Vehicle Dynamic Load Estimation Using Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire monitoring systems can measure tire pressure and temperature but lack effective methods to estimate tire loading, which is crucial for vehicle operation and safety, leading to potential inaccuracies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic load estimation system that incorporates vehicle-mounted acceleration sensors, roll angle and roll rate calculation models, static normal load calculation, and adaptive load transfer ratio estimation to calculate dynamic tire loads using measured tire parameters, lateral and longitudinal accelerations, and load transfer forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tire pressure and temperature are monitored using TPMS, then tire status can be ascertained, but tire loading information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The existing TPMS infrastructure is extended to perform multiple functions: traditional pressure and temperature monitoring plus new load estimation capabilities. The system uses the same sensor platform and communication architecture while adding load transfer force measurement and dynamic load calculation functions, allowing one system to serve multiple monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Load transfer force sensors are introduced as intermediary measurement devices between the tire structure and the monitoring system. These sensors indirectly measure tire loading by detecting force transfers through the tire, converting mechanical load information into measurable signals that can be processed by the existing TPMS electronics.
2Loss of information
If dynamic load estimation is added to TPMS, then tire loading information can be obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load estimation functionality is merged with the existing TPMS architecture. Calculation models for static normal load, roll angle, and dynamic load estimation are integrated into the same electronic control unit that processes pressure and temperature data. Communication protocols and power management are shared across all monitoring functions, reducing overall system complexity despite added capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available vehicle data from existing sensors (accelerometers, roll rate sensors) to supplement tire measurements. By leveraging already-present vehicle dynamics data, the system avoids adding dedicated complex measurement hardware for load estimation, using self-service approaches to obtain necessary input parameters.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and calculation models are integrated, then load estimation accuracy is improved, but noise impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where estimated loads and measured parameters are continuously compared and adjusted. Calculation models receive feedback from actual sensor measurements to refine their outputs, and the system uses iterative calculation processes that feed previous results back into subsequent computations to improve accuracy while filtering out noise through consistent validation against multiple measurement sources.
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
This system provides accurate and improved steady-state load estimates, reducing noise impact and enhancing tire load estimation accuracy, with results showing estimates within 10% of actual loads, even under varying conditions like cornering and braking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor for determining a vehicle lateral acceleration and a vehicle longitudinal acceleration
Implementation Method 2
at least one roll rate sensor means for determining a measured roll rate
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dynamic load estimation system and method for estimating a vehicle load is disclosed. The system comprises at least one tire (12) supporting a vehicle (10); acceleration sensor means for determining a vehicle lateral acceleration and a vehicle longitudinal acceleration; roll angle calculating means for determining a vehicle roll angle; roll rate calculating means for determining a vehicle roll rate; static normal load calculation means for calculating a measured static normal load; and dynamic tire load estimation means for calculating an estimated dynamic load on the tire from the measured static normal load, the vehicle roll angle, the vehicle roll rate, the vehicle lateral acceleration and the vehicle longitudinal acceleration.