阅读说明：本技术 车辆负载感测系统及禁止车辆运动的方法 (Vehicle load sensing system and method for inhibiting vehicle movement ) 是由 B.K.塞勒 C.J.梅特里克 于 2021-03-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种车辆包括：框架；由框架支撑的车身；安装至框架的原动机；连接至框架的至少一个车轴；将至少一个车轴连接至框架的悬架系统；以及负载感测和控制系统,包括连接到悬架系统的至少一个负载传感器和可操作地连接到至少一个负载传感器和原动机的控制器。控制器可操作成在车辆移动之前计算车辆加载系数,并且如果车辆加载系数超过选择的负载阈值则阻止原动机的操作。(A vehicle includes: a frame; a vehicle body supported by the frame; a prime mover mounted to the frame; at least one axle connected to the frame; a suspension system connecting at least one axle to the frame; and a load sensing and control system including at least one load sensor connected to the suspension system and a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover. The controller is operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor prior to movement of the vehicle and prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor exceeds a selected load threshold.)

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame;

a vehicle body supported by the frame;

a prime mover mounted to the frame;

at least one axle connected to the frame;

a suspension system including a suspension component connecting at least one axle to the frame; and

a load sensing and control system comprising:

at least one load sensor connected to the suspension system; and

a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover, the controller being operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor prior to movement of the vehicle and to prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor exceeds a selected load threshold.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the suspension system comprises at least two springs connected to the at least one axle, wherein the at least one load sensor detects an amount of compression of each of the at least two springs.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the load sensing and control system includes an angle correction system operable to adjust the vehicle loading factor based on the detected angle of the frame.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the load sensing and control system includes a self-calibration system operable to adjust the vehicle loading factor based on changes in the suspension system.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the load sensing and control unit includes a communication system operable to transmit a message of an overload condition to one of a base station and a vehicle occupant.

6. A suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame, an axle connected to the frame, and a prime mover connected to the axle, the suspension system comprising:

a suspension member;

a load sensing and control system comprising: at least one load sensor connected to the suspension component; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover, the controller being operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor prior to movement of the vehicle and prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor exceeds a selected load threshold.

7. The suspension system of claim 6, wherein the suspension system includes at least two springs connected to the at least one axle, wherein the at least one load sensor detects an amount of compression of each of the at least two springs.

8. A suspension system according to claim 7 wherein the load sensing and control system includes an angle correction system operable to adjust the vehicle loading factor based on the detected angle of the frame.

9. The suspension system of claim 7, wherein the load sensing and control system includes a self-calibration system operable to adjust the vehicle loading factor based on changes in the suspension system.

10. A suspension system according to claim 6 wherein the load sensing and control unit includes a communication system operable to transmit a message of an overload condition to one of a base station and a vehicle occupant.

Technical Field

The subject disclosure relates to the art of automotive vehicles, and more particularly, to a load sensing system for a vehicle and a method of inhibiting motion of a vehicle based on a sensed load.

Background

Motor vehicles typically include a suspension designed to support a defined weight. Loading the vehicle beyond this limit weight may result in excessive wear of suspension components. Owners and/or drivers of conventional vehicles typically understand visual cues that may indicate that the vehicle is loaded beyond a defined weight. Visual cues may include springs hitting spring stops, shock absorbers being compressed more than normal, tires bulging, etc. If one or more visual cues are apparent, the owner/driver may take remedial action prior to driving.

Conversely, a passenger or person loading a shared or autonomous vehicle may not understand or care for visual cues indicating an overload condition. If the shared or autonomous vehicle is overloaded, it may still be operating, causing additional wear to the suspension components. Increased wear and/or acceleration of suspension components results in increased maintenance costs for the vehicle. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system for sensing vehicle loading and limiting vehicle movement based on the sensed load.

