A PRODUCT CONTROLLED WITH WATERPROOF PIEZO CRYSTALS

Abstract

The invention relates to a product controlled with waterproof piezo crystals developed to control, through piezo crystals, the signaling system triggered before, during and after the crossing by pedestrians at signaled traffic intersections, wherein the product is highly durable and long-lasting, and facilitates use of signaled intersections by visually or hearing impaired and other pedestrians, and activates the signaling system, without the need to press any button, by detecting the pedestrians who stepped and applied pressure thereupon, thereby eliminating the risk of disease transmission.

Claims

1- The invention relates to a product controlled with waterproof piezo crystals developed to control, through piezo crystals, the signaling system triggered before, during and after the crossing by pedestrians at signaled traffic intersections, wherein the product is highly durable and long-lasting, and activates the signaling system, without the need to press any button, by detecting the pedestrians, thereby eliminating the risk of disease transmission; characterized in that it comprises of: a piezo crystal (1) that produces electrical voltage when pressure difference is created thereon, a smart outer surface (2) with protrusions for visually impaired pedestrians that is produced from a material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester, which prevents water or dust from penetrating the lower surfaces, a led lighting (3) installed under the smart outer surface (2) or on the outer body (6) that provides illumination over the ground, a tensile plate (4) that, thanks to its conductive nature, evenly distributes and transfers to other piezo crystals (1) the force transmitted on itself when pedestrians step and apply pressure anywhere on the smart outer surface (2), a polyester gel (5) that protects not only the smart outer surface (2) but also the internal structure against water and dust, an outer body (6) at the bottom of the invention that is produced from a material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester which protects the internal structure from water and dust.

2- A product controlled with waterproof piezo crystals according to claim 1, wherein the smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6) are made up of a composite material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester or plastic and derivatives thereof.

3- A product controlled with waterproof piezo crystals according to claim 1, characterized in that the product consists of a smart outer surface (2) and an outer body that are not affected by sunlight and resistant to ultraviolet rays because of the ultraviolet-resistant inverters placed therein.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0030] The applications of the present invention that is briefly summarized above and addressed in detail below can be understood by referring to the sample applications depicted in the attached drawings of the invention. However, it must be stated that the attached drawings show only the typical applications of this invention and that since the invention allows other equally effective applications, its scope cannot be assumed to be limited.

[0031] FIG. 1: An exploited view of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 2: A detailed view of the inventive parts piezo crystal, smart outer surface, led lighting material surfaces.

[0033] FIG. 3: A detailed view of the inventive parts tensile plate, polyester gel, outer body material surfaces.

[0034] In order to facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers are used to indicate identical elements in the figures, where possible. The shapes are not drawn to scale and can be simplified for clarity. It is believed that the elements and features of an application can be usefully incorporated into other applications without further explanation.

EXPLANATION OF DETAILS IN DRAWINGS

[0035] The reference numbers shown in the figures are explained below. [0036] 1. Piezo crystal [0037] 2. Smart outer surface [0038] 3. Led lighting [0039] 4. Tensile plate [0040] 5. Polyester gel [0041] 6. Outer body

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Alternatives preferred for this detailed description of the product configuration controlled with waterproof piezo crystals of the invention are described only to ensure a better understanding of the subject and in a way that will not create any limiting impact.

[0043] The invention is a product controlled with waterproof piezo crystals, wherein the product comprising of piezo crystal (1), smart outer surface (2), led lighting (3), tensile plate (4), polyester gel (5) and outer body (6) as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the invention is characterized by comprising of a piezo crystal (1) that produces electrical voltage when pressure difference is created thereon, and a smart outer surface (2) with protrusions for visually impaired pedestrians that is produced from a material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester, which prevents water or dust from penetrating the lower surfaces, and a led lighting (3) installed under the smart outer surface (2) or on the outer body (6) that provides illumination over the ground, and a tensile plate (4) that, thanks to its conductive nature, evenly distributes and transfers to other piezo crystals (1) the force transmitted on itself when pedestrians step and apply pressure anywhere on the smart outer surface (2), and a polyester gel (5) that protects not only the smart outer surface (2) but also the internal structure against water and dust, and an outer body (6) at the bottom of the invention that is produced from a material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester which protects the internal structure from water and dust.

[0045] Piezo crystal (1) has the ability to generate electrical voltage if and when pressure difference occurs on the material. With the piezo material placed in the invention, this voltage is used to detect the presence of a pedestrian.

[0046] When pressed on the product installed on ground, that is, when pressure applied thereon, an electrical signal is generated. The force applied on the product is transmitted equally to all parts thereof by means of the tensile plate (4) mounted thereinside and the pressure is distributed over the entire surface. Therefore, it is sufficient to press anywhere on the product to generate electrical signal. A liquid material can be used, instead of tensile plate (4), to distribute the pressure over the entire surface. However, in this case, the liquid to be used will have to be placed in a housing that will prevent it from leaking. Thus, it should be prevented that the liquid decreases over time by evaporation depending on the temperature. Also, freezing point of the liquid to be used must be below −40° C. Preferably, the material to be used to produce the tensile plate (4) of the invention is steel for being able to transmit the force directly.

[0047] The generated electrical signal is transmitted to an electronic card. The electronic card sends this information to a traffic signal controller. Based on this information, the traffic signal controller ensures that the traffic signal lights are properly lit through a signaling program that has been previously installed therein. The electronic card system and traffic signal controller are not included in the scope of this patent. An electronic card appropriate for the traffic signal controller to be used will be designed. Therefore, design of the electronic card may vary.

[0048] It is enough for the pedestrian who wants to cross to just step on the smart outer surface (2) on the ground, without the need to press any button, to generate electrical energy and activate the signaling system. The fact that there is no need to touch any surface prevents the spread of epidemic diseases, as well as providing a serious advantage for disabled individuals.

