Mechanical Wrong-Way Driving Prevention System

The Mechanical Wrong-Way Driving Prevention System, my 2024 Mechanical Engineering capstone at Arizona State University, addresses the critical issue of wrong-way driving on highways, a problem causing numerous fatalities annually in Arizona. As the electronics subsystem lead within a seven-member team, I designed and integrated an Arduino-based alerting system to complement the mechanical speed hump design. This project showcases my skills in electronics integration, mechanical design, and active collaboration, contributing to a team effort aimed at enhancing public safety through innovative engineering.

Wrong-way crashes are a significant safety concern, often caused by impaired drivers at night (Arizona DOT). Our team designed a pointed, hinged speed hump using SolidWorks, featuring steel plates and shoulder bolts for durability. I took sole responsibility for the electrical subsystem, integrating Arduino-based contact switches and LED alerts to detect and signal wrong-way movement. The system was developed within a $700 budget, with a final estimated cost of approximately $400, reflecting efficient resource use.

The mechanical system includes depressible ramps connected by hinges, validated through team-conducted finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS to ensure structural integrity under heavy loads. My electrical design utilized aluminum foil contact switches beneath the plates, wired to an Arduino Uno R3, to detect direction and activate LED alerts. I optimized the circuit for low power (5V, 20 mA) and reliability in harsh weather conditions. The steel prototype, evolved from an initial plywood model, was tested for durability and driver feedback in low-speed trials.

Live demonstrations validated the system’s functionality: the humps provided a noticeable jolt to drivers, while my electrical circuit accurately signaled wrong-way detection via LEDs. Low-speed tests confirmed no vehicle damage, with springs and rollers enhancing durability. I contributed to data analysis, correlating FEA results with test outcomes, supporting the design’s potential for real-world use. Future testing could include fatigue analysis for high-speed scenarios, a tentative goal to refine the system further.

Credits

Team Members: Sultan Al Ali, Eric Baylon, Aleily Partida, Animesh Rajvanshi, Rachel Thomas, Amie Trescott

References

DM Cantor: Wrong-Way Crashes in Arizona
Federal Highway Administration: Traffic Calming ePrimer
Arizona Department of Transportation: Wrong-Way Driving Data
Shigley’s Mechanical Design: 10th Edition, Chapter 10
Koba Kant: Paper + Aluminum Foil Contact Switch
SolidWorks: Finite Element Analysis Guide
Arduino: Basic Circuit Design
IEEE: Transportation Safety
ScienceDirect: Wrong-Way Driving Countermeasures
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Road Safety Data
ASU Engineering: Capstone Project Resources
ANSYS: Automotive Simulation