message on the display board, notifying the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advising them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit. Providing real-time information about the weight limit of the bridge and ensuring safe passage
In fig2; The smart barriers are installed at the entry and exit points of the bridge. The weight in motion sensor (32) sends the weight data to the computing unit (30) which analyzes it and sends a signal to the appropriate barrier controller. The barrier controller then activates the barrier at the entry point if the weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight limit of the bridge, preventing the vehicle from crossing the bridge. At the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (34) and splashes the message on the display board and notifies the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advises them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit. Digital camera (36) installed on both sites of the bridge which capture the number plate and image of the overloaded vehicle and send it to the control room through zigbee wireless protocol (33) for future reference and all the data will be further send to cloud (37) .
In fig2; The weight in motion sensor (32) comprises a pressure-sensitive pad or plates that are installed on the bridge at entry and exit points. When a vehicle passes over the pad or plates, it compresses and generates a pressure signal. This signal is then sent to the control unit. The computing unit ( 30) processes the pressure signal and converts it into a digital signal that is sent to the processor. The processor analyzes the weight of the vehicle and compares it to the weight limit of the bridge. If the weight of the vehicle exceeds the limit, the processor sends a signal to the system to trigger the smart barriers and display unit (34). The display unit will notifying a message to the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge. Finally, the weight data is outputted as data output that can be stored for further analysis or displayed in real-time to the control room (35).
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. Real-time detection: The system detects overweight vehicles in real-time, enabling quick action to prevent the vehicle from entering the bridge.
2. Smart barriers: The system uses smart barriers to prevent overweight vehicles from crossing the bridge, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
3. Display unit: The system sends a warning to the display unit, alerting the driver that they cannot cross the bridge, providing the driver with instructions on how to reduce the vehicle's weight.
4. Image capture: The system captures the image of the overweight vehicle, enabling the authorities to take action against the violators.
5. Safety: The system provides a reliable and robust solution for preventing bridge collapses, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
6. Efficiency: The system reduces the risk of bridge collapses, minimizing the cost and time required for bridge maintenance and repairs.
7. This system is for preventing bridge collapses comprising Weigh in Motion (WIM) sensors, smart barriers, and a warning message system.
8. wherein the WIM sensors are installed on the bridge at entry and exit points to detect the weight of approaching vehicles. The WIM sensors are calibrated to measure the weight of different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses.
9. wherein the weight limit of the bridge is pre-programmed into the system and can be adjusted based on the capacity and health of the bridge.
10. wherein the smart barriers are installed at the entry and exit points of the bridge and will be programmed to open only if the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the weight limit.
11. wherein the warning message display through display unit. It will notify the driver of the vehicle about weight limit of the bridge, and advising them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit.
12. wherein the warning message system is connected to the weight in motion sensors and automated barriers, and can be programmed to send alerts in real-time.
13. wherein the weight in motion sensors are calibrated to measure the weight of different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses.
14. wherein the automated barriers are installed at the entry and exit points of the bridge and can be programmed to open only if the weight of the vehicle is within the weight limit.
15. wherein the digital camera will capture the image of overloaded vehicle and their number plate and send it to control room and operator of the control room will analyze the data, and authorities can use this data to take action against overloaded vehicles trying to cross the bridge more than three times.
, Claims:1. A System for bridge collapse prevention comprises Cloud (20), Control Room (10), Smart Barrier Computing Unit (11 and 12), WIM Sensor (13 and 14), Display Unit (15), Zigbee protocol (16), Bridge (19), Smart Barrier Computing Unit (30), Power Supply (31), WIM Sensor (32), Zigbee protocol (33), Display Unit (34), Control Unit (35), Digital Camera (36) and Cloud Centre (37); wherein the weigh in motion sensors (13,14) are installed on the bridge (19) at entry and exit points to detect the weight of approaching vehicles;
Characterized in that the weight data is then sent to the control Unit (11,12), which processes the information to determine whether the vehicle's weight exceeds the weight limit of the bridge; if the vehicle's weight exceeds the limit, the system triggers the automated barriers to prevent the vehicle from crossing the bridge.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (15) and displays the message on the display board, notifies the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advising them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit; providing real-time information about the weight limit of the bridge and ensuring safe passage.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the smart barriers are installed at the entry and exit points of the bridge; the weight in motion sensor (32) sends the weight data to the computing unit (30) which analyzes it and sends a signal to the appropriate barrier controller; the barrier controller then activates the barrier at the entry point if the weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight limit of the bridge, preventing the vehicle from crossing the bridge.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the same time, the computing unit triggers the display unit (34) and splashes the message on the display board and notifies the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge and advises them to seek an alternative route if their vehicle exceeds the limit; digital camera (36) installed on both sites of the bridge which capture the number plate and image of the overloaded vehicle and send it to the control room through zigbee wireless protocol (33) for future reference and all the data will be further send to cloud (37).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein In fig2; The weight in motion sensor (32) comprises a pressure-sensitive pad or plates that are installed on the bridge at entry and exit points; when a vehicle passes over the pad or plates, it compresses and generates a pressure signal; this signal is then sent to the control unit; the computing unit (30) processes the pressure signal and converts it into a digital signal that is sent to the processor.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor analyzes the weight of the vehicle and compares it to the weight limit of the bridge; if the weight of the vehicle exceeds the limit, the processor sends a signal to the system to trigger the smart barriers and display unit (34).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit notifies a message to the vehicle driver for the weight limit of the bridge; and, the weight data is outputted as data output that is stored for further analysis or displayed in real-time to the control room (35).