[0049] Pressure sensors or piezo crystals (1) in the product are stored in a waterproof dustproof outer body. In addition to the smart outer surface (2) and the outer body (6), the piezo sensors are also protected from water and dust using polyester gel (5) chemical material. The polyester gel (5) will be able to transmit the pressure applied on the product to piezo crystals (1) or pressure sensors and will be resistant to outdoor conditions despite being inside of the smart outer surface (2).

[0050] External structure of the invention consists of a lower cover and an upper cover. The upper cover is referred to herein as smart outer surface (2) and the lower cover as outer body (6). The strip led lighting (3) is installed in the spaces on the outer body (6). The strip led lighting (3) structure can be installed on the outer body (6) or under the smart outer surface (2) in a way to glow from the parts with protrusions for visually impaired individuals. In this case, a transparent surface will be placed between the smart outer surface (2) and the led lighting (3), thereby leaving the necessary space for light output from the parts with protrusions for visually impaired individuals. As described herein, the outer body (6) and the smart outer surface (2) comprise of a composite material containing fiberglass reinforced polyester, which makes them waterproof and dustproof. This material structure will transmit the pressure difference created by the pedestrians to the internal sensors and will be able to fully fulfill its duty for at least two years under outdoor conditions. The smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6) connections, which form the outer structure of the invention, will be connected to each other in a way that prevents water and dust penetrating thereinside. Waterproof and dustproof seals will be used for this connection.

[0051] The crystals and electrical connections of the invention will be placed in a waterproof and dustproof housing that is rated at least IP68 according to the IEC/EN 60529 standard. Furthermore, the housing material will also be flexible enough to allow sufficient pressure difference to be transmitted to the crystals. To this end, a composite material containing plastic derivatives or fiberglass will be used for the smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6) of the invention.

[0052] There are standardized reliefs on the smart outer surface (2) for visually impaired pedestrians. With the product, demand of the visually impaired pedestrian to cross is received through the floor on which the pedestrian directly steps without searching and using any button at the intersection. When the pedestrians step on the smart outer surface (2), receipt of their request is announced via the audio announcement system. Thereafter, when the signal light turns to green, pedestrians are informed by the audio announcement system about the fact that they can now cross the street. Similarly, when the signal light turns to red, it will be announced that they must wait.

[0053] On the product, there is also a visual-lighting guide for the hearing impaired pedestrians. The lighting guide, which is off when there is no demand on the product, is activated and glows red when someone steps on the product, i.e. the smart outer surface (2). In this way, receipt of the demand can be visually recognized. Once the lamps have turned red, there is no need to keep standing on the product. The red light will stay on until the green light turns on. When the signaling lamp turns green for pedestrians, the guide lamps will also glow green and remain as such during the time the signaling lamp is green. After the signaling lamp turns red and if and when there is no new demand on the product, the lighting guide will no longer glow.

[0054] Lamps inside the lighting guide are accessible independently of the section in which sensors are housed. Thus, if and when these lamps break down or a maintenance is required, they can be easily repaired and/or replaced. However, the piezo crystals (1) inside the polyester gel (5) will not require maintenance and fulfill their duty for at least two years.

[0055] Sensor cables and feeder cables for led lighting (3) will emerge from under the outer body (6) structure. The cables to be used will be NYY or TTR type cables that are heavy duty and resistant to outdoor conditions.

[0056] The product will be mounted next to the signaling pole in a way such that it is at the same level with the tiles placed for visually impaired pedestrians. In addition, if and when specifically requested, the product can be mounted underground in a way such that it cannot be seen from the outside.

[0057] The smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6) of the invention will be flexible enough to transmit the pressure difference to piezo crystals (1). To this end, a composite material containing plastic derivatives or fiberglass will be used for the smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6). Moreover, the section where piezo crystals (1) or connections thereof are located will be housed within a chemical material. Thus, they will be completely isolated from the external environment and the outer layers that surround them. This also provides a secondary protection for the crystals and connections therebetween. The chemical material to be used for this purpose should not be affected by pressure differences, should not degrade between the temperatures of −40° C. and +60° C. and should not lose its elasticity. The smart outer surface (2) and outer body (6), which are called the housing structure of the invention, will not be affected by sunlight and will be resistant to ultraviolet rays. During the warranty period for the product, there will be no discoloration due to sunlight. This will be provided by the inverters resistant to ultraviolet rays that are placed in the raw material used for the housing structure.

[0058] The piezo crystals (1) in the invention will be connected to each other in series and in parallel to provide sufficient current and voltage values. Depending on the desired sensitivity levels, sensitivity level of the electronic card used, length of the cable used and distance of the invention from ground (and depth of embedding if it will be embedded in the ground), the desired voltage values will differ. To this end, two or more piezo crystals (1) should be connected in series to provide the required voltage values. For a potential error in series connection, a connection in parallel is required in order for the invention to continue operating. As a result thereof, there must be at least one connection in series and at least one connection in parallel within the invention. However, if a single piezo crystal (1) structure provides the desired voltage value, there is no need for a connection in parallel. This is because the electronic card must be triggered for the signaling system to be activated. Therefore, these connection types are needed.

[0059] Led lighting (3) will be off when there is no pedestrian demand and it will glow in the color of the current pedestrian signal when a pressure-induced demand is created. For example, if and when the pedestrian signal is red, the lamps on the product will also be red. With the signal turning green, the lamps thereon will also turn red. When specifically requested, the lamps on the product can be configured in a way such that they flash with the first demand.

[0060] In alternative configurations of the invention, a different pressure-triggered material can be used instead of piezo crystals (1). Moreover, for these types of configurations, alternative products that can generate electrical energy following pressure can be used in the product instead of piezo crystals (1).