Patent Application
20240034303
This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of United Kingdom patent application No. GB 2210999.5, filed Jul. 28, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
This disclosure relates to a vehicle load regulating system, and specifically the vehicle load regulating system uses measurement of vehicle load and movement of vehicle to provide a feedback to the vehicle load regulating system.
Commercial vehicles are used for transporting goods from one location to another location. Very often, safety issue is a major concern for commercial vehicle operators who are drowsy and fatigue from driving. In addition, hazards caused by overloading or uneven loading of cargo on commercial vehicle trucks may also endanger the operator.
A known method for monitoring overload uses sensors to monitor height of commercial vehicle bed with respect to the suspension of the commercial vehicle, to determine overload or underload in real time. In such methods, the sensors are usually mounted on vehicle suspension system or air-spring system to monitor height of commercial vehicle.
A main drawback of such overload monitoring system is that measurement of height of commercial vehicle bed which may be inaccurate due to uneven loading of truck bed. Other issues undetectable uneven distribution of load due to movement of cargo on commercial vehicle bed while traveling. In addition, effects of centrifugal force caused by commercial vehicle carrying overload traveling on highway curves, road bends or turns which may cause fishtailing or jack knifing cannot be addressed using conventional method of measurement of height of commercial vehicle bed per se. Load movement in commercial vehicle may also lead to fatal accidents vehicle is travelling at high speed, endangering both the operator of the commercial vehicle and other road users.
There is therefore a need to provide a motor vehicle load regulating system that overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the problems described above. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taking in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.
A purpose of this disclosure is to ameliorate the problem of vehicle overturning due to motor vehicle overloading or uneven loading by providing the subject-matter of the independent claims.
Further purposes of this disclosure are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.
The objective of this disclosure is solved by a method of regulating a vehicle load of a motor vehicle, the method comprising measuring, by way of sensing module, an onboard loading data of a motor vehicle, transmitting, by way of a vehicle bus, the onboard loading data measured to a processing unit of a motor vehicle load regulating system, receiving, by way of a processing unit, the onboard loading data measured; and determining, by way of a processing unit, a centrifugal force of a motor vehicle relative to the onboard loading data measure, wherein the method further comprises executing, by way of the processing unit, a feedback mechanism for regulating a motion of a motor vehicle in response to the centrifugal force determined.
The above described aspect of this disclosure yields a method of regulating a vehicle load of a motor vehicle through calculation of a centrifugal force, by measuring various aspects of onboard load condition of the motor vehicle and providing the information to the vehicle load regulating system through a closed-loop feedback system, to avoid vehicle overturning. More advantageously, fishtailing or jack knifing may be avoided.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises monitoring, by way of the sensing module, the onboard loading data relative to a change in an amount of pressure pressing on a floor of a trailer compartment of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to measure potential changes to pressure pressing against a floor of a trailer compartment of a motor vehicle, to achieve monitoring movement of vehicle load.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises determining, by way of the processing unit, a weight of load within the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to determine a weight of load within the trailer compartment in accordance with the change in pressure measured. The weight of load determined may be used as a parameter to determine whether the trailer is poorly loaded, for example overloaded, underloaded or unevenly loaded across a horizontal axis of the trailer compartment.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises monitoring, by way of the sensing module, the onboard loading data relative to at least two contact points pressing on the floor of the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to utilize the sensing module to monitor two or more contact points pressing on the floor of the trailer compartment, to monitor movement of vehicle load.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises determining, by way of the processing unit, a location of load within the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to determine or identify a location of load within the trailer compartment in response to the measurement of pressure contact points. This parameter assists to identify potential uneven loading of a commercial vehicle, especially when the commercial vehicle is travelling on road.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises in response to the weight of load determined, the method further comprises determining, by way of the processing unit, a frictional force of one or more tires of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to calculate a frictional force of the commercial vehicle. The frictional force of the commercial vehicle equates to the centripetal force of the commercial vehicle. In this sense, the calculation of the frictional force is preferably done after the step of determining the weight of load. More advantageously, determining the frictional force avoid fishtailing or jack knifing when the commercial vehicle is travelling at high speed, along a curved path.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises monitoring, by way of a steering angle sensor, a radius of a turning curve of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to monitor a radius of a turning curve of the commercial vehicle, such that this parameter may be used for determining effect of centrifugal force, to avoid vehicle overturning.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the method further comprises notifying an operator of a load condition of the motor vehicle in response to measurement of load reaching a pre-determined load limit.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to alert the operator in the event that an overload detection, i.e. a measured weight of load exceeds a predetermined axel limit.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, the feedback mechanism comprises the weight of load within the trailer compartment determined by the processing unit, the location of load within the trailer compartment determined by the processing unit, and the movement of the load within the trailer compartment determined by the processing unit, the frictional force of one or more tires of the motor vehicle, and the radius of a turning curve of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to determine a centrifugal force of the commercial truck, thereby achieving the objective of providing a negative feedback to the vehicle load regulating system.
