Integrated Axle Load Sensing for Fast Commercial Vehicle Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining axle load in commercial vehicles are time-consuming and cost-intensive, requiring individual positioning of scales under each axle.
Innovation Solution
An axle load detection system comprising a force transmission element with a sensor unit that detects forces between assembly areas, using sensors such as piezoceramic sensors, strain gauges, or current sensors arranged on or in force transmission elements, which are fixed to the vehicle frame, allowing for accurate and reliable measurement of axle loads without separate components like scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scales are positioned under each axle to determine axle load, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force transmission element (structural component) with the sensor unit (measurement component) into an integrated axle load detection system. The sensor unit is arranged on or in the force transmission element, allowing simultaneous structural support and load measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate scale positioning under each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element serves multiple functions: it transmits forces from the axle support element to the vehicle frame, provides structural support, and simultaneously serves as a mounting platform for the sensor unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices like scales.
2Measurement precision
If scales are positioned under each axle to determine axle load, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force transmission element with the sensor unit into a single integrated system. The sensor unit is mounted on or integrated within the force transmission element, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture compared to using separate scales under each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element performs multiple functions including structural support, force transmission, and serving as a mounting platform for sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If sensors are integrated into the force transmission element, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is integrated with the force transmission element through mounting arrangements that ensure proper alignment and force transmission. The sensor unit detects forces in the support direction transmitted by the force transmission element, maintaining measurement accuracy while simplifying the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is specifically positioned to detect forces in the support direction, which is the critical measurement direction for axle load determination. This localized sensing approach ensures high measurement precision for the specific parameter of interest while keeping the overall system simple.
4Ease of manufacture
If a separate force transmission element with sensor unit is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle load detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the force transmission element and the sensor unit. This modular design allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled together, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining clear functional boundaries that simplify the overall system architecture.
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
Enables simple, quick, and accurate determination of axle loads, increasing safety and reducing costs by integrating sensors directly into the force transmission elements, providing redundancy and high measuring accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit is designed to determine and/or detect a force transmitted via the force transmission element between the first assembly area and the second assembly area
Data Source
AI summary
Axle load detection system for a commercial vehicle includes a force transmission element and a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit includes at least one sensor, wherein the force transmission element includes a first assembly area and a second assembly area, wherein the first assembly area is fixed or can be fixed indirectly and/or directly to a vehicle frame of a vehicle of a commercial vehicle, wherein an air spring and/or a control arm is arranged and/or configured to be arranged on the second assembly area, wherein the sensor unit is configured to determine and/or detect a force transmitted via the force transmission element between the first assembly area and the second assembly area in a supporting direction.