Suspension Airbag Weight Estimation Using Ride Height Motor Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with enclosed cargo areas make it difficult for drivers to visually determine weight distribution, and existing weight measuring systems are often hindered by ride height leveling systems, leading to improper loading and potential vehicle degradation or operational penalties.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller adjusts ride height using suspension motors, measures suspension parameters, and calculates weight based on motor inputs and outputs to determine the vehicle's load, utilizing existing suspension systems with ride height leveling functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or weigh station methods are used to determine vehicle weight, then weight information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing suspension system and motor perform self-measurement of weight by automatically monitoring motor parameters during normal ride height adjustment operations, eliminating the need for external weigh stations or manual inspection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weighing systems or manual inspection methods with an electronic control system that uses motor parameter monitoring to calculate vehicle weight, enabling rapid and convenient weight determination
2Measurement precision
If traditional weight measuring systems are installed to determine vehicle weight, then accurate weight information can be obtained, but the system complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing suspension motor is made multi-functional by using it both for its primary purpose of adjusting ride height and for the secondary purpose of measuring vehicle weight through parameter monitoring, eliminating the need for separate weighing hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own suspension system components serve the dual function of maintaining ride height and determining vehicle weight, with the controller utilizing existing motor parameters to calculate weight without requiring additional sensors or measuring devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to determine vehicle weight are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a suspension airbag, a pump fluidly coupled to the suspension airbag, the pump to control a fluid pressure in the suspension airbag to cause ride height adjustments for a vehicle, a motor operatively coupled to the pump, and processor circuitry to calculate a weight of the vehicle based on an offset between (a) a first motor input that causes the vehicle to rise or lower when the vehicle is unloaded and (b) a second motor input that causes the vehicle to rise or lower when the vehicle is carrying a load.