Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

According to one aspect, this disclosure describes a novel indirect weight sensing device, systems, and related processes. In at least one embodiment, the present systems include one or more springs with known properties, at least one metal plate on which the springs are fastened and through which the container load is transferred from the container to the ground, a spring deformation sensor by which spring deformation is reckoned, a digital level by which general orientation of the upper plate is determined relative to the ground, a computing unit to collect and process data from the spring deformation sensor and digital level, and an antenna or other such hardware to wirelessly connect to another device and interface with the computing unit.

In a particular embodiment, a vehicle load measurement system is described that includes a chassis configured to support a body of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle load measurement system also includes a suspension system and a plurality of angle sensors attached to the suspension system. Each angle sensor is configured to measure an angle with respect to height. In this embodiment, the plurality of angle sensors include a first sensor attached to the first side of the suspension system configured to measure a first angle and a second sensor attached to the second side of the suspension system configured to measure a second angle. According to this embodiment, the first angle and the second angle are combined to obtain a combined value representative of axle load.

A method of calculation a vehicle load comprising a first vehicle load value based at least on air pressures in air springs and height data of suspension of a vehicle axle, determining a second vehicle load value based on a change of track width of the vehicle axle, and calculating the vehicle load based on the first vehicle load value and the second vehicle load value.

Systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

Aircraft landing gear strut breakout friction values are used to correct measured strut pressure as related to the amount of weight supported; with the ability to generate and refine the breakout friction value database, and a farther ability to predict a future breakout friction correction value by trending historical measurements, as compared to recent measurements, as further compared to real-time breakout friction values. The system is used in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center of gravity for aircraft utilizing telescopic oleo landing gear struts. Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, axle deflection sensors, accelerometers, inclinometers are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record strut pressure as related to strut telescopic movement, rates of strut telescopic movement, axle deflection, current temperature, current relative humidity, vertical acceleration; experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft proceeds through typical ground and flight operations.

Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

Aircraft landing gear strut breakout friction values are used to correct measured strut pressure as related to the amount of weight supported; with the ability to generate and refine the breakout friction value database, and a further ability to predict a future breakout friction correction value by trending historical measurements, as compared to recent measurements, as further compared to real-time breakout friction values. The system is used in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center of gravity for aircraft utilizing telescopic oleo landing gear struts. Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, axle deflection sensors, accelerometers, inclinometers are mounted in relation to landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record strut pressure as related to strut telescopic movement, rates of strut telescopic movement, axle deflection, current temperature, current relative humidity, vertical acceleration; experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft proceeds through typical ground and flight operations.

The vehicle weight measurement device includes a bottom plate in contact with an arm of a suspension device, a piston which presses a diaphragm configuring an oil chamber on an upper surface side of the bottom plate, and a pressure sensor which detects pressure of a measurement fluid in the oil chamber on an lower surface side of the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a rotation-preventing mechanism with respect to the arm of the suspension device around the pressure sensor. A hanging circumferential edge portion is formed in a flange portion of the piston. A gap is interposed between the flange portion and the bottom plate. A protruding portion of the piston engaged in a cutout of a stopper ring and a protruding portion protruding to an upper surface side and engaged to the cutout so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction are provided.

A sensor arrangement for installation in a carriageway includes a piezoelectric measuring arrangement disposed in a cavity of a hollow profile and in mechanical contact with the hollow profile. The hollow profile includes an external force introduction surface, which is configured to transmit a weight force onto the piezoelectric measuring arrangement, which outputs electrical signals proportional to a magnitude of the weight force. The sensor arrangement includes a separating element, which is configured to prevent a rolling force acting on the separating element from being transmitted into the hollow profile. The separating element includes at least one distribution opening configured to permit grout to flow through the distribution opening.