Vehicle Axle Load Estimation with Track Width Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of vehicle load detection in air suspension systems is limited by the failure to consider additional forces acting on the vehicle frame and corner assemblies, leading to inaccurate load calculations and potential damage to air springs and false operations of dynamic stability control systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle load calculation system that includes pressure sensors and height sensors to measure air pressure and ride height, with an electronic control unit calculating a first load value, and a second load value based on the change in track width, which is then subtracted to correct for vertical forces affecting the load determination, providing a more accurate overall vehicle load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only pressure sensor and height sensor signals are used to determine vehicle load, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of vehicle load is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces track width change as an intermediary parameter to mediate between the existing sensors and the vehicle load calculation. By measuring track width change (using existing height sensors at different positions) and using it as an additional input variable, the system indirectly captures lateral force effects without adding complex direct force sensors. This intermediary approach improves measurement precision while avoiding excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force measurement (which would require complex force sensors) with a computational model that uses readily available sensor data (pressure sensors, height sensors) combined with track width change measurements. The mechanical force analysis is substituted by a mathematical model that calculates equivalent load effects from measurable geometric and pressure parameters.
2Reliability
If additional forces on vehicle frame and corner assemblies are not considered, then the calculation is simple, but the reliability of load detection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring track width change and using this information to adjust and correct the vehicle load calculation in real-time. The system feeds back the track width measurement into the load calculation algorithm, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for lateral force effects. This feedback mechanism improves reliability without requiring complex manual intervention or additional hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in the load calculation from static pressure and height only to dynamic parameters that include track width change. By introducing this time-varying parameter that captures the effect of lateral forces, the calculation adapts to changing vehicle conditions, improving reliability. The parameter change transforms a simple static model into a dynamic model that accounts for operational variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calculation a vehicle load comprising calculating a first vehicle load value based at least on air pressures in air springs and height data of suspension of a vehicle axle, determining a second vehicle load value based on a change of track width of the vehicle axle, and calculating the vehicle load based on the first vehicle load value and the second vehicle load value.