Vehicle Weight Estimation via Torque Profile Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a vehicle's weight are often inaccurate, difficult to implement, and cannot measure weight in real-time during operation, posing challenges for compliance with regulatory requirements and fuel economy optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a processor and data storage to collect vehicle data, identify maneuvers, generate simulated torque profiles based on a vehicle dynamics model, and calculate error profiles to estimate the vehicle's weight by minimizing these errors, allowing for remote determination of load state and fuel economy.
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 device complexity and inability to measure during operation worsen
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 measurement infrastructure with algorithm-based estimation using torque profiles and vehicle maneuver data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the vehicle and weight determination. Instead of direct mechanical measurement, the system uses torque sensors, vehicle dynamics models, and error profile analysis as intermediaries to indirectly determine vehicle weight during operation.
2Speed
If load sensors are installed in the vehicle to measure weight, then real-time measurement capability is improved, but device complexity, installation difficulty, and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight measurement function from dedicated load sensors and redistributes it across existing vehicle components and computational systems. Instead of installing specialized sensors, the system repurposes torque data, vehicle maneuver information, and dynamics models to achieve real-time weight estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle systems multi-functional by using torque sensors and vehicle dynamics models for both their primary functions and weight estimation. The system leverages existing vehicle operational data for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated weight measurement hardware.
3Speed
If load sensors are installed in the vehicle to measure weight, then real-time measurement capability is improved, but measurement accuracy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through error profile generation and minimization. The system compares simulated torque profiles (based on estimated weight) with measured torque profiles, generates error profiles, and iteratively adjusts weight estimates to minimize errors, thereby improving measurement accuracy through continuous feedback refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple vehicle maneuvers and multiple simulated torque profiles for each maneuver to determine weight. By collecting excessive data from multiple maneuvers and minimizing cumulative error profiles, the system achieves higher accuracy than single-measurement approaches.
Data Source
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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.