Mobile Device Vehicle Weight Determination Using Accelerometer Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vehicles may unknowingly overload their vehicles, leading to inefficient operation and increased risk of losing control or causing accidents due to misjudging the vehicle's capabilities based on unknown load weights.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that determines the gross combined weight of a vehicle and its load by using accelerometer data, filtered pitch and roll data, and calibration settings to calculate the total weight, which is then displayed to the user, allowing for adjustments in vehicle operation to ensure safe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle operates without weight determination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of vehicle operation deteriorates due to unknown load weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical weighing systems with a mobile device-based computational system that uses accelerometer data, engine speed, and calibration settings to calculate weight. This substitution maintains reliability while reducing device complexity by using software algorithms instead of hardware scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's existing sensors (accelerometer, engine control unit) and the weight determination function. It processes data from these existing components through calibration and calculation algorithms, enabling weight determination without adding dedicated weighing hardware to the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If traditional weighing systems are used, then the measurement precision of weight is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex calibration and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the vehicle's own operational data (engine speed, accelerometer readings) to determine weight. The mobile device automatically processes sensor data and calculates weight without requiring external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures, making the system easy to operate while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from direct mechanical measurement to indirect computational measurement by varying parameters such as engine speed and acceleration. By measuring how these parameters change under different load conditions, the system determines weight through calculation rather than direct measurement, simplifying operation while maintaining accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle hauls heavy loads without knowledge, then the productivity is maintained, but the harmful factors increase due to unsafe operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the driver about the actual weight being hauled by displaying calculated weight information on the mobile device. This feedback loop allows the driver to adjust operating conditions based on real weight data, preventing unsafe situations while maintaining optimal productivity by allowing the vehicle to operate at its true capacity limits.
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
The system accurately determines the haul weight, enabling users to operate their vehicles within safe parameters, reducing the risk of accidents and improving vehicle performance by adjusting operations based on the calculated weight.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device system that determines the gross combined weight of a vehicle and its load by using accelerometer data
Data Source
AI summary
In various example embodiments, a system and method for using a mobile device to determine a haul weight are disclosed. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating force to engine speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, altering accelerometer data based on filtered vehicle pitch and roll data, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, storing a plurality of data pairs that include longitudinal acceleration and drive force, and determining a slope of a line that linearly approximates the plurality of data pairs, the slope indicating a total weight, the total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; and transmitting the total weight to a display.