Load Distribution Measuring Device Using Displaced Sensor Rows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for measuring load distribution on a vehicle's grounding surface while it is running have low resolution due to the limited array density of load cell sensors, which is insufficient for precise analysis, and miniaturizing these sensors to increase resolution compromises durability under high load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The load distribution measuring device employs load cell sensors arranged in a matrix form with positional displacement perpendicular to the vehicle's passing direction, allowing for enhanced resolution by calculating detection values from multiple sensor rows and columns, and adjusting the operation reference line to account for vehicle speed and direction, thereby improving resolution without compromising sensor durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If load cell sensors are arrayed in a matrix form to measure load distribution, then measurement capability is provided, but resolution of load distribution is low due to sensor size and array density limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution resolutionVSAvoidsensor array density
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional transformation by arranging sensors in multiple rows with positional displacement perpendicular to the vehicle's passing direction. Instead of simply increasing sensor density in one dimension, the invention uses multiple displaced rows to create a virtual high-resolution measurement grid, effectively transforming a one-dimensional density problem into a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates virtual sensor positions by mathematically processing data from physically displaced sensor rows. The operation part generates detection values for virtual sensor positions that did not physically exist, effectively copying measurement capability to locations where no actual sensors are present, thereby achieving higher resolution without increasing physical sensor density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If load cell sensors are miniaturized to increase array density, then resolution of load distribution is improved, but durability under high load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution resolutionVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by using multiple rows of sensors with positional displacement perpendicular to the vehicle's passing direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve high resolution through spatial distribution rather than sensor miniaturization, maintaining sensor size and durability while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates virtual sensor positions through mathematical processing of data from displaced physical sensors. This copying approach achieves the effect of higher sensor density without physically miniaturizing sensors, thereby preserving sensor durability under high load conditions while obtaining high-resolution load distribution data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If more load cell sensors are arrayed to improve resolution, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution resolutionVSAvoidsensor array configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual sensor positions by mathematically processing data from a limited number of physically displaced sensors. This copying technique generates measurement data for positions where no physical sensors exist, achieving high resolution without the complexity and cost of deploying a dense array of physical sensors across the entire measurement area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses positional displacement of sensor rows perpendicular to the vehicle's passing direction to create a multi-dimensional measurement configuration. This approach achieves high resolution through intelligent spatial arrangement and mathematical processing rather than simply increasing the number of sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances the resolution of load distribution measurement in the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's passing direction, allowing for more precise analysis of running conditions without the need for sensor miniaturization, thus maintaining durability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

load cell sensors which detect an input from a vehicle passing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad cell sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3301424B1Load distribution measuring device for vehicles
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 SUBARU CORP
  • EP3301424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301424B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3301424B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the invention, a load distribution measuring device (1) for vehicles includes: load cell sensors (2) detecting an input from a vehicle passing; an operation part (8) generating a load distribution from a tyre (40) of a vehicle; and an output part outputting the load distribution. The load cell sensors (2) are disposed on a road surface (S). The load distribution is input into the load cell sensors (2) when a vehicle passed over the load cell sensors (2). The load distribution is generated based on detection values from the load cell sensors (2). The load cell sensors (2) are disposed with a positional displacement in a direction perpendicular to a passing direction of a vehicle. The load distribution is generated based on the detection values from the load cell sensors (2) disposed with the positional displacement. A resolution of the load distribution has been enhanced higher than a resolution corresponding to an interval of the two load cell sensors (2).