TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an on-board weight measuring system that
displays loaded weight for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, cargo is transported for various commercial and non-commercial aspects from one place to another through various means that include airways, water ways and roadways. When, cargo is transported, it is essential that the load weight data is available with an operator, that enables him load cargo without exceeding vehicle's maximum load capacity. Overloading a vehicle can be hazardous with regards to public safety during transportation.
[003] Conventionally, methods for measuring the weight of loads in a vehicle such as a truck includes ground-imbedded weight scales by which loads are weighed and then loaded into the truck or the truck is moved onto the scale and complete weight of the vehicle is calculated. However, such weight scales may be not available at desired locations and therefore, the goods or vehicle have to transported to such areas, which involves labour, fuel wastage. Accordingly, costs associated with the weight of the load and the distance of transportation also increases. Further, when complete vehicle is moved onto the scale, it may be difficult to calculate accurate loaded weight, which is may not be safe for transport. Knowledge of load weight is therefore necessary to

optimize pricing and the load at or near the vehicle's maximum capacity for safe transport.
[004] Referring Figure 1, shows a conventional system (100) employed for measuring loaded weight on the vehicle. As seen in Figure 1, the system includes angle measurement sensor (101) and mechanical linkages (102) beneath the chassis (103) on a rear axle (104) and a front axle (105). The deflection of suspension is captured and transferred to rotary angle sensor (101) through the mechanical linkages (102). The angle sensor measures (101) angular displacement and there is change in voltage of the angle sensor across a terminal, by which the loaded weight can be calculated.
[005] However, such conventional systems are heavy and have low durability during operation as they cannot withstand shock because of mechanical linkages. Also, there may be a requirement to change angle sensors, which requires high maintenance and/or replacement costs associated.
[006] Further, on-board systems and methods for measuring the weight of loads in a vehicle have been developed that include adaption of plurality of sensors positioned at different corners of the vehicle. However, in such systems it is difficult to measure the weight accurately, as it is difficult to accurately locate position of sensors such that accurate weight measurement may be obtained, and calibration of such systems is extremely cumbersome. The weight values thus obtained may have to be further interpolated to calculate measured weight accurately. Furthermore, for sensors of such systems, no protection is provided and therefore have less durability.

[007] Therefore, there is a need to overcome one or more abovementioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention discloses an on-board weight
measuring system for a vehicle having a continuous load surface comprising at least
one load detecting means removably coupled over each axle, below said load surface,
said detecting means in communication with said load surface, responsive to generate
output load signal based on a deflection distance of said load surface relative to a
horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface; a processing
means operatively in communication with said load detecting means for processing
real-time information based on said generated signal; and at least an output display
device interfaced with said processing means for displaying said real-time processed
information.
[009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each said load
detecting means includes at least one non-contact type sensor module.
[0010] According to the embodiment, each said sensor module is positioned within
bellows for providing protection to said sensors.
[0011] According to the embodiment, each said load detecting means includes at
least one optical sensor.

[0012] According to the embodiment, said processing means includes an on-board
micro-controller that converts respective deflection signals generated, to at least a
weight value for displaying to an operator.
[0013] According to the embodiment, said load detecting means are coupled between
at least two mounting plates, configured over said axles and below said load surface.
[0014] According to the embodiment, said output load signal is a cumulative signal
based on each axle sensor output signal.
[0015] According to the embodiment, said load detecting means is positioned at
centre over each axel.
[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method of
measuring weight on a vehicle having an on-board weight measuring system as
claimed in claims 1-8 comprising steps of:
a) measuring and generating a load signal based on deflection distance of a load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface;
b) processing real-time deflection signals and converting them to at least a corresponding weight value; and
c) transmitting real-time weight values to at least an output device for display.
[0017] According to still another aspect, the present invention discloses a vehicle
having an on-board weight measuring system as claimed in claims 1-8, comprising at
least two mounting plates configured over said axles and below said load surface, for
removably coupling said load detecting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a conventional system employed for measuring loaded weight on the vehicle according the present invention;
Figure 2 shows detailed view of on-board weight measuring system according to an aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2A shows detailed view of sensor module, relatively coupled between at least two mounting plates, at least at a centre position defined over front axle, below chassis of said vehicle, according to the aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2B shows detailed view of sensor module, relatively coupled between at least two mounting plates, at least at a centre position defined over rear axle, below chassis of said vehicle, according to the aspect of the present invention; and
Figure 3 shows detailed view of sensor, relatively coupled between at least two plates, according to the present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In general, the present invention claims an on-board weight measuring system for a vehicle having a continuous load surface. The system includes at least one sensor module within bellows positioned at a centre position defined over each axle and beneath said load surface. At least two mounting plates are configured over said axles and below said load surface, for removably coupling said sensor module. Each sensor module is of non-contact type, preferably an optical sensor and is responsive to generate output load signal based on a deflection distance of said load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface. The output load signal is a cumulative signal based on each axle sensor output signal. An on-board micro-controller converts the generated signals into corresponding weight values and outputs to a display device.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various

specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Figures discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0019] Referring Figure 2 through Figures 2A and 2B shows detailed view of on-board weight measuring system (200) for a vehicle having a continuous load surface, according to an aspect of the present invention. As seen in Figure 2A shows detailed view of a sensor module / load detecting means (205), removably coupled (202), at least at a centre position defined over front axle (203), below load surface (201) of said vehicle, according to the aspect of the present invention. At least two mounting

