Vehicle Range Determination via Dynamic Weight Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the range of electric vehicles are not precise due to the failure to account for key influencing factors such as vehicle weight, speed, gradient, and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine vehicle weight based on acceleration and recuperation behavior as a function of torque, incorporating route characteristics and external influences to improve range estimation, allowing for more precise range calculation and adaptive control of the electric motor and chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine vehicle range, then the calculation is simple, but the precision is insufficient due to not accounting for vehicle weight and other influencing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own operational data (acceleration, recuperation behavior, torque) to determine vehicle weight and range. The vehicle essentially measures itself through its dynamic behavior without requiring external measurement devices, thereby improving precision while avoiding additional hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical weighing systems or complex sensor arrays with a computational approach that infers vehicle weight from electrical and mechanical behavior data. The control unit calculates weight based on torque, acceleration, and recuperation characteristics, substituting mechanical measurement with mathematical modeling
2Measurement precision
If vehicle weight is determined using additional sensors, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing sensors and control systems are utilized to determine vehicle weight. The motor controller already measures torque, acceleration, and recuperation behavior for power management purposes - this data is repurposed to infer weight, making the system self-sufficient without additional measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes existing operational data to derive vehicle weight information. Rather than directly measuring weight, the system uses torque and acceleration data as intermediaries to calculate the effective vehicle weight, avoiding the need for direct weight sensors
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 more accurate range prediction and efficient energy management by considering vehicle weight and environmental factors, enhancing vehicle dynamics and reducing computational work without requiring additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle having an electric motor to supply driving power and/or to recover braking energy
Implementation Method 2
a weight of the vehicle is determined on the basis of an acceleration and/or recuperation behavior as a function of a torque of the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a range of a vehicle, the vehicle having an electric motor to supply driving power and/or to recuperate braking energy, and a weight of the vehicle is determined on the basis of an acceleration and/or recuperation behavior as a function of a torque and/or a rotational speed of the electric motor, the range of the vehicle being determined on the basis of the ascertained vehicle weight.