Vehicle Mass Estimation Using Suspension Accelerometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle weight measurement systems based on suspension position measurements suffer from significant errors due to complex linkages, material variations, and the need for vehicle-specific calibration, leading to inaccurate load estimations and increased manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using tri-axis accelerometers on the vehicle body and suspension systems to estimate vehicle mass by determining reference point positions and wheel-end forces, eliminating the need for complex linkages and recalibration, and accounting for suspension component wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanical linkages are used to measure suspension position, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to manufacturing errors and material variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with electronic sensors (accelerometers and position sensors) to measure suspension position. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of manufacturing errors inherent in mechanical systems while providing direct digital measurements for accurate vehicle weight estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple sensors positioned at various points on the suspension system to create redundant measurements. By combining data from multiple sensor copies, the system achieves higher measurement precision and compensates for individual sensor errors through computational algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If vehicle-specific calibration is performed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal calibration procedure that can be applied to all vehicles of a given model, rather than requiring individual vehicle-specific calibration. The system uses standardized sensor positions and computational algorithms that work across multiple vehicles, significantly reducing calibration complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the calibration process from a complex mechanical adjustment procedure to a simplified parameter input process. By using computational algorithms that automatically calculate weight based on sensor readings and known vehicle parameters, the system eliminates time-consuming manual calibration steps.
3Measurement precision
If traditional weight stations are used to measure vehicle weight, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to the need to stop and drive to specialized locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle to perform its own weight measurement using integrated sensors and computational algorithms. The system continuously monitors suspension position and calculates vehicle weight in real-time during normal operation, eliminating the need for external weight stations and allowing drivers to obtain weight information at any time without leaving the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides continuous weight measurement capability throughout vehicle operation, rather than intermittent measurements at discrete weight stations. The system continuously processes sensor data to maintain an updated weight reading, enabling ongoing load management without interrupting vehicle use.
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
Improves accuracy of mass estimation by reducing system complexity and costs, allowing for universal application across various suspension types and geometries, and adjusting for changes in component properties over time.
Implementation Method 1
sensor data from an accelerometer positioned on the suspension system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for mass estimation for a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes at least one processor circuit to determine a first position of a first reference point on a suspension system of a vehicle, the first position corresponding to the vehicle in a first state, determine a second position of the first reference point based on (a) sensor data from an accelerometer positioned on the suspension system and (b) relative positions of second reference points on the suspension system, the second position corresponding to the vehicle in a second state, determine, based on the first and second positions, a wheel-end force corresponding to a wheel of the vehicle, determine, based on the wheel-end force, an axle mass corresponding to an axle of the vehicle, and determine, based on the axle mass, a vehicle mass of the vehicle.