Disclosure of Invention

In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes: a frame; a vehicle body supported by the frame; a prime mover mounted to the frame; at least one axle connected to the frame; a suspension system including a suspension component connecting at least one axle to the frame; and a load sensing and control system comprising: at least one load sensor connected to the suspension system; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover. The controller is operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor prior to movement of the vehicle and prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor exceeds a selected load threshold.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the suspension system includes at least two springs connected to at least one axle, wherein the at least one load sensor detects an amount of compression of each of the at least two springs.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the load sensing and control system includes an angle correction system operable to adjust a vehicle loading factor based on a detected angle of the frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the load sensing and control system includes a self-calibration system operable to adjust a vehicle loading factor based on changes in the suspension system.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the load sensing and control unit includes a communication system operable to transmit a message of the overload condition to one of the base station and the vehicle occupant.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of inhibiting vehicle motion based on a sensed load includes: monitoring changes in suspension components in the vehicle due to loading; determining, in a load sensing module, whether a loading condition exceeding a predetermined load value exists before the vehicle is in motion; and inhibiting vehicle movement if the loading condition exceeds a predetermined load value.

In addition to one or more features described herein, monitoring suspension components includes determining a change in position due to vehicle loading.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further includes determining an angle of the vehicle.

In addition to one or more features described herein, determining the change in position includes extracting a vertical component of the change in position.

In addition to one or more features described herein, determining the angle of the vehicle includes monitoring one or more of a hill-hold axle, a pitch sensor, and a roll sensor.

In addition to one or more features described herein, monitoring the hill-hold axle includes determining an amount of axle bending.

In addition to one or more features described herein, determining a change in position includes detecting a change in compression of a suspension component.

In addition to one or more features described herein, detecting a change in compression includes determining a change in vertical height of a vehicle body at each wheel of the vehicle.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further includes notifying one of an occupant of the vehicle and a remote monitoring station of the loading condition.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further includes calibrating the load sensing module to accommodate changes in vehicle suspension characteristics.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a suspension system for a motor vehicle having a frame, an axle connected to the frame, and a prime mover connected to the axle includes: a suspension member; a load sensing and control system comprising: at least one load sensor connected to the suspension component; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one load sensor and the prime mover. The controller is operable to calculate a vehicle loading factor prior to movement of the vehicle and prevent operation of the prime mover if the vehicle loading factor exceeds a selected load threshold.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further comprises wherein the suspension system comprises at least two springs connected to at least one axle, wherein the at least one load sensor detects an amount of compression of each of the at least two springs.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further comprises wherein the load sensing and control system comprises an angle correction system operable to adjust the vehicle loading factor based on a detected angle of the frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes wherein the load sensing and control system includes a self-calibration system operable to adjust a vehicle loading factor based on changes in the suspension system.

In addition to one or more features described herein, the method further comprises wherein the load sensing and control unit comprises a communication system operable to transmit a message of the overload condition to one of the base station and the vehicle occupant.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle including a load sensing system in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts suspension components associated with a wheel of the vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating a load sensing system in accordance with an aspect of an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method of sensing vehicle loading and inhibiting vehicle motion based on vehicle loading.

Detailed Description

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to a processing circuit, which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

A vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is shown at 10 in fig. 1. The vehicle 10 is shown in the form of a four-wheel wagon. However, it should be understood that the vehicle 10 may take various forms, including a three-wheeled vehicle and a vehicle having six or more wheels. Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported by a frame 14 and a prime mover 15. Prime mover 15 may take a variety of forms, including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a hybrid/internal combustion engine. The frame 14 supports a front axle 16 and a rear axle 17. The front axle 16 supports first and second front wheels, one of which is shown at 19, and the rear axle 17 supports first and second rear wheels, one of which is shown at 21. Front and rear axles 16, 17 are connected to frame 14 by front and rear suspension systems 23, 25, respectively. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 takes the form of an autonomous vehicle that is controlled by a drive system rather than by a human driver.

Referring to fig. 2, the front suspension system 23 includes a plurality of suspension components, such as shown at 28 associated with each of the first and second front wheels 19. The rear suspension system 25 includes a plurality of suspension components (not shown) associated with the first and second rear wheels 21. Suspension components 28 may include a spring 30, a damper 32 and/or a control arm, a torsion bar 34. The number, type and mounting of the suspension components 28 may vary. As will be described in detail herein, one or more suspension components 28 associated with each of the first and second front wheels 19 and/or the first and second rear wheels 21 may compress when the vehicle 10 is loaded.

