Torque Sensor Load Separation Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and system to detect the separation of objects or persons from a moving or stationary vehicle and alert the driver promptly to prevent accidents, property damage, and loss.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a torque sensor to detect changes in torque at the vehicle's drivetrain, a processor to measure real-time torque changes proportional to mass changes, and an alerting device to notify the driver visually, audibly, or haptically when the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, with additional sensors for orientation, traction, and location to mitigate false alerts and enable safe vehicle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no detection system is installed, then the vehicle operates normally without additional complexity, but the driver cannot detect load separation leading to accidents and property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic sensors and processors. The torque sensor electronically detects changes in drivetrain torque, and the processor electronically analyzes these changes to detect load separation, substituting mechanical monitoring with electronic systems that are more sensitive and less complex in implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing drivetrain torque characteristics to detect load separation. The torque sensor leverages the natural torque variations that occur when load separates, converting an existing mechanical phenomenon into a detection signal without requiring additional mechanical detection apparatus.
2Measurement precision
If torque threshold is set low for sensitive detection, then load separation is detected accurately, but false alerts occur due to orientation and traction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor inputs (torque sensor, orientation sensor, traction sensor) into a unified detection system. The processor combines data from all sensors to综合分析 torque changes, distinguishing between genuine load separation and torque variations caused by orientation or traction changes, thereby reducing false alerts while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring torque, orientation, and traction parameters and adjusting the detection threshold dynamically. When orientation or traction changes are detected, the system adjusts its interpretation of torque changes to avoid false positives, creating a self-correcting detection mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to reduce false alerts, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processor multi-functional by having it analyze data from multiple sensor types (torque, orientation, traction) and perform multiple functions: detecting load separation, filtering false alerts, and controlling vehicle responses. This consolidates what could be separate systems into a single intelligent processing unit, reducing overall system complexity.
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 effectively alerts drivers to separated loads, preventing accidents and allowing for timely retrieval of lost items or passengers, ensuring passenger safety and reducing property loss by providing accurate and timely notifications and enabling the vehicle to safely pull over and engage hazard lights.
Implementation Method 1
A torque sensor may be included that can detect torque at a drivetrain of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting and issuing one or more safety measures if a person or an object has separated from a moving vehicle. The system may include at least one torque sensor coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect torque at a drivetrain of the vehicle. The system may further include at least one processor in electronic communication with the at least one torque sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to measure change in torque in real-time, where the change in time is directly proportional to a change in a mass of a load carried by the vehicle. The system may further include an alerting device controlled by the at least one processor. The alerting device may be configured to alert an operator of the vehicle when the change in torque exceeds a predetermined threshold value.