Vehicle Axle Configuration Detection Using Weight Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modifying the axle configuration of vehicles, such as adding or removing axles, can lead to degraded operational performance and safety issues due to mismatched brake parameters and operational settings.

Innovation Solution

A computer system using processing circuitry to predict changes in axle configuration by estimating current and previous vehicle weights, detecting load conditions, and adapting vehicle parameters based on updated axle configurations, utilizing trained statistical models and heuristic models for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the axle configuration is modified to improve load capacity, then the vehicle can carry heavier loads, but the operational performance degrades due to mismatched brake parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidoperational performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts brake parameters based on detected axle configuration changes. The control unit continuously monitors axle configuration through weight estimation and automatically adjusts brake parameters to match the current configuration, ensuring optimal operational performance regardless of configuration modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects axle configuration changes by comparing estimated current weight with expected weight based on stored configuration data. When a change is detected, the system adjusts brake parameters and notifies relevant systems, creating a closed-loop control that maintains reliability after modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If axle configuration changes are made to modify vehicle capabilities, then load capacity improves, but safety issues arise due to unadjusted operational parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidsafety issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of axle configuration changes by continuously estimating vehicle weight and comparing it with expected values. Before operational parameters can cause safety issues, the control unit has already detected the configuration change and can prepare appropriate parameter adjustments, preventing safety problems before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism ensures that safety-critical brake parameters are automatically adjusted in response to detected axle configuration changes. The control unit monitors weight, detects changes, and triggers parameter adaptation, creating a safety net that prevents harmful operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If the vehicle operates with modified axle configuration, then load capacity increases, but brake parameters become mismatched causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidoperational performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake parameters are made dynamic rather than static. The control unit automatically adjusts brake parameters based on real-time detection of axle configuration changes, ensuring that the brake system always operates at optimal efficiency regardless of whether axles have been added or removed for load capacity improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4516612B1Handling an axle configuration of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4516612B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4516612B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP4516612B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for handling an axle configuration of a vehicle is provided. The axle configuration is indicative of a number of axles of the vehicle. The method comprises obtaining (802) vehicle condition data indicative of at least one load applied to the vehicle. The method comprises obtaining (803) the axle configuration of the vehicle. The method comprises obtaining estimating (804) a current weight of the vehicle based on the obtained vehicle condition data and based on the axle configuration of the vehicle. The method comprises obtaining (805) a previously estimated weight of the vehicle. The method comprises, based on a difference between the previously estimated weight and the current weight of the vehicle, predicting (806) whether there has been a change in the axle configuration of the vehicle.