Vehicle Center-of-Gravity Detection Without Height Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require additional height sensors to detect uneven loading of cargo, which is impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A determination apparatus and method that utilizes self-location data, turning parameters, and steering control values to determine the center of gravity position of a vehicle or cargo without relying on height sensors, using existing vehicle sensors and autonomous driving systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If height sensors are installed on the right and left sides of the vehicle to detect uneven loading, then cargo loading detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle components (steering sensor, self-location detector, turning parameter generator) perform multiple functions. These components originally designed for navigation and steering control are now also used for cargo loading detection, eliminating the need for dedicated height sensors and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing sensor system serves itself to detect cargo loading conditions. By analyzing data from the steering sensor and self-location detector that the vehicle already collects for its normal operation, the system derives cargo position information without requiring additional measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If additional height sensors are installed to detect cargo unevenness, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing vehicle systems to perform dual functions: their original navigation/steering functions plus cargo detection. This multi-functionality approach allows the vehicle to be manufactured without additional cargo-specific sensors, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing deployment complexity.
3Productivity
If height sensors are used to detect cargo shifts, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but cost and system reliability deteriorate due to additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By making existing reliable vehicle systems multi-functional, the patent avoids introducing additional sensors that would create more failure points. The steering sensor and self-location detector are already integral parts of the vehicle's control system with established reliability, and their dual use for cargo monitoring does not compromise this reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A determination apparatus of a center of gravity position includes a vehicle on which a cargo is loadable, a self-location detector that acquires self-location data of the vehicle, a turning parameter generator that calculates a turning parameter based on the self-location data, a steering detector that detects a steering control value of the vehicle, a memory that stores reference data, a comparator that compares the turning parameter calculated by the turning parameter generator and the steering control value detected by the steering detector with the reference data, and a determiner that determines a center of gravity position of the vehicle or the cargo based on comparison results of the comparator.