1. Smart Snowplow Operating a snowplow in harsh Iowa weather conditions requires a driver’s full attention. Some areas that have been identified for research by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) are sensing of blade wear, flow detection in the sand/salt spreader, and logging of road temperature. Improvements to visibility problems caused by the wing blade and while backing up will also be considered. Current IDOT capabilities will be examined and new technologies researched. The team will provide economic and technological recommendations to the IDOT. Based on the feedback, the team will design prototypes for test and implementation. The project’s primary goal is to make operation of the Smart Snowplow safer and simpler in order to improve efficiency and save lives. Objectives Functional design or prototype for blade wear detection Functional design or prototype for salt flow detector Functional design or prototype for logging of road temperatures Functional design or prototype for improved information display Functional design or prototype for a back-up sensor Technical Problem Currently there are no systems implemented to perform the functions requested Previous systems developed were not feasible for large scale implementation Functional Requirements Real-time detection of critical blade wear Real-time detection of salt flow Accurate logging of pavement temperatures Relay of logged temperatures to IDOT base station Decreased distraction of driver by snowplow instrumentation Improved visibility/detection at rear of snowplow Constraints All hardware must withstand extreme temperatures and conditions Added systems must not divert operator's attention from the road Added systems must be adaptable to different types of snowplows Added systems must provide an increase in plow efficiency Added systems must be economically viable Milestones Completion of research on current technologies List of recommendations and economic feasibility for IDOT Design of prototypes based on IDOT feedback Construction of prototypes Testing of prototypes Implementation of prototypes Team SDMay0504AdvisorsProject WebsiteClient Steve Saltzman, Electrical EngineeringDr. John Lamonthttp://seniord.ece.iastate.edu/may0504 Jason Smolka, Computer/Electrical EngineeringDr. Ralph E. Patterson, III Brian Witthoeft, Electrical Engineering Keli Meier, Computer Engineering Operating Environment Many improvements will be mounted on the exterior of the snowplow. Because of this, any design must be able to withstand vibration, freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, and rain. In addition the spreader flow detector must be able to withstand constant contact with salt. Any informational displays must also be able to withstand freezing temperatures. Intended Users This technology will be developed for the sole use of the IDOT. If the IDOT feels that the technology would be valuable to other DOTs, they can disseminate the information. Intended Uses This technology will be used solely in the Smart Snowplow and will not be configured for use in any other vehicle. Assumptions The operator of each Smart Snowplow will receive training and continued education Smart Snowplow will operate in a cold, wet, and corrosive environment Operators will have a valid driver’s license Limitations The project must be economically feasible to be implemented by the IDOT Project must be completed by May 2005 Operator training for newly implemented technology will not exceed 4 hours All items must function correctly in IDOT operating environments Abstract Introduction Design Requirement Technical Approach Testing Approach Personal and Financial Contributions Initial prototypes can be tested in a shop with simulated external forces Prototypes can then be tested to withstand real-world environments Functionality in a real-world environment will be tested last Analyze problems and issues currently faced by snowplow operators Research current available technologies Propose improvements Modify improvements based on IDOT feedback Build prototypes Test prototypes Implement prototypes The Smart Snowplow improvements will be prototypes based on the feedback from the IDOT. Improvements will come from five main areas of focus: the blade wear detectors, the salt flow detector, the logging of road temperatures, driver visibility and information, and back up sensors. End-Product 1 4 3 2 5 Areas Identified for Research and Improvement 1)Blade wear detection 2)Sand/Salt spreader flow detector 3)Data logging through existing sensor for thermal mapping of road temperatures 4)Position detection of wing plow and underbody blade 5)Reliable backup sensor Figure 1: Smart Snowplow Subprojects Additional project costs funded by IDOT Estimated Personnel Requirements Steve183 hours Jason187 hours Brian176 hours Keli178 hours Total734 hours