Vehicle Wheel Response Sensing for Ground Load-Bearing Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the load bearing capability of ground segments, such as road signs, are limited in flexibility and accuracy, especially for non-traditional surfaces and varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that imparts a motion change to a vehicle, such as a speed change or vertical position change, and determines the load bearing capability based on the vehicle's response, using sensors like wheel load sensors and inclination rate sensors, to provide a more accurate assessment of ground segment stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If road signs are used to indicate maximum allowable axle road pressure, then information about load bearing capability is provided, but the method lacks flexibility for non-traditional surfaces and varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle itself performs the measurement of load bearing capability by utilizing its own motion and sensor systems. The control unit determines vertical position changes of the vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves across the ground segment, allowing the vehicle to self-assess the ground's load bearing capability without external infrastructure like road signs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static mechanical indicators (road signs) with a dynamic sensor-based measurement system. Instead of relying on pre-installed physical signs, the system uses sensors to detect vertical position changes and calculates load bearing capability through signal processing, enabling adaptation to any ground segment including non-traditional surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional road signs are used, then information is provided in a simple manner, but the information cannot capture varying environmental conditions such as temperature and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it measures vertical position changes to determine load bearing capability, tracks vehicle motion parameters, and can detect various environmental conditions affecting the ground. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to adapt to different environmental conditions without requiring separate specialized devices for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives signal information from sensors, processes this feedback to determine vertical position changes, and updates the load bearing capability assessment in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to changing environmental conditions such as temperature variations and precipitation that affect ground characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If the vehicle is used to determine load bearing capability, then current and accurate values are obtained, but the measurement process may disturb vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is implemented periodically or at specific intervals during vehicle operation rather than continuously interfering with normal operation. The control unit determines vertical position changes at measurement points along the vehicle's path, allowing accurate assessment while minimizing disruption to the vehicle's primary function of transporting cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous vehicle operation while performing measurements. The sensors continuously track vertical position changes, and the control unit processes this data without stopping the vehicle or requiring manual intervention, ensuring that the useful action of vehicle operation continues uninterrupted while obtaining accurate load bearing capability information.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control unit (30) for determining a value indicative of a load bearing capability of a ground segment (16) supporting a vehicle (10). The control unit (30) is adapted to: - issue a control signal to the vehicle (10) to thereby impart a motion change of the vehicle (10); - receive response information from the vehicle (10) indicative of the vehicle's response to the imparted motion change. The control unit (30) is further adapted to: - based on the response information, determine a vertical position change of at least one wheel (12, 14) of the vehicle (10), and - based on the determined vertical position change and the imparted motion change, determine the value indicative of the load bearing capability of the ground segment (16).