Lane Load Determination Using Vehicle Sensor and Map Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cities and municipalities face challenges in determining road surface loads due to the high cost of implementing and replacing pressure sensors, and existing methods like recording axle loads of heavy goods vehicles are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a road map with vehicle location and load mass data, using existing vehicle sensors to generate road surface load signals, which includes assigning vehicles to lanes based on location and evaluating load masses to determine road surface loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are implemented in the roads to obtain information about road surface loads, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing existing vehicle-based sensors (height sensors, pressure sensors, suspension systems) to perform road surface load measurements. Instead of requiring the road infrastructure to provide measurement services through embedded sensors, the system enables vehicles to self-measure their own load characteristics and automatically transmit this data to authorities, thereby eliminating the need for complex road-embedded sensor systems while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses communication networks and data transmission systems as intermediaries to bridge the gap between vehicle-based measurement and road management needs. The intermediary system collects data from vehicles equipped with sensors and delivers it to road authorities, replacing the need for direct road-embedded sensors while maintaining the measurement function
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are implemented in the roads, then road surface load detection is achieved, but loss of energy and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Vehicles equipped with height sensors, pressure sensors, and suspension systems perform self-measurement of their load characteristics. The existing vehicle sensors continuously monitor suspension compression and pressure, automatically generating load data without requiring external road sensors or maintenance infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, long-lived road-embedded pressure sensors with cheaper, vehicle-based sensing systems. Since vehicles are mobile and already equipped with sensors for other purposes, the marginal cost of adding load measurement capability is minimal, and there are no road infrastructure replacement costs
3Device complexity
If existing vehicle sensors are used to generate road surface load signals, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using multi-functional vehicle sensors (height sensors, pressure sensors, suspension systems) that serve both their original vehicle control functions and the additional function of road surface load measurement. This eliminates the need for dedicated road sensors while maintaining measurement capability through the vehicle's existing sensing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical road-embedded pressure sensors with vehicle-based sensing systems that use the vehicle's own suspension mechanics and pressure systems. The vehicle's suspension compression and air pressure naturally respond to load changes, providing measurement data without requiring mechanical contact with the road surface
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 cost-effective measurement of road surface loads using existing vehicle sensors, reducing installation and maintenance costs while providing accurate load data for road management.
Implementation Method 1
the suspension compression of the at least one or the respective vehicle is detected. The suspension compression depends on the vehicle load mass.
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the spring medium is detected. The pressure of the spring medium depends on the vehicle load mass.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Method for acquiring road loads, wherein a road map (15) comprising information relating to the local course of a plurality of roads is provided, a vehicle location is respectively acquired for a plurality of vehicles (1) and at least one vehicle location signal (So) characterizing this vehicle location is provided, the vehicles (1) are assigned to the roads using the vehicle location signals (So) and the road map, a vehicle cargo mass is acquired for each vehicle (1) and at least one vehicle cargo mass signal (Sm) characterizing this vehicle cargo mass is provided, and at least one road load signal (Sb) characterizing a road load is generated for each road using the vehicle cargo mass signals (Sm) of the vehicles (1) assigned to said road.