A system (14) for determining the mass of a vehicle (10) with an engine (12) applying a force output through a powertrain to the wheels (18). The system has an initial mass estimation (34), based on passenger occupants, for example via seat belt sensors. Further force estimation (30) and acceleration (22) measurements are made and used to estimate mass using a recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm (42). User behaviour signals, such as from seat belts or opening of doors (24), fuel port, boot or trunk provides a new initial estimation. Fuel level (28) can be measured to calculate fuel mass (38), providing a fuel independent force value in mass calculation (36). Threshold comparison (40) allows for the disregard of values not meeting predetermined conditions such as meass range, vehicle speed, or time after rest or gear shift operation. Tyre pressure or braking can be monitored or controlled on the basis of the mass estimates.
Vehicle mass estimation
2016-08-31
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch