Vehicle Loading Brake Control on Slopes With Overload Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty vehicles parked on gradients with insufficient parking brake force and excessive load risk rolling, posing safety hazards to surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle loading safety system that includes a computer system to detect gradient and load conditions, activating safety measures such as alarms, engaging additional brakes, or lowering lift axles when the load exceeds a predefined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the parking brake force is increased to hold the vehicle on steeper gradients, then the vehicle stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of gradient and load conditions before the vehicle actually rolls. By detecting these parameters in advance and comparing them with stored threshold values, the system can issue warnings or activate safety actions before the harmful event occurs, preventing the need for overly complex mechanical brake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors gradient and load parameters, compares them with predefined thresholds, and provides feedback through warnings or safety actions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions, maintaining stability without requiring permanently over-engineered brake systems.
2Reliability
If the maximum allowable load value is reduced to ensure safety on gradients, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective maximum allowable load based on real-time gradient detection. When a vehicle is on a flat surface, the full maximum load is permitted. When a gradient is detected, the system either reduces the allowable load or activates safety actions. This dynamic adjustment allows maximum productivity on safe surfaces while ensuring safety on gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (maximum allowable load) based on the detected gradient parameter. By storing multiple maximum load values corresponding to different gradient conditions and selecting the appropriate value based on detected conditions, the system optimizes both safety and productivity across different operating scenarios.
3Reliability
If additional safety systems are added to detect gradient and load conditions, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single control unit performs multiple functions: detecting gradient, detecting load, comparing both parameters with stored thresholds, determining vehicle conditions, and issuing warnings or activating safety actions. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit utilizes already-available vehicle data (such as existing sensor inputs for load) and combines them with gradient detection. The system serves itself by using its own detected parameters and stored threshold values to make determination, reducing the need for external complex systems.
4Reliability
If the parking brake force is increased to prevent rolling, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces reliance on purely mechanical brake force adjustment with an electronic/control-based solution. Instead of physically increasing brake force through mechanical means, the system uses sensors, microprocessors, and control logic to detect conditions and activate appropriate responses, making the system easier to operate and adjust.
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
Reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring the vehicle remains stationary during loading, even on slopes, through proactive safety actions.
Implementation Method 1
The gradient determining subsystem may include an inclinometers/tilt sensor, gyroscope, etc.
Implementation Method 2
the parking brake force is not sufficient to hold the vehicle on the gradient
Implementation Method 3
engaging a service brake of the vehicle... additional braking force is thereby applied, further reducing the risk of the vehicle starting to roll
Implementation Method 4
the vehicle may start rolling... in case a user loads the vehicle more than, for example, its design load
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle loading safety system comprising a processing circuitry configured to receive parking brake input indicating that a parking brake of the vehicle is currently engaged, receive gradient input indicating a gradient of the ground on which the vehicle is standing and compare said indicated gradient with a predefined threshold gradient. The processing circuitry is configured to determine based on the received inputs that the vehicle is currently parked in a slope at a gradient which is larger than the predefined threshold gradient. The processing circuitry is configured to receive vehicle load input indicating a value of the actual vehicle load, and compare the value of the actual vehicle load with a maximum allowable load value, and to determine that the value of the actual vehicle load exceeds the maximum allowable load value, and to control, based on the determination, an activation of a safety action.