Vehicle Weight Estimation via Height Adjuster Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating vehicle weight are inaccurate due to external factors and cannot differentiate weight distribution across different sides of the vehicle, limiting control performance in systems like suspension, steering, and braking.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle height adjusting device with a controller and weight estimating unit measures the time and speed of raising and lowering vehicle sides to calculate an accurate weight distribution across front left, front right, rear left, and rear right sides, using pneumatic or electric actuators and considering variables like frictional force and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using engine torque value are used to estimate vehicle weight, then the estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of weight estimation is low due to anomalous external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle height adjusting device as an intermediary measurement tool. Instead of directly measuring weight or using engine torque, the system measures the time required for the height adjusting device to raise or lower the vehicle body, which indirectly reflects the vehicle weight. This intermediary measurement approach improves accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional engine torque-based estimation method with a pneumatic or electric height adjusting device. By substituting the mechanical measurement approach (engine torque) with a controlled actuation system, the patent achieves more accurate weight estimation through precise timing measurements of the height adjustment process.
2Loss of information
If conventional weight estimation methods are used, then only the total weight of the vehicle can be estimated, but the weight distribution state of front, rear, left, and right sides cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into four segments (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) and uses four separate height adjusting devices, one for each corner. By independently controlling and measuring each segment, the system can determine not only the total weight but also the weight distribution across different sides of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle height adjusting device serves multiple functions: it can adjust the vehicle height for comfort or aerodynamics and simultaneously functions as a weight measurement device. By measuring the time required for each corner to adjust, the system universally obtains both height control and weight distribution information from the same device.
3Measurement precision
If the vehicle height adjusting device measures time required for raising or lowering to calculate weight, then the weight estimation accuracy is improved, but the measurement process takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs weight measurement by executing periodic height adjustment cycles. The vehicle height adjusting device raises or lowers the body in controlled intervals, and the controller measures the time required for these periodic adjustments. This periodic action allows accurate timing measurements without requiring continuous operation, balancing precision with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjusting device is provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle height adjusting device that raises or lowers four positions of front left (FL) and right (FR) sides and rear left (RL) and right (RR) sides of a vehicle body, respectively. A vehicle height controller operates the vehicle height adjusting device to raise or lower the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle body. A weight estimating unit measures time required for raising or lowering the vehicle body or operating speed of the vehicle body and calculates an expected vehicle weight value by comparing the time required or the operating speed with a preset reference data.