Vehicle Weight Tracking for Route-Based Lost Cargo Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environment sensor systems struggle to detect small lost objects due to their size and distinguish them from the surroundings, posing a challenge in highly automated motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing the vehicle's travel distance into sections, activating a control unit at each transition point to weigh the vehicle and operating materials, comparing weight differences to identify lost cargo by exceeding a threshold, and initiating warnings or traffic controls if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If environment sensor systems (radar, camera, lidar, ultrasound) are used to detect lost objects, then detection capability is provided, but small lost objects cannot be detected due to their size and cannot be distinguished from the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The travel distance is divided into multiple sections with route transition points, and weight measurements are taken at each transition point. This segmentation allows for localized detection of cargo loss in specific sections, improving the ability to detect small lost objects by breaking down the overall detection problem into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical/electromagnetic sensor systems (radar, camera, lidar, ultrasound) with a mechanical weighing system. By using weight measurements at route transition points, the system can reliably detect cargo loss without the limitations of sensor-based detection for small objects.
2Measurement precision
If weight measurements are taken at multiple route transition points, then cargo loss detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system serves multiple functions: it measures vehicle weight at route transition points, calculates cargo loss by comparing sequential measurements, identifies specific sections where loss occurred, and triggers appropriate warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Weight measurements are taken at predetermined route transition points along the route. By establishing these measurement points in advance and preparing the weighing system beforehand, the actual detection process during transport is streamlined and does not require complex real-time decision-making.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of vehicle weight is performed throughout the entire journey, then real-time cargo loss detection is achieved, but energy consumption and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs weight measurements periodically at specific route transition points. This periodic measurement approach maintains the ability to detect cargo loss while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring throughout the entire journey.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting lost goods transported by a vehicle. A distance travelled by the vehicle is divided into sections which are seamlessly connected to each other at respective route transition points. At each route transition point a control unit is activated which determines a vehicle weight and separately a weight of operating materials used by the vehicle. A difference is formed from a vehicle weight of a preceding route transition point, a vehicle weight of a current route transition point, and the weight of the operating materials used by the vehicle. A loss of cargo is recognized and an associated section is identified when the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold.