Effective Wheelbase Estimation for Multi-Axle Vehicle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating the effective wheelbase of vehicles with multiple axles are inaccurate, leading to suboptimal vehicle control and conservative design, affecting stability, maneuverability, load distribution, and overall performance.

Innovation Solution

A computer system uses multiple candidate estimations based on various models, including force, slip, friction, and vertical load, to calculate a weighted average of the effective wheelbase, utilizing machine learning for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple candidate estimations using different models are obtained and combined, then measurement precision of effective wheelbase is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective wheelbase estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The estimation system is segmented into multiple independent candidate estimation models, each handling specific aspects of wheelbase estimation. This allows the complex estimation problem to be divided into manageable sub-problems that can be solved separately and then combined, improving overall accuracy while maintaining systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple candidate estimations from different models are merged into a single comprehensive estimation. The system combines results from various estimation approaches (such as geometric models, force-based models, and sensor-based models) to produce a more accurate and reliable effective wheelbase measurement than any single model could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conservative design is used due to inaccurate effective wheelbase estimation, then reliability is maintained, but productivity of vehicle control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle control reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the estimated effective wheelbase is continuously monitored and used to adjust vehicle control parameters. This closed-loop approach allows the system to maintain reliability by validating estimates against actual vehicle behavior while simultaneously improving productivity by optimizing control actions based on accurate real-time information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes control parameters based on the estimated effective wheelbase value. By adjusting control gains, stability thresholds, and maneuverability parameters according to the accurate wheelbase estimation, the system achieves both reliability (through appropriate safety margins) and productivity (through optimized control responsiveness).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4711225A1Estimating an effective wheelbase
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4711225A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711225A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711225A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A computer system (900) comprising processing circuitry (902) configured to estimate an effective wheelbase (30) of a vehicle unit (100) is provided. The effective wheelbase (30) of the vehicle unit (100) is a distance between a first position (10c) of a first coupling point or a first axle group (1) of the vehicle unit (100), to a second position (20c) of a second axle group (2) of the vehicle unit (100). The processing circuitry (902) is configured to obtain multiple candidate estimations of the effective wheelbase (30). The multiple candidate estimations have been estimated using different estimation models. The processing circuitry (902) is configured to estimate the effective wheelbase (30) based on the multiple candidate estimations.