Design and Implementation of a Multiple Traffic Parameter Detection Sensor Developed With Quantum Tunneling Composites

Quantum tunneling composites (QTCs) are extremely sensitive to external force due to the quantum tunnel effect and have been developed into various sensors used in many fields, such as force sensors and tactile sensors. In this paper, a new type of traffic detection sensor is developed based on QTCs which are fabricated by adding spiky spherical nickel powders as functional fillers into silicone rubber. The developed sensors with different sensitivities were incorporated in an experimental road and a real road, and their performances for traffic detection were investigated. Test results show that the QTC sensors with high sensitivity can accurately detect the passing of different vehicles under different vehicular speeds and test environments. The double-rows QTC sensors can measure vehicle speeds easily and precisely. It is possible to measure the vehicle speeds with one QTC sensor per lane. A lot of other traffic data, including vehicle presence, vehicle weigh-in-motion, position, vehicle occupancy rate, vehicle count, and vehicle classification in real-time traffic can be achieved by the QTC sensors with the advantages of high detection precision, fast response and recovery excellent robustness, energy saving, easy installation, and maintenance. The obtained results prove the applicability of the QTC sensors for long-term real-time traffic parameter detection.