Camera-Based Suspension Deflection Measurement for Vehicle Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle load determination methods, such as ride height sensors and strain gauges, are costly and inefficient, leading to issues like axle overload, handling degradation, and poor weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing vehicle cameras to capture images before and after loading, applying photogrammetry techniques and image recognition to determine suspension deflection and load changes, eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ride height sensors and strain gauges are used to determine vehicle load, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the suspension assembly using camera images. By capturing images from multiple angles and generating a 3D point cloud representation, the system measures suspension deflection without physical contact sensors. The photogrammetric model serves as a virtual replica that enables precise load measurement through image analysis rather than electrical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical sensing systems (ride height sensors and strain gauges) with an optical measurement system. Cameras capture images that are processed through photogrammetry algorithms to determine suspension deflection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sensors mounted on the suspension components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to measure suspension deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle cameras serve multiple functions. In addition to their primary roles for driver assistance and safety features, the cameras are utilized for load determination through photogrammetry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated load measurement sensors, reducing manufacturing costs while enabling precise suspension deflection measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a photogrammetric copy of the suspension assembly from optical images. This virtual model allows measurement of suspension deflection without installing physical measurement devices. The point cloud representation and 3D model serve as digital twins that enable cost-free measurement compared to installing additional hardware sensors.
3Device complexity
If existing cameras are used for load determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by image quality and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into distinct computational stages: image capture from multiple cameras, feature point detection and matching, 3D point cloud generation, and suspension deflection calculation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, ensuring that despite using existing cameras, the final measurement precision meets requirements through systematic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical measurement with sophisticated optical processing. While the hardware remains simple (existing cameras), the measurement precision is enhanced through photogrammetry algorithms that perform geometric calculations, perspective corrections, and 3D reconstruction. The computational complexity compensates for the simplicity of the optical system.
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
Accurately determines vehicle load without additional sensors, improving weight distribution and preventing axle overload, while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
applying photogrammetry techniques and image recognition to determine suspension deflection and load changes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to determine the load of a vehicle via camera-based height measurement are disclosed herein. An example vehicle described herein includes a suspension assembly associated with a wheel, a first feature, a first camera, and a processor to execute instructions to capture, via the first camera, a first image including the first feature and a second feature, the first feature and a second feature having a first spatial relationship in the first image, capture, via the first camera, a second image including the first feature and the second feature, the first feature and the second feature having a second spatial relationship in the second image, and determine, based on a difference between the first spatial relationship and the second spatial relationship, a deflection of the suspension assembly.