Vehicle Load Indicator with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for vehicle users to intuitively and easily determine when they are approaching or exceeding the load capacity of their vehicles, which can lead to compromised steering, handling, and braking, and increased risk of mechanical failure, as estimating the weight of vehicle contents during loading can be difficult.
Innovation Solution
A load indicator system comprising a load sensor and indicators, such as lights or a display, that communicate the vehicle's load status to the user, using audible and visual cues like RGB LEDs and a touchscreen display, to provide real-time feedback on the load level relative to the vehicle's capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a load sensor and indicator system is installed to provide real-time load feedback, then the user's understanding of vehicle load status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where load sensors continuously monitor the vehicle load and transmit this information to indicators (such as LED lights or display screens) that provide real-time visual feedback to the user. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically providing accurate load status information without requiring complex manual measurement or estimation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual load estimation (a mechanical/cognitive process) with an automated electronic sensing and indication system. The load sensor electronically detects the load weight, and the indicator system electronically displays this information, substituting the need for manual weighing or estimation methods with a streamlined electronic system that reduces overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple indicators are used to provide comprehensive load feedback, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load indication system into multiple independent indicator elements (such as segmented LED bars or divided display segments) that can independently represent different load levels. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive load information through simple, discrete visual elements rather than requiring a single complex indicator, thereby improving ease of operation while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in indicators (such as RGB LEDs that change color from green to yellow to red) to communicate different load status levels. This approach allows multiple pieces of information (safe load, approaching limit, overloaded) to be conveyed through a single indicator element's color property, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle comprises a load sensor configured to sense a load on the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a load indicator where the load indicator is disposed proximate the vehicle such that the load indicator generates an output in response to the load sensed by the load sensor.