Vehicle Tip-Over Detection Using Strain and Acceleration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tip-over detection systems face accuracy issues due to factors like vehicle dynamics and road conditions, leading to false positives that can compromise system usability.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor system that acquire both strain and attitude/acceleration data, using a training phase to label data sets indicative of impending tip-overs, and employing machine learning to distinguish between actual tip-over strains and those caused by inertial forces or slope positioning, thereby improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deformation measurements are used to detect impending tip over, then tip over detection capability is provided, but false positives occur due to vehicle dynamics and road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation measurement into two independent components: a first component from strain gauges on the axle and a second component from an accelerometer. By measuring these components separately and then combining them, the system can distinguish between deformation caused by center of mass shifts (tip over risk) and deformation caused by vehicle dynamics, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the accelerometer measurement as a reference to subtract out the portion of axle deformation caused by vehicle dynamics and road conditions. This intermediary measurement allows the system to isolate only the deformation component related to center of mass shifts, improving measurement precision without losing tip over detection capability
2Loss of information
If strain gauges are used to monitor axle deformation, then center of mass position can be estimated, but false positives are triggered during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring both strain gauge and accelerometer measurements, comparing the second component (accelerometer-based deformation) against expected values for normal operation. When the strain measurement exceeds thresholds that cannot be explained by accelerometer data, the system triggers warnings. This feedback mechanism preserves center of mass information while filtering out false positives during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing baseline thresholds for normal operation through the accelerometer measurements before triggering tip over warnings. The system pre-characterizes normal deformation patterns caused by vehicle dynamics, allowing it to distinguish these from abnormal patterns indicating tip over risk, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving detection accuracy
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
The system effectively reduces false positives and enhances the accuracy of tip-over detection by differentiating between mechanical strains caused by center of mass shifts and those caused by inertial forces or slope positioning, ensuring more reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges may be positioned on one or more vehicle axles to detect the deformation of a vehicle axle
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle acceleration data may comprise an acceleration of the vehicle in one, two or three independent spatial directions
Implementation Method 3
The vehicle attitude data may include at least one of a pitch angle and a roll angle of the vehicle, for example with respect to the horizon
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of detecting an impending tip over of a vehicle with the following steps and apparatus. Acquiring first measurement data, the first measurement data having strain data and at least one of attitude data and acceleration data. Acquiring second measurement data, the second measurement data having strain data and at least one of attitude data and acceleration data. Determining, based on the first measurement data and based on the second measurement data, if the second measurement data is indicative of an impending tip over of the vehicle. Only if it is determined that the second measurement data is indicative of an impending tip over of the vehicle, triggering an alarm signal, overriding a control command or overwriting a control command.