Self-service vehicle weighing system to combat vehicle overloading

Abstract

Self-service vehicle weighing device and system to combat vehicle overloading. The invention relates to a road safety device for measuring the weight of road users' vehicles to combat vehicle overloading and related traffic violations. It consists of a positioning platform (1) to which sensors are attached or integrated that measure the weight of the vehicle loaded onto it. Using the ramp (2) and the direction-of-entry signage on the ramp (3), the vehicle can drive onto the platform; a frame (9) with a hinged barrier (5 and 6); a digital display (7) showing positioning instructions for the user; and a scanner (8) that reads the license plate of the vehicle loaded onto the platform (1).When the user has parked their vehicle, they proceed to the machine (10) which will issue a ticket (14) after payment and tracking of the steps using the digital tablet (12) and its keyboard (11) to obtain the weight of the vehicle placed on the platform (1) as well as information relating to traffic regulations. They can then exit their vehicle via the ramp (2'). The device according to the invention is intended to contribute to road safety in the common interest of all. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE, SYSTEM FOR SELF-SERVICE VEHICLE WEIGHING AGAINST OVERLOADING VEHICLES

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle weighing device and a system developed from a machine having software with all the information related to road regulations. Thus, this invention is designed with the objective of allowing drivers to be in compliance with road legislation and thus contribute to the safety of road users.

[0002] With around ten years of experience in the road transport sector, I was able to identify malfunctions and problems relating to the load of the vehicle I was driving as a goods carrier. These incidents allowed me to think about what could improve this situation and thus no longer be confronted with the insecurity and penalties incurred for this offence.

[0003] Furthermore, according to estimates from the National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR), 2,947 people lost their lives on the roads of mainland France in 2021. Law enforcement officers responsible for various road checks, particularly those for overloading, are confronted with multiple road users who do not respect the legal weight allowing them to travel safely.

[0004] It is difficult for road users, particularly individuals, to determine whether the weight of their vehicle complies with the legislation provided for by the highway code in order to avoid the risk of being unsafe or being involved in a road accident related to the weight of their vehicle. This invention is developed in their interest in order to keep their driving license and take to the road in complete safety.

[0005] This is why document No. 2106156 proposes this invention which will make it possible to remedy these flaws and thus contribute to road safety for the well-being of road users and reduce the offenses linked to this problem.

[0006] This device would be located in service stations, motorway entrances, car parks or any other facility in order to have the possibility of free access to them.

[0007] To use the self-service vehicle weighing device, users will have to pay or present a subscription card in exchange for the provision of this service. The vehicle will have to be placed on the platform having sensors on both sides of this platform which have the function of measuring the weight of the vehicle. At the end of this platform there is a frame in front of which will be placed the vehicle, which using a scanner located on the upper part of the frame, records the license plate as well as a readaptable safety barrier located at the same level which will determine the height and type of vehicle placed on the platform. In addition, the user must follow the instructions sent from the digital board located on the upper part of the frame. All information relating to the weight and the vehicle is sent to the machine with the software which will display on the digital tablet the weight of the weighed vehicle. In case of overload, the software will send an alert message to the owner of the vehicle with the risks incurred provided for by law. In case of correct weight, the owner of the vehicle will be able to print his ticket with all this information which he can present in case of road check to the authorities.This ticket will allow you to certify the weight of your vehicle and you will not be subject to a fine related to the violation of overloading the vehicle. However, the authorities reserve the right to weigh the vehicle in the event of a check using their own device.

[0008] The self-service vehicle weighing device and system against vehicle overloading is made up of four interdependent machines whose objective is to measure the weight of the users' vehicles in order to obtain a ticket stipulating the latter's regularization before taking the road.

[0009] The first machine ([Fig.l]; 1, 2, 2', and 3) is the rectangular metal non-slip platform having a ramp for getting on and off suitable for all types of vehicle in order to allow the vehicles to position themselves to proceed with the weighing of the vehicle. A signal marked on the ground by an arrow can be replaced by light barriers arranged on the two opposite sides of the platform indicating the direction of the ascent. It is on this platform that the vehicles will be placed in the interest of weighing it before taking the road.

[0010] The second machine ([Fig.l]; 4 and 4') concerns the weight sensors which are located on the right and left side of the positioning platform whose role is to measure the weight of the vehicle located on the platform. These sensors send the signals to the fourth machine so that it can have the information in order to inform the users. The sensors can be placed below the positioning platform or all along the sides of the latter.

[0011] The third machine ([Fig.l]; 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) is the bridge-shaped frame placed at the end of the positioning platform. It has a readaptable barrier on the upper part of the frame adapting to the type of vehicle on the platform thanks to its integrated sensors and its elevation system in order to correctly place the vehicle as does the roller system in vehicle washing machines. This barrier adapts to the type of vehicle that is placed on the platform and has a scanner for reading the license plate that will be sent to the fourth machine that records information relating to the vehicle's weight. This machine also has a digital panel placed above this readaptable barrier indicating the instructions to follow to users so that they can position their vehicle in the right place so that the system can work.

[0012] The fourth machine ([Fig.l]; 10, 11, 12 and 13) is the device equipped with the road legislation information software for authorized loads in which the information measured by the weight sensors and the scanner of the license plate of the vehicle loaded on the positioning platform is sent. This machine is the key machine of this system because it is the one that allows road users to know the weight of their vehicle and in the event of overloading the machine informs users of the offense they are exposed to by stipulating the amount of the fine as well as the withdrawal of points in the event of loss of points from the driving license. At the end of the weighing and after payment and validation by the user, the machine issues a ticket with all the necessary information in the event of a road check related to the load of the vehicle in order to inform the authorities of the load of their vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. The self-service vehicle weighing device is a weighing system for all types of road user vehicles in the interest of combating vehicle overloading and related offenses. It is a road safety device that can be developed in partnership with the State and law enforcement in the interest of ensuring compliance with the highway code and thus contributing to the safety of road users. The use of this device is intended for any type of vehicle authorized for circulation.

2. Road safety device (fig.l) comprising: - A positioning platform (1) intended to be placed and fixed to the ground; - Two ramps fixed to the rise (2) and to the descent (2') of said positioning platform (1) on which signal arrows (3) indicate the direction of the vehicle's rise.

3. Device according to claim 1 arranged on the lateral or lower parts of said positioning platform (1) corresponding to the weight sensors (4; 4') measuring the loaded vehicle.

4. Device according to claim 1 characterized by: - ​​A frame in the form of a bridge (9) placed and fixed at the end of the positioning platform (1) having a barrier (5) on the upper part of the frame adapting thanks to a removable system (6) to the type of vehicle thanks to its system detecting the height of the vehicle and consequently its type. - A digital signaling board (7) indicating the instructions to be followed by users which sends messages at each stage thanks to the sensors (4 and 4') signaling the positioning. - A scanner (8) located on a block of the upper part of the frame (9) which digitizes the license plate and sends it to the device equipped with the software.

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims having: Internal software integrating all information relating to road legislation and sent by the devices according to claims 2 and 3; A rectangular digital tablet (12) embedded in the upper interface of the machine on which the information collected by the devices according to the preceding claims is displayed. A touch or manual keyboard (11) placed to the right of the digital tablet (12) allowing you to act on messages sent by the software. A terminal (14) with an insertion point for the credit card, for cash payment or contactless payment offered as well as for subscription cards (for road professionals). A ticket dispenser (14) and payment receipt issued at the end of the service. A point-and-click help button (13) is used in case of machine malfunction.

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