In an embodiment of a method as described above, regulating the vehicle load of a motor vehicle in response to the centrifugal force determined further comprises transmitting, by way of the processing unit, the feedback mechanism to an anti-lock braking system, transmitting, by way of the processing unit, the feedback mechanism to a throttle control system, or combination thereof.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to regulate the vehicle speed through an anti-locking brake system and/or a throttle system, to ensure safety of an operator of a commercial vehicle.
The objective of this disclosure is solved by a motor vehicle load regulating system comprising a sensing module operable to measure an onboard loading data of a motor vehicle, and a processing unit comprising an algorithm operable to determine a centrifugal force of a motor vehicle using the onboard loading data measured,
The above described aspect of this disclosure yields a vehicle load regulating system, through calculation of a centrifugal force, by measuring various aspects of onboard load condition of the motor vehicle and providing the information to the vehicle load regulating system through a closed-loop feedback system, to avoid vehicle overturning. More advantageously, fishtailing or jack knifing may be avoided.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the sensing module comprises at least one pressure sensor.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to utilize one or more pressure sensors to measure or monitor changes in pressure, changes in location and/or movement of load within a trailer compartment of a commercial vehicle.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the at least one pressure sensor is an air-filled tube sensor.
In one embodiment, the one or more pressure sensor may be an air-filed tube sensor which detects pressure. An example of such an air-filled tube sensor may be Continental's Pressure based Pedestrian Protection System PPS pSAT™.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the at least one pressure sensor is a force sensitive resistor (FSR) mat.
In one embodiment, the one or more pressure sensor may be force sensitive resistor mat.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the sensing module is embedded within a floor of a trailer compartment.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to monitor a weight of load, a location of load and a movement of load of along a horizontal axis of a trailer compartment of a commercial vehicle, to determine a centrifugal force, thereby achieving the objective of avoiding fishtailing or jack knifing when travelling at high speed along a curved path.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the onboard loading data comprises a change in an amount of pressure pressing on a floor of a trailer compartment of the motor vehicle, at least two contact points pressing on the floor of the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle, and a movement of load within the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to determine a load condition of a commercial vehicle, specifically overload condition, underload condition or uneven load distribution across a floor of a trailer compartment of a commercial vehicle. The load condition may be used as parameters for calculation of centrifugal force when the commercial vehicle is travelling at high speed along a curved path. The centrifugal force calculated may be use as a feedback mechanism to regulate vehicle speed.
In an embodiment of a system as described above, the vehicle load regulating system further comprises an anti-lock braking system, a throttle control system, or combination thereof.
The above aspect of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle load regulating system having a feedback mechanism to the anti-locking brake system and/or the throttle system, to ensure safety of an operator of a commercial vehicle.
The objective of this disclosure is solved by a computer program comprising instructions to cause the system as disclosed herein to execute the steps as disclosed herein.
The above described aspect of this disclosure yields computer program product for calculation of a centrifugal force, by measuring various aspects of onboard load condition of the motor vehicle and providing the information to the vehicle load regulating system to avoid vehicle overturning. More advantageously, fishtailing or jack knifing may be avoided.
The objective of this disclosure is solved by a computer-readable medium having stored thereon the computer program as disclosed herein.
The above described aspect of this disclosure yields computer program product for calculation of a centrifugal force, by measuring various aspects of onboard load condition of the motor vehicle and providing the information to the vehicle load regulating system. More advantageously, fishtailing or jack knifing may be avoided.
Other objects and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
In various embodiments described by reference to the above figures, like reference signs refer to like components in several perspective views and/or configurations.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the disclosure or the following detailed description. It is the intent of this disclosure to present a vehicle load regulating system and method thereof.
