Vertical Accelerometer Cargo Mass Estimation From Suspension Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transportation companies face challenges in accurately determining the weight of trailers during loading, as current methods require vehicles to visit weighing stations post-loading, leading to delayed and infrequent weight data, which is crucial for compliance with weight limits and tax calculations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus affixed to transportation assets, utilizing a vertical accelerometer to calibrate by initiating a vertical impact, measure spring oscillation, and create a model to estimate load mass, enabling real-time mass determination through impact events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vehicle visits a weighing station to determine weight, then weight measurement is achieved, but the measurement is delayed and only available after loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing station system with an accelerometer-based measurement system. The accelerometer measures vertical oscillations of the vehicle suspension, and through signal processing and calibration, derives weight information without requiring physical contact with a weighing station, enabling continuous real-time monitoring during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural vertical oscillations of the vehicle's suspension system as the measurement mechanism. By detecting and analyzing the frequency and characteristics of these vibrations with an accelerometer, the system extracts weight information from the vehicle's own mechanical vibrations during normal operation.
2Loss of information
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time data is available, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring by triggering measurements only at specific events (e.g., when the vehicle is stationary or during specific phases of transit). The accelerometer takes measurements at these periodic intervals rather than continuously, and the processor analyzes data only when necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption while still providing timely weight information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides real-time cargo mass estimation, ensuring compliance with weight limits, optimizing fleet management, and detecting anomalies, while conserving battery life with intermittent processing.
Implementation Method 1
measuring spring oscillation and creating a model of the transportation asset
Implementation Method 2
A sensor apparatus affixed to a transportation asset, utilizing a vertical accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method at a sensor apparatus affixed to a transportation asset. The method includes calibrating the sensor apparatus by initiating a vertical impact at the transportation asset, measuring spring oscillation and creating a model of the transportation asset. The method further includes detecting, subsequent to the calibrating, an impact event at the sensor apparatus. The method further includes measuring spring oscillation due to the impact event at the sensor apparatus and using the measured spring oscillation in the model created during calibration to create a load mass estimate for the transportation asset.