Vehicle Weight Estimation Using Torque Profile Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the weight of a vehicle are often inaccurate and costly, particularly for commercial motor vehicles, as they rely on external weighing devices or load sensors that are not always available or practical for operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processor to analyze vehicle data, identifying vehicle maneuvers, generating simulated torque profiles based on a vehicle dynamics model, and calculating error profiles to estimate the vehicle's weight by minimizing these errors, allowing for remote and continuous weight estimation.
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 cost increase, and continuous measurement during operation becomes impossible
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, speed, and maneuver data.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle itself generates the data needed for weight estimation through its own operation. The system uses torque profiles, speed data, and maneuver information collected during normal vehicle operation to estimate weight, eliminating the need for external weighing infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If load sensors are installed in the vehicle to measure weight, then continuous measurement during operation is enabled, but device complexity, installation difficulty, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and data collection infrastructure for multiple purposes. Torque and speed data collected for normal vehicle operation are repurposed for weight estimation, eliminating the need for dedicated load sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical load sensors are replaced with a computational estimation system that processes existing operational data. The patent substitutes direct mechanical measurement with indirect estimation through vehicle dynamics modeling.
3Reliability
If traditional weighing methods are used, then regulatory compliance can be verified, but loss of time occurs due to vehicle downtime for weighing
Solution Approach 1:
The weight estimation system operates continuously during vehicle operation without interruption. Weight data is collected and processed in real-time as the vehicle operates, eliminating the need to stop the vehicle for weighing and enabling continuous regulatory compliance monitoring.
4Measurement precision
If external weighing devices are used, then weight measurement is achieved, but adaptability to different operating conditions and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs its own weight estimation using onboard data collection and processing. This self-contained approach eliminates dependency on external weighing infrastructure, allowing weight measurement at any location where the vehicle operates.
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.