METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A method for determining the position of the centre of gravity of a vehicle in three dimensions comprising:
- a. constructing a plurality of models of vehicle behaviour, each model including a plurality of known and unknown parameters that determine vehicle behaviour including parameters that define the position of the centre of gravity;
b. measuring vehicle behaviour during operation of the vehicle;
c. comparing measured vehicle behaviour with behaviour predicted by the models; and
d. determining which of the models most effectively predicts behaviour of the vehicle.
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Abstract
Methods for determining the height, horizontal position, and lateral position of the centre of gravity of a vehicle are disclosed. The methods comprise constructing a plurality of models of vehicle behaviour, each model including a plurality of parameters that determine vehicle behaviour including parameters that define the position of the centre of gravity. The method then measures actual vehicle behaviour during operation of the vehicle. The actual behaviour and the behaviour predicted by the models are then compared to determine which of the models most effectively predicts behaviour of the vehicle. The model that is most effective in predicting the actual behaviour of the vehicle is then assumed to include amongst its parameters an estimate of the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle.
25 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for determining the position of the centre of gravity of a vehicle in three dimensions comprising:
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a. constructing a plurality of models of vehicle behaviour, each model including a plurality of known and unknown parameters that determine vehicle behaviour including parameters that define the position of the centre of gravity; b. measuring vehicle behaviour during operation of the vehicle; c. comparing measured vehicle behaviour with behaviour predicted by the models; and d. determining which of the models most effectively predicts behaviour of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20)
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14. A method for determining the lateral shift of the centre of gravity of a vehicle comprising determining the height of the centre of gravity, measuring the roll angle φ
- offset of the vehicle and calculating the amount by which the centre of gravity must be laterally offset to produce that amount of roll.
- View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of determining the tire conditions of a vehicle comprising:
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a. constructing a plurality of models of vehicle behaviour, each model being associated with one or more tires having varying cornering stiffness; b. measuring vehicle behaviour during a cornering manoeuvre of the vehicle; c. comparing measured vehicle behaviour with behaviour predicted by said models; and d. determining which of said models most effectively predicts the behaviour of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification