A pavement system includes a slab having a body comprising pavement materials presenting a top surface. The system includes a reinforcement layer comprising geogrid materials embedded in the body, strain sensors fixed to the reinforcement layer, and a processor configured to collect multiple electrical signals across time from each of the strain sensors and to analyze the electrical signals to determine one or more of: (A) risk of a structural defect in the slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the slab, and (C) movement of passing objects across the top surface.
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 19/03 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing during motion
G01K 11/3206 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using changes in transmittance, scattering or luminescence in optical fibres at discrete locations in the fibre, e.g. using Bragg scattering
2.
Roadway section having embedded wireless charge elements
A roadway section enables dynamic wireless power transfer to a vehicle. The roadway section comprises pavement material and a wireless power charger. The pavement material defines a pavement section volume having a top surface on which the vehicle traverses and side surfaces. The wireless power charger includes a conductive element located at least partially within the pavement section volume and is configured to emit a magnetic field toward the top surface of the pavement section volume to wirelessly transfer electric power to the vehicle. The conductive element defines a profile with an outer radius that is located at least two and a half centimeters (2.5 cm) away from the side surfaces of the pavement section volume.
A wireless charging system for a road. The wireless charging system comprises a wireless communication transceiver embedded within the road. The wireless communication transceiver is configured to communicate with a vehicle traveling on the road. The wireless charging system additionally comprises a wireless power charger embedded within the road. The wireless power charger is configured to transmit energy wirelessly to the vehicle. The wireless power charger further comprises at least one control processor in communication with the wireless communication transceiver and the wireless power charge. The control processor is configured to control the wireless power charger based on data regarding the vehicle obtained from the wireless communication transceiver.
B60L 53/30 - Constructional details of charging stations
B60L 53/126 - Methods for pairing a vehicle and a charging station, e.g. establishing a one-to-one relation between a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver
B60L 53/36 - Means for automatic or assisted adjustment of the relative position of charging devices and vehicles by positioning the vehicle
B60L 53/66 - Data transfer between charging stations and vehicles
4.
Systems and computer-implemented methods for analyzing transfer of force through pavement slabs
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
5.
Systems and computer-implemented methods for analyzing transfer of force through pavement slabs
A system for pavement slab analysis based on data regarding transfer of force through a sensing volume responsive to exertion of weight on the sensing volume by passing objects including a precast pavement slab defining the sensing volume and having a top surface, a plurality of strain gauges embedded in the pavement slab within the sensing volume, and load-transferring connector(s) attaching the pavement slab to an adjacent slab. The strain gauges are distributed across an XY coordinate plane parallel to the top surface. The system also includes a processing element and computer-readable instructions for receipt of electrical signals from the strain gauges and to analysis of the electrical signals to determine one or more of the following: (A) risk of a structural defect in the pavement slab, (B) risk of a problem with underlying sub-grade beneath the pavement slab, and (C) movement of the passing objects across the top surface.
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
A roadway segment includes a body having a length along a direction of travel, a width along a width axis, and top and bottom halves along a depth axis. The segment also includes a strain sensor array with one or more optical fiber cables embedded in the bottom half of the body. The strain sensor array includes vehicle-strain sensors configured to detect strain on the body resulting from vehicles traveling across the top surface. The segment also includes a processor that operates the plurality of vehicle-strain sensors at a resolution of not greater than one picometer (1 pm). Any segments of the optical fiber cable(s) that intersect are separated from one another depth wise by at least two-tenths of an inch (0.2 in.). Each of the sensors is separated from each other along the width axis by at least two inches (2 in.).
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
8.
Tool for forming a cavity in a modular pavement slab and method of fabricating pavement slabs
A modular pavement slab including a paving material set around a plurality of forming tools and defining a side face and a top surface. Each of the forming tools includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a sidewall exterior surface configured for removal of the elongate body through the side face. Each of the forming tools also includes a riser releasably coupled to the elongate body and extending in a direction noncollinear to the corresponding longitudinal axis.
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
10.
Tool for forming a cavity in a modular pavement slab and method of fabricating pavement slabs
A form for forming a modular pavement slab with long and short cavities alternatingly formed around its periphery includes a header and a plurality of short and long forming tools. The header includes an inner vertical surface that defines a portion of the periphery of the modular pavement slab. The short forming tool includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end positioned against the inner vertical surface of the header. The elongate body has a longitudinal bore therethrough and a riser bore defining an axis that is noncollinear to the longitudinal axis. A riser is releasably coupled to the riser bore. The long forming tool is substantially similar to the short forming tool. The elongate body, however, is longer than the short forming tool and includes two riser bores. A riser is releasably coupled to each respective riser bore.
E01C 19/50 - Removable forms or shutterings for road-building purposesDevices or arrangements for forming individual paving elements, e.g. kerbs, in situ
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
A modular pavement slab comprises a body, a strain sensor array, and a sensor processor. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The modular pavement slab is configured to be coupled to at least one other modular pavement slab via connectors along at least one of the side surfaces. The strain sensor array is retained within the body and is configured to detect a plurality of strains on the body resulting from vehicular traffic across the top surface of the body. The sensor processor is in communication with the strain sensor array. The sensor processor is configured to communicate input signals to the strain sensor array, receive output signals from the strain sensor array, and determine a plurality of time-varying strain values, each strain value indicating a strain experienced over time by a successive one of a plurality of regions of the body.
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01L 17/00 - Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
G01G 3/12 - Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
E01C 5/00 - Pavings made of prefabricated single units
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
A removable and serviceable paving apparatus including an access port for providing access to the interior of the slab. The access port is operable to improve access to components of the paving system prior to, during, and/or after installation. The paving apparatus further includes a removable fastener for improving removability and serviceability. The removable fastener attaches the paving apparatus to its neighboring structures to form a paving surface, may be disengaged from the neighboring structures for removal, repair and/or service of the paving apparatus, and may be re-engaged upon re-installation of the paving apparatus.
A prefabricated paving slab includes specialized combinations of substantially vertical passages and cavities to enable “drop in” installation. The paving slab may include retractable coupling rods aligned using spacers having seating surfaces and alignment surfaces. Cavities of the paving slab, each configured for receiving a coupling rod, preferably are arranged in orientation(s) and pattern(s) selected for receiving and transferring the stresses of loads travelling in a pre-determined direction.
A removable and serviceable paving apparatus including an access port for providing access to the interior of the slab. The access port is operable to improve access to components of the paving system prior to, during, and/or after installation. The paving apparatus further includes a removable fastener for improving removability and serviceability. The removable fastener attaches the paving apparatus to its neighboring structures to form a paving surface, may be disengaged from the neighboring structures for removal, repair and/or service of the paving apparatus, and may be re-engaged upon re-installation of the paving apparatus.
A removable and serviceable paving apparatus including an access port for providing access to the interior of the slab. The access port is operable to improve access to components of the paving system prior to, during, and/or after installation. The paving apparatus further includes a removable fastener for improving removability and serviceability. The removable fastener attaches the paving apparatus to its neighboring structures to form a paving surface, may be disengaged from the neighboring structures for removal, repair and/or service of the paving apparatus, and may be re-engaged upon re-installation of the paving apparatus.
patents