Vehicle Weight Profiling for Accurate Movement Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle movement modeling algorithms face reduced accuracy due to the use of inaccurate or generic weight values, leading to conservative estimates that result in reduced performance levels for vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
A weight profile determination system that includes a sensor and a controller, which generates force measurements of a vehicle system moving on a route and determines a weight profile representing the distribution of weight along the vehicle system, allowing for more accurate modeling of movement characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If generic predefined weight values are used in movement modeling algorithms, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of vehicle weight and the reliability of movement modeling are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the weight parameter from static generic values to dynamic measured values. A scale or sensor system continuously measures the actual weight of the vehicle system and updates this parameter in real-time, allowing movement modeling algorithms to use accurate, current weight data instead of relying on predefined generic values, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual weight estimation and generic value selection with automated sensor-based measurement and electronic data processing. The scale system electronically captures, transmits, and integrates weight data into the control system, substituting mechanical/manual weight determination processes with automated sensing and computation, thus maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision
2Device complexity
If generic predefined weight values are used in movement modeling algorithms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of movement modeling and the reliability of vehicle control are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual weight determination procedures and generic value selection processes with automated sensor-based measurement and electronic data processing. The scale system electronically captures, transmits, and integrates weight data into the control system, substituting mechanical/manual weight determination processes with automated sensing and computation, thus maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The weight measurement system serves multiple functions: it provides accurate weight data for movement modeling, enables real-time vehicle control adjustments, supports performance optimization, and facilitates safety monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows a single measurement system to address various precision requirements across different operational contexts, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision
3Reliability
If conservative estimates are made in movement modeling due to weight variance, then the reliability of safety margins is improved, but the productivity and performance of the vehicle system are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring actual vehicle weight and using this information to adjust movement modeling and control parameters in real-time. The scale system provides ongoing weight data that feeds back to the control system, enabling dynamic optimization of acceleration, braking, and routing decisions based on actual rather than estimated weight, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating unnecessary conservatism
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, conservative fixed estimates to dynamic, real-time weight-based adjustments. The control system continuously adapts movement parameters based on current weight measurements, allowing optimization of performance metrics such as acceleration rates, braking distances, and energy consumption. This dynamic approach maintains safety margins through accurate real-time data while maximizing productivity by eliminating the performance limitations imposed by static conservative estimates
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 enables precise control of vehicle movement by accurately determining weight-dependent characteristics such as braking distances, acceleration capabilities, and friction, thereby improving performance and reducing conservatism in estimates.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A weight profile determination system may be provided that includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor may be disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor. The force measurements may be obtained at different times and correspond to different locations along a length of the vehicle system. The controller may determine a weight profile for the vehicle system based on the force measurements generated by the sensor. The weight profile can represent a distribution of weight along the length of the vehicle system. The controller may communicate the weight profile to one or more of the vehicle system or an offboard device for controlling movement of the vehicle system based on the weight profile.