RV Body Control and Weight Sensing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles lack an effective on-board weighing system that can accurately monitor loaded weight, accommodate various trailers and operating conditions, and provide user-friendly access for both technicians and operators.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a body control module, weight processing module, and user interface within recreational vehicles, which includes weight-sensing components, allowing for the association of operational components and weight-related parameters to generate an accurate indication of vehicle weight, and enabling configuration and maintenance access for technicians and operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an on-board weighing system is integrated into the recreational vehicle, then measurement precision of vehicle weight is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple modules and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the body control module and weight processing module into an integrated system architecture. The body control module manages operational components while the weight processing module handles weight-sensing components, and both communicate through a unified user interface. This merging approach enables accurate weight measurement while organizing system complexity through modular integration rather than separate standalone systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is configured to accommodate various trailers and operating conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to configurable parameters and associations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the user interface allows operators and technicians to associate specific operational components and weight-related parameters with different recreational vehicle setups. The system can be reconfigured for various trailers and operating conditions through programmable associations, enabling adaptability without requiring hardware changes. This dynamic reconfiguration is managed through software-controlled parameter associations rather than fixed physical configurations.
3Ease of operation
If user interface access is provided for both technicians and operators, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple access levels and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is designed with multi-functional access capabilities that serve both technicians and operators through a single unified interface. The system provides different levels of access rights within the same interface framework, allowing operators to perform routine monitoring and configuration while technicians can access advanced setup and maintenance functions. This universal interface design eliminates the need for separate interfaces for different user types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation for all users.
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
Provides a convenient and accurate on-board weighing system that can be configured for different trailers and conditions, enhancing the RV experience by offering real-time weight monitoring and alerts for safe operation within Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR).
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight-sensing component configured to provide a signal representing the weight of the recreational vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a recreational vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle body supported by at least one axle assembly, a plurality of operational components, at least one weight-sensing component, a body control module in communication with the operational components, a weight processing module in communication with the weight-sensing component, and a user interface. The user interface is in communication with the body control module and the weight processing module and comprises user prompts for (i) associating particular operational components with the recreational vehicle and (ii) associating a particular weight-related parameter with the recreational vehicle. The weight processing module, the weight-sensing component, and the user interface are structured to generate an indication of vehicle weight at the user interface. The indication of vehicle weight is at least partially dependent upon the particular weight-related parameter associated with the recreational vehicle at the user interface. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.