Vehicle Mass Estimation via Acceleration and Force Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately estimating the mass of a vehicle, especially for over-the-road trucks, is challenging due to variations in load conditions, and traditional weighing methods are often impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine vehicle mass by measuring acceleration and force applied to the wheels during different engine force periods, using equations to estimate mass values and resistance parameters, and a control unit to calculate and refine these estimates using speedometer and engine signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weighing methods are used to determine vehicle mass, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impracticality for loaded vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with a computational system that uses Newton's second law (F=ma). Instead of physically weighing the vehicle, the system calculates mass by measuring acceleration and applying force through the engine, substituting a mechanical measurement approach with a computational one that is more practical for loaded vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acceleration measurement as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine vehicle mass. Rather than directly measuring mass, the system measures acceleration response to known engine forces and uses this intermediate measurement to calculate mass, making the process practical for vehicles that cannot be easily weighed.
2Power
If engine force is increased to improve power delivery, then vehicle performance is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to excessive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the estimated vehicle mass is continuously used to adjust engine power delivery. The control unit receives acceleration data, calculates mass, and uses this information to optimize engine output, ensuring the vehicle receives appropriate power without excessive energy consumption. This closed-loop feedback prevents both sluggish performance and wasteful over-powering.
3Measurement precision
If multiple mass estimation calculations are performed to improve accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mass estimation process into multiple calculation steps: first calculating an initial mass estimate from basic acceleration and force data, then performing additional refined calculations using resistance parameters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high accuracy through progressive refinement rather than requiring a single complex calculation, making the complexity manageable and structured.
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
Provides a convenient and accurate estimation of vehicle mass, improving engine power management and fuel efficiency by accounting for changes in load conditions without the need for direct weighing.
Implementation Method 1
estimating a first value of vehicle mass (m0) from an equation where: m0=dF/dA wherein, dF=F2-F1, dA=A2-A1
Data Source
AI summary
A method and vehicle arrangement are provided for estimating a mass of a vehicle. The method and arrangement obtain a plurality of mass estimates under different operating conditions using law of motion equations, then supplies those mass estimates to a Kalman filter to improve reliability of a final mass estimate. The mass estimate can be refined by inputting subsequent mass estimates to the Kalman filter.