Tilt-Compensated Vehicle Load Sensing Using Angle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load sensing systems for tractor-trailer vehicles are complex to install and can adversely affect the mechanical structure of the vehicle, making it difficult to accurately measure vehicle loads without intrusive methods.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular load sensing system that uses easy-to-install angle sensors, which can be attached via simple clamps or other non-intrusive methods, combining data from multiple sensors to adjust for vehicle tilt and provide accurate load measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain sensors are used to measure vehicle load, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional strain sensors with optical angle sensors that measure tilt angles of suspension components. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical coupling and complex calibration procedures, while still enabling accurate load measurement through optical detection of suspension geometry changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angle sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure load by detecting tilt angles of suspension arms and linkages. This intermediary approach avoids direct contact with high-stress load-bearing components, simplifying installation while maintaining measurement accuracy through geometric relationships.
2Measurement precision
If traditional load sensors are installed on the vehicle, then measurement precision is improved, but the mechanical structure is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses angle sensors mounted on suspension arms as intermediary measurement devices. These sensors indirectly detect load conditions through tilt angle measurements without requiring direct attachment to load-bearing structural members, thereby avoiding interference with mechanical integrity while preserving measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical strain sensors that require direct structural integration with optical angle sensors that measure suspension geometry. This substitution eliminates the need to drill holes, weld, or bolt sensors onto critical structural components, thus preserving mechanical integrity while enabling load measurement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple angle sensors are combined to adjust for vehicle tilt, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple angle sensors mounted on different suspension components to simultaneously measure load and compensate for vehicle tilt. By merging measurements from sensors on suspension arms, linkages, and the chassis, the system achieves tilt-independent load measurement through data fusion and geometric relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the angle sensor system to perform multiple functions: measuring individual suspension component angles, calculating vehicle load, and compensating for body tilt. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified measurement approach where the same sensor type serves multiple measurement purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method calculates a vehicle load on a suspension system of a vehicle using a plurality of tilt angle sensors. The angle sensors are attached to the suspension system and configured to measure an angle with respect to gravity. A first angle sensor is configured to measure a first angle. A second sensor configured to measure a second angle. The measured first and second angles are combined to obtain a combined value representative of a vehicle load adjusted for tilt.