Wireless Wheel Rim Strain Sensor for Vehicle Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle weight measurement technologies are expensive, complex to install, and ineffective for vehicles without suspensions or those operating on soft, uneven ground, as they rely on load cells or tire deflection measurements that are sensitive to tire pressure and ground stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A wireless wheel-rim strain sensor system that measures strain on metal wheel rims, independent of tire pressure and ground stiffness, using strain gauges bonded to the wheel rims and transmitting data wirelessly for real-time weight estimation, suitable for vehicles without suspensions and operating on soft ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are installed in the vehicle underbody or on wheel hubs, then vehicle weight measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical load cell systems with a simplified strain gauge measurement system on wheel rims. Instead of installing load cells in the vehicle underbody or on wheel hubs, the invention uses strain gauges bonded directly to the wheel rim to measure bending strain, which correlates to vehicle weight. This substitution dramatically reduces installation complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If tire deflection measurements are used for weight monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to tire pressure and ground stiffness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement point from the tire-deflection-based system and relocates it to the wheel rim structure itself. By measuring bending strain directly on the rigid wheel rim rather than through the compliant tire, the system eliminates sensitivity to tire pressure and ground stiffness variations, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining weight detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If suspension component deflection is monitored for weight measurement, then weight estimation is improved, but applicability deteriorates for vehicles without suspensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal weight measurement system that works on any wheeled vehicle regardless of suspension type. By placing strain gauges on the wheel rim - a component present on all wheeled vehicles - the system eliminates dependency on suspension components. The wheel rim's bending strain under load provides weight information for both suspended and non-suspended vehicles, achieving broad applicability.
4Measurement precision
If fixed weigh bridges or portable weigh pads are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates as vehicles can only be weighed at specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle to perform its own weight measurement without requiring external weigh bridges or portable pads. The strain gauge system on the wheel rim allows the vehicle to self-monitor its weight continuously during operation, eliminating the need to travel to specific weighing locations and providing real-time weight data for load management decisions.
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
Provides an inexpensive, easy-to-install, and accurate vehicle weight measurement system that works on various wheeled vehicles, including those without suspensions, offering real-time weight data that is not affected by tire pressure or ground conditions, enabling efficient load management and yield monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a bending strain on the wheel rim with a strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle weight sensor is based on wheel-rim stress measurement.