Vehicle Load Information System for Road Slope and Trailer Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems for all-wheel drive vehicles face challenges in accurately identifying low friction surfaces and road slopes, leading to incorrect vehicle reference velocity estimates and suboptimal Electronic Braking System (EBS) functions, especially when a trailer is attached, as they fail to distinguish between vehicle load and trailer load.
Innovation Solution
The system calculates a vehicle's normal load at standstill, determines if it's moving, and uses suspension information to differentiate between road slope and low friction surfaces, while also detecting the presence of a trailer by calculating its weight and tongue weight, allowing for more accurate vehicle reference velocity and optimized EBS functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ESC systems use accelerometers to detect road slope, then the system can identify sloped surfaces, but it falsely determines slope on low friction surfaces when wheels are slipping, leading to incorrect vehicle reference velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load detection function into two parts: total vehicle load detection using suspension information, and trailer-specific load detection by analyzing weight distribution changes. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between vehicle load and trailer load, improving the accuracy of road slope detection and vehicle reference velocity estimation without false positives on low friction surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from accelerometer-based slope detection to suspension-based load detection. By measuring the load on front and rear axles through suspension deflection and calculating weight distribution, the system can determine road slope angle more accurately without being affected by wheel slip conditions, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems detect load for the entire vehicle, then the system can monitor vehicle weight, but it cannot distinguish trailer load from vehicle load, preventing optimization of EBS functions for specific driving situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load detection function into two parts: total vehicle load detection using suspension information, and trailer-specific load detection by analyzing weight distribution changes. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between vehicle load and trailer load, improving the accuracy of road slope detection and vehicle reference velocity estimation without false positives on low friction surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors weight distribution on front and rear axles, compares it against predetermined thresholds, and automatically adjusts EBS functions based on the detected driving situation (with or without trailer). This feedback loop enables real-time optimization of braking control strategies according to the actual load configuration
3Reliability
If conventional AWD systems open clutch or apply brake torque to correct vehicle reference velocity, then the system can maintain traction control, but it introduces brake noise and uncomfortable engine control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the driving situation (with or without trailer) by analyzing weight distribution before traction control issues arise. By pre-configuring the appropriate EBS functions based on the detected load configuration, the system can maintain optimal traction control without needing to make corrective clutch or brake interventions, thereby eliminating brake noise and engine control discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing suspension load information to automatically determine the driving situation and self-adjust EBS functions without requiring additional active intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring axle loads and autonomously optimizing braking control strategies, eliminating the need for clutch opening or brake torque application to maintain traction
Data Source
AI summary
A method identifies, for a vehicle, a low friction surface from a road surface with a slope. With the vehicle at standstill, the vehicle ignition is switched on. A normal load for the vehicle is calculated. It is determined if the vehicle is moving, and if the vehicle is moving, a vehicle load is calculated using suspension information from the vehicle. A road slope angle is calculated based on the calculated vehicle load and calculated normal load. A normal slope angle is calculated and is compared to the calculated road slope angle to determine if the vehicle is on a low friction surface or on a sloped surface. In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a method determines whether a trailer is coupled to a vehicle.