Hereinafter, the term “processing unit” used herein may broadly encompass a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and so forth. Under some circumstances, a “processing unit” may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term “processing unit” may refer to a combination of processing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The “processing unit” may include a memory, for loading a sequence of instruction, causing the “processing unit” to perform steps of actions. The term “memory” should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term “memory” may refer to various types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. “Memory” is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and/or write information to the memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in electronic communication with the processor. Henceforth, the term “processing unit” may also be taken to encompass “system on chip” (SoC) which uses a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that contains multiple resources, computational units, processors and/or cores integrated on a single substrate. A single SOC may contain circuitry for digital, analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency functions, as well as any number of general purpose and/or specialized processors (digital signal processors, modem processors, video processors, etc.), memory blocks (e.g., ROM, RAM, Flash, etc.). Unless otherwise specifically stated, the “processing unit” is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.
The term “first”, “second”, “third” and the like used in the context of this disclosure may refer to modification of different elements in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, but not limited thereto. The expressions may be used to distinguish one element from another element, regardless of sequence of importance. By way of an example, “a first pressure sensor” and “a second pressure sensor” may indicate different pressure sensors regardless of order or importance. On a similar note, a first pressure sensor may be referred to as the second pressure sensor and vice versa without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
The system 100 may further comprises an accelerator sensor 106, to monitor vehicle speed when the motor vehicle is travelling. A centrifugal force acting on a horizontal axis of the motor vehicle may be measured using accelerator sensor 106 mounted on either side of the motor vehicle. A steering angle sensor (not shown) may be used to monitor a radius of a turning curve of the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is travelling along a curved path.
The system 100 may further comprises a human machine interface (HMI) module 108 for notifying an operator when a load condition of the motor vehicle reaches a pre-determined load limit, i.e. a vehicle overload condition. The pre-determined load limit may be a maximum vehicle load determined by factory configuration when manufacturing the motor vehicle. The HMI module 108 may include a display for displaying the load condition to the operator, or a voice activated function for notifying the load condition to the operator. In the event a vehicle overload condition is detection, the information may be stored in the processing unit 104 for future reference.
Optionally, the system 100 may be in communication with an engine system 114, a wheel speed sensor 1106, a throttle unit 110 and an anti-locking brake system (ABS) 112 of the motor vehicle. An advantage of the aforesaid configuration is to prevent vehicle overturning during operation of the motor vehicle, in the event poor vehicle load condition is determined by the processing unit 104. The transmission of information measured or monitored by the sensing module 102 to the processing unit 104 and to other sub-system or modules onboard the motor vehicle may be carried out by a communication network protocol, such as a vehicle bus. Types of suitable vehicle bus includes Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and FlexRay, but not limited thereto.
The sensing module 102 may be embedded within a floor of a trailer compartment of a motor vehicle, for sensing an amount of pressure pressing against the floor of the trailer compartment, as shown in
In one embodiment, the sensing module 102 comprises an air-filled tube pressure sensor 200a, as shown in
In another embodiment as shown in
The sensing module 102 is further operable to monitor at least two contact points CP1, CP2 at least partially pressing on sensing module 102. By way of an example as shown in
Referring to the embodiment shown in
For clarity,
In another embodiment 400 as shown in
The processing unit 104 may comprises a computer-readable medium to execute a calculation algorithm (not shown in system diagram) stored on the processing unit 106. The calculation algorithm may be executed to determine a centrifugal force of the motor vehicle based on a set of parameters determined and/or monitored by the sensing module 102, such that the centrifugal force calculated may be used as a feedback mechanism to regulate a motion of the motor vehicle.
The calculation algorithm may include formulas to calculate (1) a weight of load, (2) a location of load, (3) a frictional force of tires, (4) a centrifugal force and/or (5) velocity of a moving motor vehicle carrying a load.
In one embodiment, a weight of load within a trailer compartment 302 may be determined or calculated but the calculation algorithm as follows:
In one embodiment where air-tube filled sensors are used as sensing device of the sensing module 102, a location of load within a trailer compartment 302 may be determined or calculated but the calculation algorithm as follows:
In another embodiment where FSR mats are used as sensing device of the sensing module 102, a total number of FSR mats required (N) may be calculated using the following formulas:
N=((Axle load limit of truck*9.8)/load measured by individual FSR mat) Formula F1
The FSR maximum load is greater than load measured by FSR.