As will also be described in detail herein, the front suspension system 23 includes a load or suspension sensor 40 that determines the amount of compression. The rear suspension system 25 also includes load or suspension sensors, as will be described in detail herein. That is, as shown in fig. 3, the vehicle 10 may include a total of four load or suspension sensors, including a suspension sensor 40 and suspension sensors 41, 42 and 43 associated with the other of the first and second front wheels 19 and the first and second rear wheels 21. In addition to suspension sensors 40-43, vehicle 10 may also include a pitch sensor 45 that measures the vehicle pitch amount, a roll sensor 46 that measures the vehicle roll amount, and an axle sensor 47. Axle sensor 47 is associated with a hill-hold axle, such as front axle 16. The pitch sensor 45, roll sensor 46, and/or axle sensor 47 are used to determine the angle of the vehicle 10. More specifically, the pitch sensor 45, roll sensor 46, and/or axle sensor 47 are used to determine how much the vehicle 10 is out of the water plane due to road conditions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a load sensing and control system 50 that determines an amount of load supported by the body 12, for example. The vehicle 10 includes a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The load sensing and control system 50 determines the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or the stand-by weight of the vehicle 10 and determines whether GVW is less than the GVWR. If the vehicle 10 exceeds GVWR, the prime mover 15 is disabled. Thus, the load sensing and control system 50 prevents excessive wear on the suspension systems 23, 25 that may result from overloading the vehicle 10.

The load sensing and control system 50 includes a central processing unit 52 operatively connected to a non-volatile memory 54 and a load sensing module 56. Non-volatile memory 54 may store GVWR and other data related to communicating GVW violations over output 58. GVW violations may take the form of warnings to vehicle occupants or communications with a central control base that may be related to autonomous control of the vehicle 10. The load sensing and control system 50 is operatively connected with the compression sensors 40-43, the pitch sensor 45, the roll sensor 46 and the axle sensor 47, and the prime mover 15. The load sensing and control system 50 may also include an angle correction system 60 that may adjust GVW the calculation based on a perceived non-horizontal angle of the vehicle 10.

A method 70 of sensing vehicle load and inhibiting vehicle motion when GVW exceeds GVWR will now be described with reference to fig. 4. Before the vehicle 10 moves, the load sensing and control system 50 is active, block 72, and each suspension sensor 40, 41, 42 and 43 is monitored, block 74. At block 76, load sensing module 56 determines a suspension compression based on the vertical load from each sensor 40, 41, 42, and 43 to calculate GVW. At block 78, the load sensing module 56 may include an angle correction system that corrects the vertical load from the sensors 40-43 based on data from the pitch sensor 45, the roll sensor 46, and/or the axle sensor 47. That is, load sensing module 56 determines the angle of vehicle 10, and based on the angle, angle correction system 60 extracts the vertical component of compression to determine actual GVW.

At block 90, load sensing module 56 compares the sensed GVW to a GVWR stored, for example, in non-volatile memory 54. If GVW is below the GVWR, the load sensing and control system 50 allows the prime mover 15 to energize the vehicle 10 for travel at block 92. However, if GVW exceeds the GVWR, then at block 100, the load sensing module 56 disables operation of the prime mover 15 until GVW is reduced to an acceptable limit. At block 102, the load sensing module 56 may also issue a notification of the overload condition to an occupant in the vehicle 10 via the output 58. The overload condition may also be communicated to a base station associated with the vehicle 10. Inhibiting the motion of vehicle 10 when GVW exceeds the GVWR reduces wear on suspension system 23, thereby extending the useful life of suspension components 28.

In further accordance with the exemplary aspect, load sensing and control system 50 includes a self-calibration module 130 that accounts for changes in vehicle suspension characteristics over time. That is, over time, springs, dampers, and other suspension components may deform, sag, or otherwise change the perceived manner of response to weight. Accordingly, load sensing and control system 50 periodically calibrates load sensing module 56. For example, when the vehicle 10 is sensed in an unloaded configuration and on level ground, the load sensing and control system 50 evaluates the output changes from the suspension sensors 40-43. The signal changes from the suspension sensors 40-43 are fed to the load sensing module 56 and used to adjust GVW the calculations to accommodate physical and characteristic changes in the suspension system 23.

While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within its scope.