Load Carrier Weight Monitoring via Suspension Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring load carrier vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, are inadequate for providing real-time and accurate weight measurements during operation, which affects their stability and safety, and often require time-consuming off-site weighing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize sensors to measure force values, allowing for the determination of mass and partial weights, enabling accurate load distribution analysis and comparison to maximum allowable loads, while also calculating the center of gravity, using a sensor design with direction-sensitive strain gauges and wireless data transmission to improve safety and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight measurement is performed using off-site scales, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scale system with sensor-based force measurement devices integrated into the vehicle suspension. Strain gauges and force sensors directly measure weight forces during operation, eliminating the need for mechanical scales and enabling continuous real-time monitoring without stopping the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle performs its own weight measurement through integrated sensors in the suspension system. The measurement system is self-contained, using the vehicle's own structural components (suspension elements, struts) as part of the measurement apparatus, allowing autonomous weight monitoring during operation.
2Loss of time
If pressure-based weight measurement is used during operation, then time loss is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable pressure-based air bellows measurement with direct force sensing using strain gauges and load cells in the suspension system. This mechanical-to-electrical measurement substitution provides more reliable and accurate force detection during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple sensors at different suspension points to create redundant measurement copies of the weight data. By measuring forces at multiple locations (front suspension, rear suspension, individual axles), the system obtains consistent and verified weight information, improving reliability through multiple measurement copies.
3Reliability
If detailed load distribution information is obtained, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weight measurement into segmented components: individual axle weights, left/right side weights, and partial weights at different suspension points. This segmentation allows detailed load distribution analysis while using simple, modular sensor elements that can be independently installed and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system components serve dual functions: maintaining vehicle stability and providing weight measurement. The same struts, shock absorbers, and suspension elements that support the vehicle also house the sensors and transmit force data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement apparatus.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed for detailed measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are integrated into existing suspension components that are already part of the vehicle's regular maintenance schedule. The same service personnel who maintain the suspension system can service the measurement devices, and the sensors utilize existing mounting points and force transmission paths, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurement function with the suspension system's structural components. Sensors are mounted on existing struts, shock absorbers, and axle assemblies, merging the measurement apparatus with the vehicle's mechanical system. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies mounting procedures.
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
This solution provides real-time, accurate weight measurements and load distribution analysis, enhancing the safety and maneuverability of load carrier vehicles by allowing for continuous monitoring and reducing the need for off-site weighing, thereby improving operational stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor (16) has a first sensing direction (D1) and a second sensing direction (D2), wherein the sensor (16) has a signal neutral bending surface (52) oriented essentially perpendicularly to the second force direction (FR)
Data Source
AI summary
The technology provides a method for monitoring a load carrier vehicle (10: 12: 22: 154), comprising measuring at least one sensor value indicating a force and determining a mass based on the at least one sensor value. Furthermore, monitoring devices (156) used in the method and load carrier vehicles (10: 12: 22: 154) are described.