Beacon

What it does

Beacon, is a sturdy and highly visible temporary road barrier that uses sustainable energy and recycled plastic while utilizing technology to communicate to road users.

Your inspiration

One of the major reasons for traffic in Metro Manila is the lack of discipline of motorists and pedestrians. Installing barriers is one way for them to discipline the road users. However, the current barriers are not durable, visible and efficient enough. With them not being both stable and visible, it can cause accidents to road users and might further delay the traffic. The hypothesis made in the research states that a temporary road barrier will be more effective if the design is more visible, durable and is adaptive in technology.

How it works

The temporary road barrier can be used for traffic management, protection from hazards and construction, for a safer environment for road users. The barriers are be connected by a double male-female pin system allowing the barriers to be tightly interlocked. Traffic enforcers can control the arrow-shaped lights manually with the switch on the side of the barrier or with the smartphone app through Bluetooth Low Energy. There are indentations and holes following the shapes of the arrows for wind proofing. The major material that would be used in production for the barrier's body casing and covering, LED casing is recycled HDPE. Solar panels are used for the barrier to collect sustainable energy. The barrier needs to be filled with 100L of water to serve as the barrier's weight when being used.

Design process

Human-centered design is applied in this thesis. Research on the background information for the impact of the problem was done with the help of economic statistics, online news articles, as well as online documents. To aid in product development, research on existing systems and product analysis we accomplished. Interviews, online surveys, environment scanning and other observational methods were conducted. The design conceptualisation started after the initial survey. Having key design parameters (portable, durable, user-friendly, aesthetics and technology) helped in the creation of initial concepts. After considering feedbacks from users, design consultants, and engineers, I was able to decide on the final design of the product.

How it is different

Compared to the products currently available, this design utilizes technology, more stable and more visible. The design is more visible because of yellow reflective tapes and arrow shaped LED lights. The design uses different technologies such as smart phone app controlled lights and solar panels. The water cap is more secure because it uses a key for the slotted cap to loosen it. The male-female pin system allows the connection of barriers to be tightly fastened. This design uses recycled HDPE which is 10% cheaper than regular HDPE.

Future plans

My future plan is to further research and develop the design. To find more ways on how to make the product cheaper and more affordable for the target market. And if possible, develop the design to be stackable.

Awards

This thesis was awarded "Thesis Council Choice Award" by the Industrial Design thesis council of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde last March 2018.