plates (202) are configured over front axle and below said load surface, for removably coupling said load detecting means. The detecting means (205) based on rear axle sensor output signal and front axle sensor output signal is responsive to generate output load signal (209) relative to a deflection distance of said load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface (201). According to the embodiment, a processing means (206) is operatively in communication with said load detecting means (205) for processing real-time information based on said generated signal and at least an output display device (207) interfaced with said processing means displays said real-time processed information (210).
[0020] Figure 2B shows detailed view of the sensor module / load detecting means (205) removably coupled, at least at a centre position defined over rear axle (204) below a continuous load surface (201) of said vehicle, according to the aspect of the present invention. At least two mounting plates (202) are configured over rear axle and below said load surface, for removably coupling said load detecting means. The detecting means (205) is responsive to generate output load signal (209) based on a deflection distance of said load surface (201) relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface. According to the embodiment, a processing means (206) is operatively in communication with said load detecting means (205) for processing real-time information based on said generated signal and at least an output display device (207) interfaced with said processing means for displaying said real-time processed information (210).

[0021] According to the embodiment, each said detecting means (205) includes at least one non-contact type sensor module (205) positioned within bellows (not shown) for providing protection to the sensors.
[0022] According to the embodiment, the processing means (206) includes an on-board micro-controller (206) that converts respective deflection signals generated to at least a weight value for real-time displaying to an operator.
[0023] According to the present invention, the sensor module is a Micro-Lidar optical sensor and the output display device can be placed in the instrument panel of the vehicle cabin.
[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses a method of weight on a vehicle having an on-board weight measuring system (200) as claimed in claims 1-8 comprising steps of:
a) measuring and generating a load signal based on deflection distance of a load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface (201);
b) processing real-time deflection signals and converting them to at least a corresponding weight value; and
c) transmitting real-time weight values to at least an output device (207) for display.
[0025] According to still another aspect, the present invention discloses a vehicle having an on-board weight measuring system (200) as claimed in claims 1-8, comprising at least two mounting plates configured over said axles and below said

load surface, for removably coupling said load detecting means of the load measuring system.
Experimental procedure
According to the present invention, by way of example Figure 3 shows detailed view of sensor module (301) relatively coupled between at least two platforms (302), according to the present invention. A test rig is set-up that resembles a miniature version of pick-up truck. The platforms (302) contains four springs (303) which represents suspension. As seen in Figure 3 two sensor modules are configured between the platforms (302) so as to resemble front or rear axle of a vehicle. The sensor modules (301) generate load signals when loads are placed on the platforms (302). The sensor modules (301) are connected to a controller (not shown) that process the generated signals and converts them to a weight value to be present on a display device for the operator.
ADVANTAGES:
1. The on-board weight measuring system is highly accurate and provides real-time weight values.
2. The on-board weight measuring system is highly durability as the bellows provided protect the sensor from dust and water splashing.
3. Because of less mechanical members, maintenance requirement is less and the system can withstand shocks because of the suspension provided.

4. The on-board weight measuring system can easily arranged and be adapted existing trucks. [0026] The present invention has been described in the context of providing an on¬board weight measuring system for a vehicle that operates to provide real-time weight values to an operator, thereby preventing overloading. The vehicle described in the present invention can be any commercial vehicle or a pickup truck or a transport vehicle not limiting to a particular truck or vehicle as described herein. The on-board weight measuring system of the present invention is shown having two sensor modules positioned at front axle and rear axle at a centre position. According to the present invention, the output display device can be placed in the instrument panel of the vehicle cabin. However, the output display device can be positioned as desired. The display device can be mobile and also at a remote location in communication with a network. The present invention discloses using optical sensors, however any other non-contact type of sensors can be used. Further, bellows as an example are used for providing protection in the sensor module. Construction of the on-board weight measuring system can be varied by iterating number, types of sensors, mounting plates, controller, display devices and the like, however some changes may have to be made commonly known to the skilled person in the art.
[0027] In the foregoing detailed description of aspects embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more

features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of aspects, embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
[0028] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “includes” is used as the plain-English equivalent of the respective term “comprises” respectively.

1. An on-board weight measuring system for a vehicle having a continuous load
surface comprising:
at least one load detecting means removably coupled over each axle, below said load surface, said detecting means in communication with said load surface, responsive to generate an output load signal based on a deflection distance of said load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface;
a processing means operatively in communication with said load detecting means for processing real-time information based on said generated signal; and
at least an output display device interfaced with said processing means for displaying said real-time processed information.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said load detecting means includes at least one non-contact type sensor module.
3. The system as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein each said sensor module is positioned within bellows for providing protection to said sensors.
4. The system as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein each said load detecting means includes at least one optical sensor.

5. The system as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein said processing means includes an on-board micro-controller that converts respective deflection signals generated, to at least a weight value for displaying to an operator.
6. The system as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein said load detecting means are coupled between two mounting plates, configured over said axles and below said load surface.
7. The system as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein said output load signal is a cumulative signal based on each axel sensor output signal.
8. The system as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein said load detecting means is positioned at centre over each axel.
9. A method of measuring weight on a vehicle having an on-board weight measuring system as claimed in claims 1-8 comprising steps of:

a) measuring and generating a load signal based on deflection distance of a load surface relative to a horizontal, when corresponding weights are loaded on said load surface;
b) processing real-time deflection signals and converting them to at least a corresponding weight value; and
c) transmitting real-time weight values to at least an output device for display.

10. A vehicle having an on-board weight measuring system as claimed in claims 1-8, comprising at least two mounting plates configured over said axles and below said load surface, for removably coupling said load detecting means of the load measuring system.