Wireless Low Bridge Avoidance System
The Wireless Low Bridge Avoidance System, developed by Tom Gromko, Max Holthaus, and their team, aims to safeguard roadway infrastructure and enhance driver confidence. This two-component system consists of a bridge-based transmitter and a vehicle-mounted receiver featuring an alert system powered by solar energy and XBee technology. Key objectives include minimizing damage from vehicle impacts, providing a reliable and affordable solution, and mitigating risks from known problem bridges. Future advancements aim to improve portability, power efficiency, and range for optimal performance.
Wireless Low Bridge Avoidance System
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Presentation Transcript
Tom Gromko Max Holthaus Group #35 Wireless Low Bridge Avoidance System
Objectives • Limit Damage to Roadway Infrastructure • Driver Confidence • Safe, Reliable, and Cheap Product • Decrease Threat of “Notorious” Bridges
Overview • Two component system • Bridge Based Transmitter (Custom - Programmed for Each Bridge) • Vehicle Mounted Receiver With Alert System • Based on XBee Technology • Bridge Transmitter is Solar Powered
Bridge Unit Hardware • 6V Lead-Acid Battery • Charging Circuit • XBee Pro Transmitter • Continuously Broadcast Parameters • 5W Solar Panel
Bridge Unit Charging Data • Full Sun • Partially charged battery (6.55V). *6hrs sunlight= 2.28Ah/day ~=2.5Ah
On-Board Hardware • Used for Data Processing and Signaling • 12V Cigarette Lighter Adapter • 2.4 GHz XBee Pro Provides Wireless Link • Micro SD Card Reader for Modularity • ATMEGA328P-PU Performs Processing
Bridge Clearance Algorithm • Parabolic Curve Calculation with 5 Parameters • Model Obtained From UIUC Civil Engineering • Determines Height at Worst Point on Curve
Alarm System Overview • LCD Gives Visual Warnings to Driver • Amplifier Drives 8-Ohm Speaker • Speaker Emits Audible Cues to Driver
Amplifier Schematic • Amplifier Gain Close To 200 • 1 - 10 KHz Operating Range
Sensing Unit • Functional to 2 Meters • On-Board Unit Selects Best Reading • Resistant to the Elements
Known Problems • Range not Satisfactory • Use 900Mhz Instead of 2.4GHz • Solar Panel Power Insufficient • Need MPPT Or Larger Panel • Speaker Noise • Need Filtering • Possible Software Fix • Dead LCD Pixels
Deviations From Original Design • Accurate Model for Bridge Dip • Parabola Instead of Trigonometry • Removed SD Card From Bridge (Saves Power)
Future Hardware Development • More Portable • Smaller Housings • PCBs with Surface Mount Parts • SD Card Reader for Bridge PCB • Improved Battery Performance • Switch to Lithium Ion Battery • Improved Amplifier • A Band-Pass Filter Would Eliminate Some Noise • Improved Range • 900MHz Xbee Pro Devices Have Better Range
Future Software Development • Program Output Pin of ATMEGA328 to Low for Amplifier Output • Eliminate Noise in the Speaker • Leaner Code, Cut Out Bulk • Improved Transmission of Floating Points