Spacing of FSR mat inside the floor of trailer compartment may be determined using formula F2,
Weight/Area (N/m2)=((Axle load limit of truck*9.8)/Area of trailer floor)
And formula F3,
Spacing of FSR mats=(Area of trailer floor/N)
By way of an example, if a motor vehicle has an axle limit of 21 tonnes with a trailer compartment area of 3790 m2, the axle load limit in Newtons=205939.65 N. Max load of FSR=30000 N. The maximum load of FSR may be obtained from specification of FSR component.
The intended load measured by FSR is 10000 N (10000N<30000 N)
Total no of FSR required(N)=21 (determined from formula F1)
Weight/Area=54 N/m2 (determined using formula F2)
Spacing of FSR mats=180, which means 1 sensor for 180 m2 (Determined using formula F3)
In both embodiment, a minimum velocity with respect to a centrifugal force and within a trailer compartment 302 may be determined or calculated but the calculation algorithm as follows:
Frictional force (fs)=μ*m*g
Therefore, the centrifugal force may be calculated by the calculation algorithm as follows:
Centrifugal force(fc)=(m*V2)/r
The frictional force provides the centripetal force required for the trailer to avoid fishtailing or jack knifing.
Consequently, the minimum velocity required to prevent the motor vehicle from fishtailing or jack knifing may be calculated by the calculation algorithm as follows:
V
min=sqrt(μ*g*r)
In all of the above embodiments, the value of ‘r’ can be calculated from the steering angle sensor data and steering ratio of a motor vehicle in accordance with factory specification.
Turning now to
In next step 604, the onboarding data measured by the sensing module is transmitted to a motor vehicle load regulating system, for example motor vehicle load regulating system 100 as disclosed herein. In nest step 606, a processing unit of the motor vehicle load regulating system receives the onboard loading data and determines a centrifugal force in accordance with a set of parameters measured and/or calculated by a calculation algorithm stored on the processing unit, at step 608.
In the next step 610, the processing unit executes a feedback mechanism to the vehicle load regulating system, to regulate motion of the motor vehicle.
Optionally, in response to the centrifugal force determined by the processing unit, further steps may be executed, including the step of transmitting the feedback mechanism to an anti-lock braking system.
Optionally, in response to the centrifugal force determined by the processing unit, further steps may be executed, including the step of transmitting the feedback mechanism to a throttle control system.
Optionally, the set of parameters for calculating the centrifugal force may include a step of monitoring the onboard loading data relative to a change in an amount of pressure pressing on a floor of a trailer compartment of the motor vehicle. The amount of pressure measured, by way of the sensing module, may be transmitted to the processing unit for calculating or determining a weight of load withing the trailer compartment.
Optionally, the set of parameters may further comprise a step of monitoring the onboard loading data relative to at least two contact points pressing on the floor of the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle. The location of the at least two contact points pressing on the floor of the trailer compartment as monitored by the sensing module may be transmitted to the processing unit, such that a location of the load on the floor of the trailer compartment may be identified.
Optionally, the set of parameters may further comprise a step of identifying a movement of load within the trailer compartment of the motor vehicle, by measuring a weight of load and/or contact point of the load between a first sensing module and a subsequent sensing module.
Optionally, in response to the weight of load determine, in a next step, the processing unit may determine a frictional force of one or more tires of the motor vehicle. The frictional force of the commercial vehicle equates to the centripetal force of the commercial vehicle. An advantage of determining the frictional force avoid fishtailing or jack knifing when the motor vehicle is travelling at high speed, along a curved path. Optionally, a radius of a turning curve of the motor vehicle may be monitored using a steering angle sensor.
Optionally, in response to determining a load condition of the motor vehicle has reached a pre-determined load limit, a notification may be issued to warn an operator a maximum load limit has reached.
Thus, it may be seen that a vehicle load regulating system and method having the advantage of providing a feedback mechanism based upon a set of parameters measurable by at least one sensing module has been provided. A main advantage of the vehicle load regulating system and method is to prevent vehicle overturning due to overload, underload and/or uneven load of commercial vehicle. Further thereto, the set of parameters measured may be used to determine a frictional force of at least one tires, and a centrifugal force may be calculated based upon the set of parameters relative to the vehicle load measurable by the at least one sensing module. The effect of determining a centrifugal force achieves the objective of preventing fishtailing or jack-knifing accidents when the commercial vehicle is travelling at high speed on a curved road. While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variation exist.
It should further be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements and method of operation described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2210999.5 | Jul 2022 | GB | national |
