Vehicle Mass Estimation via Inertial Force Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in accurately estimating vehicle mass, which changes due to cargo, passengers, and trailer attachments, leading to inaccuracies in torque calculation and system control during transient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a powertrain with an inertial measurement unit and a controller that maps inertial forces to vehicle velocity, using non-measured mapping parameters to estimate vehicle mass and control torque, allowing for accurate vehicle mass calculation and system control without requiring prior knowledge of vehicle attributes or drive conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle mass is estimated using conventional methods, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of mass estimation deteriorates under transient conditions and varying vehicle loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the inertial measurement unit (IMU) to continuously monitor vehicle acceleration and integrates this data over time to estimate velocity and mass. The controller compares the IMU-based velocity with actual vehicle velocity sensors and uses this feedback to refine mass estimates, improving accuracy under transient conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mapping parameters as intermediaries that connect the IMU measurements to vehicle mass estimation. These mapping parameters serve as a bridge between the raw acceleration data and the final mass calculation, allowing the system to estimate mass without requiring direct mass sensors while maintaining computational efficiency
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware sensors are added to measure vehicle mass directly, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle components (IMU, velocity sensors, torque maps) to perform mass estimation without requiring additional dedicated mass measurement hardware. The control system processes data from components already present in the vehicle, allowing it to 'self-service' the mass measurement function without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical mass measurement systems with a computational approach using inertial sensors and control algorithms. Instead of using load cells or other direct mass measurement hardware, the system substitutes a software-based estimation process that uses acceleration integration and torque map analysis to derive mass information
3Reliability
If torque calculation uses fixed vehicle mass assumptions, then control system is simple, but torque delivery accuracy deteriorates when vehicle load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mass assumptions to dynamic mass estimation by continuously updating the vehicle mass value based on IMU data integration. The torque control system dynamically adjusts torque calculations based on the current estimated mass, which changes as the vehicle accelerates and the controller integrates acceleration data, maintaining torque accuracy under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mass parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically estimated value that updates continuously based on IMU measurements. The controller modifies the effective mass parameter used in torque calculations based on real-time acceleration data, allowing torque delivery accuracy to be maintained as vehicle load conditions change during operation
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 precise vehicle mass estimation and control, improving the accuracy of torque delivery and system performance across varying conditions, including transient states, without the need for additional hardware sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial measurement unit configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a powertrain, an inertial measurement unit configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle, and a controller. The controller is programmed to control the torque at the powertrain based on a mapped relationship between the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity, wherein the mapped relationship utilizes at least one mapping parameter. The controller is further programmed to estimate a mass of the vehicle based on the mapping parameter.