Vehicle Grade and Mass Estimation via Onboard Accelerometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems lack effective methods to accurately estimate vehicle grade and mass using onboard acceleration data, which limits their ability to optimize transmission shift schedules and control operations, particularly in varying terrain and loading conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a grade estimation module, a mass estimation module, and a shift control module that utilize accelerometer values to generate grade and mass estimates, allowing for the selection and adjustment of transmission shift schedules based on these estimates to improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed shift schedules are used, then transmission control is simple, but vehicle performance deteriorates under varying terrain and loading conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to terrain and loading conditionsVSAvoidtransmission control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission control by continuously monitoring accelerometer data and adjusting shift schedules in real-time based on detected grade conditions and vehicle mass estimates, transforming the static shift control system into an adaptive one that responds to changing operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's existing accelerometer (originally intended for other purposes) to derive grade and mass information, allowing the transmission control system to self-adjust based on readily available onboard data without requiring additional dedicated sensors or complex external input systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If grade and mass estimation is implemented, then transmission control accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrade and mass estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces grade estimation and mass estimation modules as intermediary computational layers that process raw accelerometer data and transform it into meaningful control parameters (grade percentage and mass estimates), which then inform transmission shift decisions without requiring direct complex sensor arrays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical measurement devices (such as dedicated grade sensors or mass sensors) with computational estimation methods that derive grade and mass information from accelerometer data through mathematical modeling and signal processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If accelerometer data is utilized for control, then fuel efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the accelerometer to serve multiple functions: its original safety/control functions plus the new function of providing data for grade and mass estimation to optimize transmission shifting, thereby improving fuel efficiency without adding dedicated sensors or subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables precise control of transmission operations, enhancing vehicle performance and fuel economy by adapting to changing terrain and loading conditions, automatically selecting optimal shift schedules and preventing poor performance due to steep grades or high masses.

Implementation Method 1

A vehicle may include an onboard accelerometer. The accelerometer provides acceleration data to one or more vehicle systems.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

A grade estimation module receives an accelerometer value and generates a grade estimate based on the accelerometer value. The grade estimate corresponds to a grade of the vehicle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

A mass estimation module receives the accelerometer value and generates a mass estimate based on the accelerometer value. The mass estimate corresponds to a mass of the vehicle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS8977415B2Use of on-vehicle accelerometer to estimate vehicle grade and mass while vehicle is in motion

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system includes a grade estimation module that receives an accelerometer value and generates a grade estimate based on the accelerometer value, wherein the accelerometer value corresponds to acceleration of a vehicle and the grade estimate corresponds to a grade of the vehicle. A mass estimation module receives the accelerometer value and generates a mass estimate based on the accelerometer value, wherein the mass estimate corresponds to a mass of the vehicle. A shift control module at least one of selects and adjusts one of a plurality of shift schedules based on at least one of the grade estimate and the mass estimate and controls a transmission of the vehicle based on the one of the plurality of shift schedules.