Vehicle Mass Estimation via Wheel Deflection Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the total mass of a motor vehicle after loading are cumbersome and require specific handling of intelligent communication devices, making it difficult for users to easily detect overloads without requiring extensive calculation time.
Innovation Solution
A method using an intelligent communication device with a camera and accelerometer/inclinometer to photograph a wheel after loading, calculate deflection, and determine total vehicle load, allowing users to easily check the vehicle's state and prevent overloading through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical axis of the camera must coincide with the center line of the wheel, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image processing to create a digital model of the wheel and suspension system, copying the physical measurement problem into a computational domain. The processor analyzes the captured image to determine suspension deflection without requiring precise manual alignment, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated image processing system. Instead of requiring the user to physically align the camera with the wheel center, the system uses software algorithms to identify wheel features and calculate suspension deflection from the captured image, substituting mechanical precision requirements with computational analysis
2Measurement precision
If complex handling of intelligent communication device is required, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration and automatic feature detection through image processing. The processor automatically identifies wheel components, calculates suspension deflection, and determines vehicle mass without requiring the user to perform complex manual operations, thus improving both ease of use and measurement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary image processing steps including edge detection, feature identification, and coordinate system establishment before the actual measurement calculation. These preliminary automated actions prepare the data structure in advance, enabling rapid mass determination without requiring complex real-time manual operations
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
Enables quick, reliable, and user-friendly estimation of vehicle weight, preventing overconsumption, degraded road holding, and safety violations by providing accurate load information without relying on vehicle-specific elements.
Implementation Method 1
taking and processing, by means of a camera of the intelligent communication device, a photograph of at least one wheel
Implementation Method 2
determining the deflection of the gear opposite the wheel photographed in step (ii), either by measuring the angle of inclination of the vehicle after loading, by means of at least one accelerometer or inclinometer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
Method for estimating the mass of a motor vehicle comprising a front wheel set and a rear wheel set, using an intelligent communication device, after loading the vehicle; the method comprising the steps of: (i) identifying the vehicle in the intelligent communication device; (ii) using a camera of the intelligent communication device to take and process a photograph of at least one wheel and of at least one point of the vehicle caused to sink together with the suspension of the vehicle wheel during loading of the vehicle and, after loading, to determine the displacement of the wheel set of the photographed wheel as a function of the identified vehicle, the taking of a photograph of a wheel is subordinate to holding of the telephone in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the photographed wheel except in the vertical position of the telephone; (iii) determining the displacement of the opposite wheel set to the wheel photographed in step (ii); (iv) using a calculating unit of the intelligent communication device to calculate the value of the load on the wheel set of the photographed wheel and the value of the load on the opposite wheel set as a function of the respective displacement of these wheel sets, in order to determine the value of the total load of the vehicle; (v) using the intelligent communication device to inform the user of the state of the load of the vehicle.