Vehicle Weight Estimation via Torque Profile Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a vehicle's weight, such as external weighing devices and load sensors, are either unavailable during operation or costly and inaccurate, making it difficult to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and optimize fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A system using a processor and data storage to collect vehicle data, identify maneuvers, generate simulated torque profiles based on a vehicle dynamics model, and calculate an estimated weight by minimizing error profiles between simulated and measured torque profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external weighing devices (truck scale or weighbridge) are used to measure vehicle weight, then measurement accuracy is improved, but availability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weighing devices (truck scales, weighbridges) with a computational system that uses vehicle dynamics modeling and sensor data processing to estimate weight. The system substitutes physical mechanical measurement with mathematical modeling and data analysis, enabling continuous weight estimation during vehicle operation without requiring external weighing infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If load sensors are installed in the vehicle to measure weight, then availability during operation is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, engine sensors) perform multiple functions: their primary functions remain intact while they also contribute to weight estimation through the vehicle dynamics model. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated load sensors, reducing device complexity and installation requirements while maintaining continuous weight measurement capability.
3Ease of operation
If load sensors are installed in the vehicle to measure weight, then availability during operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle dynamics model as an intermediary between available sensor data and weight estimation. Instead of directly measuring weight with potentially inaccurate load sensors, the system uses the dynamics model to process multiple sensor inputs (acceleration, speed, engine parameters) and compute weight indirectly, improving measurement precision through mathematical modeling and error minimization techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining an estimated weight of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one data storage and at least one processor. The at least one data storage is configured to store vehicle data associated with the vehicle. The at least one processor is configured to: identify a plurality of vehicle maneuvers based on the vehicle data, each vehicle maneuver being associated with a portion of the vehicle data, each portion of the vehicle data comprising a measured torque profile; generate a plurality of simulated torque profiles for each vehicle maneuver; generate a plurality of error profiles, an error profile being generated for each vehicle maneuver based on differences between the plurality of simulated torque profiles and the measured torque profile corresponding to that vehicle maneuver; and determine the estimated weight of the vehicle based on the plurality of error profiles.