Vehicle Scale Weight Waveform Analysis for Positioning Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle weighing systems struggle to accurately detect improper positioning of vehicles on scales, leading to inaccurate weight measurements and potential fraud or errors in commercial transactions, enforcement, and inventory control.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating a vehicle weight waveform based on load cell output signals as the vehicle enters and exits the scale, analyzing this waveform for symmetry and plateaus to determine if the vehicle is properly positioned, and using optional weight signal noise generating means to detect lateral mispositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to detect improper positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of improper positioningVSAvoidnumber of sensors and system components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the vehicle's own weight and the existing load cell measurements to detect positioning errors. The waveform analysis of the weight signal naturally reveals mispositioning without requiring external sensors to detect the vehicle's position directly. The system serves itself by using the weighing function to also perform the positioning detection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning detection systems (such as sensors, markers, or physical guides) with a signal processing approach. By analyzing the temporal waveform of weight measurements, the system substitutes mechanical detection with electronic signal analysis to identify mispositioning conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual detection of improper positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of systemVSAvoidweighing operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes the weight waveform to detect mispositioning without requiring manual intervention. The automated waveform analysis continues in the background during the weighing process, eliminating the need for operators to manually check positioning while maintaining continuous operational flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback by analyzing the weight waveform during the weighing process. When mispositioning is detected through waveform analysis, the system can immediately flag the measurement or provide guidance to correct the positioning, enabling rapid correction without manual inspection delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the weighing process is simplified without detection capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of weighing systemVSAvoidaccuracy of weight measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The existing load cell weight measurement system is enhanced to serve dual purposes: weighing and positioning detection. By analyzing the temporal waveform of the weight signal, the system extracts positioning information without adding separate measurement systems, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The weight waveform analysis system performs multiple functions: it measures the vehicle weight, detects longitudinal mispositioning through waveform shape analysis, and identifies transverse mispositioning through symmetry comparison. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address multiple measurement needs without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach allows for automated detection of longitudinal and transverse mispositioning errors without additional sensors, reducing costs and improving reliability, and ensuring accurate weight measurements and compliance with regulations.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a portion of a weight of the multi-axle vehicle in at least one load cell upon which the weighing platform bears

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250035481A1Method for detecting improper position of vehicle on a scale

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 METTLER-TOLEDO LLC

AI summary

A method detects improper positioning of a vehicle on a weight scale, especially improper transverse positioning. A weight scale for weighing a multi-axle vehicle has a weighing platform, with a weighing area having a length and a width, for simultaneous placement of the plurality of axles on the weight platform. A portion of the weight of the multi-axle vehicle is sensed in at least one load cell upon which the weighing platform bears. A resulting output signal from each load cell is transmitted. An at least partial vehicle weight waveform of vehicle weight as a function of time, based on the at least one load cell output signal is generated. A weighment of the vehicle is rejected if the generated vehicle weight waveform indicates that at least some portion of the vehicle was improperly positioned outside the weighing area.