Trailer Load Shift Detection Using Lateral Accelerometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overloading a vehicle or a shift in its load can lead to reduced service life, increased operating expenses, and higher accident risk due to altered braking distances, tire failure, and changes in the vehicle's center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing lateral accelerometers to detect shifts in trailer loads during turns, combined with data analysis to determine load shifts and trigger alerts or adjustments to vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lateral accelerometers and data analysis systems are installed to detect load shifts, then safety and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent components: lateral accelerometers positioned at specific locations, data processing units, and alert systems. This segmentation allows the complex safety function to be achieved through simpler, modular components that can be independently optimized and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces data analysis as an intermediary between the raw accelerometer signals and the safety decisions. The system compares lateral movement data from multiple accelerometers and characterizes turns to detect load shifts, acting as a mediator that translates complex sensor data into actionable safety information without requiring direct complex hardware interventions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If load detection systems are implemented to prevent accidents, then accident risk is reduced, but operating expenses increase due to additional equipment and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring by continuously analyzing data from its own sensors. The data processing unit automatically compares lateral movements and characterizes turns to detect load shifts, enabling the system to monitor its own operational state without requiring external inspection or additional maintenance resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring lateral accelerometer data in real-time and providing immediate alerts when load shifts are detected. This feedback mechanism allows for proactive safety management, preventing accidents before they occur and reducing the overall cost of safety incidents compared to reactive measures.
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
Reduces accident risks and extends vehicle service life by detecting load shifts and adjusting vehicle operations accordingly, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receive lateral movement information associated with a first turn from at least one lateral accelerometer of a trailer of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for detecting an overloaded vehicle and/or detecting when a load of a vehicle has shifted. In one form, the present disclosure provides a system comprising a memory and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive lateral movement information associated with a first turn and a second turn; determine whether a load of the trailer has shifted based on the lateral movement information associated with the first turn, the lateral movement information associated with the second turn, data characterizing the first turn, and data characterizing the second turn; and upon a determination that the load of the trailer has shifted, at least one of store information associated with the determination that the load of the trailer has shifted or transmit a message with information associated with the determination that the load of the trailer has shifted.