摘要: |
Raised pavement markers are used to delineate roadways because they provide excellent visual, tactile, and auditory feedback to drivers. However, over time markers can become dull or detach from the road, which necessitates their replacement. New markers must be placed relative to the existing installation, and this has traditionally been done by hand while riding in a specially-equipped truck. In order to improve cost efficiency and worker safety, this report presents an alternative method of marker replacement. The alternative is a machine designed to automate the replacement process. The ultimate product is described in general terms, but the main focus of this report is to describe the current prototype stage. The device will be carried by some vehicle. It is designed to allow for marker placement while the vehicle is in motion. To accomplish this, the primary installation equipment is mounted to a linear slide. The installation equipment is stationary with the road while placing a new marker, yet the vehicle can continue moving forward. A laboratory prototype has been developed and fabricated using a conveyor belt to simulate the relative motion of the road. The prototype can place a marker while the conveyor is at any speed up to 0.9 m/s (2 mph). The next stage of development will be a vehiclemounted unit for field testing, and most of the current prototype can be transplanted for that purpose. |