Articulated Vehicle Length Estimation Using Dual-Side Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate determination of the length of articulated vehicles is challenging due to variations in trailer types and cargo, which affects safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A computer system determines vehicle length by measuring articulation angles and distances from distance determination devices on both sides of the vehicle, comparing lengths, and adjusting for differences using a threshold to ensure accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle length is determined using a single distance measurement method, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to variations in trailer types and cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle length measurement into two separate measurement paths: one for the left side and one for the right side. Each side has its own distance determination device and articulation angle sensor, allowing independent measurement. This segmentation enables the system to handle different trailer types and cargo configurations on each side independently, improving measurement precision without requiring a single overly complex measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compares the vehicle lengths determined from both sides and uses feedback control to identify and correct measurement errors. When a discrepancy exceeds a threshold, the system requests additional steering input to gather more data and recalculate. This feedback mechanism improves measurement reliability by continuously validating results against multiple measurement paths.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple distance determination devices on both sides of the vehicle, then the reliability of length determination improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement data from both left and right sides through a centralized evaluation process. The control unit combines information from two distance determination devices and two articulation angle sensors, comparing results to identify discrepancies. This merging approach improves reliability by cross-validating measurements while managing device complexity through centralized processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal distance determination devices that can measure both the distance to the rear portion and, when combined with articulation angle data, derive vehicle length. These multi-functional devices serve multiple purposes: direct distance measurement, length calculation, and discrepancy detection, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the system requires articulation angle to be above a threshold for measurement, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases as the vehicle must perform specific maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks to determine whether the articulation angle threshold is met before attempting length measurement. If the threshold is not met, the system proactively requests additional steering input from the driver to create the necessary articulation angle. This preliminary action approach improves measurement accuracy by ensuring optimal measurement conditions are achieved before data collection begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors its own measurement conditions and automatically requests additional steering maneuvers when needed. The control unit self-evaluates whether the articulation angle is sufficient and, if not, prompts the driver to perform corrective actions. This self-service capability improves measurement precision while minimizing the impact on ease of operation by only requesting maneuvers when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprising a processor configured to determine that a first articulation angle between a first frame and a second frame of an articulated vehicle is above a first angle threshold; determine a first vehicle length based on the first articulation angle and a first distance from a first distance determination device to a first rear portion of the second frame on a first side of the articulated vehicle; determine that a second articulation angle between the first frame and the second frame is above a second angle threshold on a second side of the articulated vehicle; determine a second vehicle length; and determine whether a difference between the first vehicle length and the second vehicle length is lower than a predetermined threshold distance.