Dynamic Vehicle Mass Estimation for Two- and Three-Wheeler Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of active safety functions in two and three-wheeled vehicles is adversely affected by changes in vehicle mass due to variations in tire contact forces and weight transfer during braking or acceleration, necessitating accurate mass estimation for effective control.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing sensors and processors to determine vehicle mass, incorporating methods based on loading conditions, torque output, and acceleration to dynamically estimate total mass, ensuring precise control of safety functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the vehicle mass is assumed constant for safety function control, then the control system complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of safety functions deteriorates under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static mass assumption to a dynamic mass estimation approach. The system continuously estimates vehicle mass using sensor data (acceleration, torque) and updates safety function control parameters in real-time, allowing the control system to adapt to varying load conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic estimation rather than physical sensors for direct mass measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical mass measurement with a computational approach. Instead of using physical sensors to directly measure mass, the system substitutes mechanical measurement with electronic sensing (acceleration and torque sensors) combined with mathematical estimation algorithms, reducing hardware complexity while improving mass estimation accuracy under varying loads
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor data and estimation techniques are used to determine vehicle mass, then the mass estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing acceleration and torque sensors serve multiple functions. These sensors are used not only for their primary purposes (acceleration control, torque management) but also for mass estimation, eliminating the need for dedicated mass sensors and reducing overall system complexity while improving mass estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using its own operational data (acceleration and torque measurements already being collected for other control functions) to estimate mass. The vehicle's normal operation generates the data needed for mass estimation, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing complexity
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
Enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of safety functions like braking and traction control by adaptively adjusting to changing vehicle loads, thereby improving vehicle stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to sense an acceleration of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to sense a torque output of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for a vehicle including a first sensor that senses an acceleration of the vehicle and an electronic processor connected to the first sensor. The electronic processor determines whether a loading condition of the vehicle is detected and determines a first total mass of the vehicle using a first technique when the loading condition of the vehicle is detected. The electronic processor receives a first signal indicative of the acceleration of the vehicle from the first sensor, determines whether the acceleration of the vehicle is greater than zero, determines a second total mass of the vehicle using a second technique when the acceleration of the vehicle is greater than zero, determines a third total mass of the vehicle using a third technique when the acceleration of the vehicle is not greater than zero, and controls a function of the vehicle based on one of the total masses.