Development of a Time-Calibrated,Self-Cancelling Ticket Initial Feasibility Determination.

摘要

A time-calibrated,self-cancelling ticket is proposed as one means of reducing vehicular traffic congestion in urban areas. In concept,it would be a disposable self-contained,or card-like package,with a built-in clock system,which,at a predetermined time after activation by the user,would measure a predetermined time period and indicate expiration by a color change. This ticket,purchased by the driver and affixed to a vehicle,would provide a time-limit identification system to control road and highway use,as well as on-street and off-street parking. The objective of this study was to develop a practical,reliable,safe,easily produced ticket for the intended purpose,taking into account previous knowledge,as well as author inputs. The ticket would be required to operate over a temperature range of 0to 150F for periods of 2, 4,or 10hours. Several chemical mechanisms for timekeeping are investigated briefly;however,emphasis is on development of a preferred electrochemical approach. A ticket may have four parts:the signal which indicates activation;the chemical time-clock which determines the specified time period;the signal which communicates the expiration;and the substrate which supports the clock and gives the ticket its form. This study addresses functional parts of the ticket,criteria,proposed routes of development,chemical and electrochemical development,and suggestions for future development. Although the ticket is still in the experimental stage,it meets most of the objectives set forth in this program. However,advancement in design is needed. Relaxed criteria for ticket operation would simplify and accelerate this development. Appendices A and B in the report are: 'A Listing of References'and 'A Summary of U.S. Patents',respectively.