WO2002016890A1 - Apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading - Google Patents

Apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002016890A1
WO2002016890A1 PCT/IB2001/001489 IB0101489W WO0216890A1 WO 2002016890 A1 WO2002016890 A1 WO 2002016890A1 IB 0101489 W IB0101489 W IB 0101489W WO 0216890 A1 WO0216890 A1 WO 0216890A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
communicating means
sensor
communicating
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2001/001489
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christiaan Wilhelm Hauptfleisch
Original Assignee
De Klerk, Johannes, Diderick
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by De Klerk, Johannes, Diderick filed Critical De Klerk, Johannes, Diderick
Priority to AU2001277646A priority Critical patent/AU2001277646A1/en
Publication of WO2002016890A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002016890A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/08—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles

Definitions

  • THIS INVENTION relates to apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading.
  • the monitoring and/or policing of overloaded load carrying transport vehicles conventionally is carried out by stopping vehicles and individually weighing these vehicles at a weighing station that is situated along a road side. This constitutes a slow process causing vehicles to be delayed for substantial time periods which, in itself, is non-productive. As such, it is an object of this invention to at lease alleviate the general problem of vehicle overloading and, particularly, the problem associated with the identification of overloaded vehicles.
  • apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading which comprises, in its operative configuration located on a vehicle, sensor means for sensing when a predetermined maximum load, permitted to be carried on the vehicle, is being exceeded;
  • first communicating means for communicating, via identifiable signals, with a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle;
  • control circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor means and of the first communicating means for communicating the fact of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded from the first communicating means to a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle.
  • a second communicating means By providing a second communicating means at a control station along a roadside, and with apparatus, in accordance with the invention, located on load carrying transport vehicles, communication between the first communicating means of such apparatus and the second communicating means will enable identification of overloaded vehicles without requiring the vehicles to stop and to be separately weighed.
  • a second communicating means also can be carried on patrol vehicles permitting officers, as part of their duty, to monitor possible overloading of load carrying transport vehicles travelling near such patrol vehicles. Only vehicles identified as overloaded will thus be stopped, in order to be suitably dealt with.
  • the sensor means of the apparatus of the invention may include at least one proximity-type sensor mounted on the vehicle in a location where it is sensitive to the proximity of a vehicle part that will be displaced with respect to the sensor upon the vehicle being loaded, permitting the sensor to sense when the said vehicle part reaches a predetermined location with respect to the sensor, which is indicative of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
  • the proximity-type sensor typically is of a type that generates a magnetic field which, in use, is interfered with by the vehicle part that is displaced with respect to the sensor, the sensor thus having means to measure the interference, where the degree of interference can identify that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
  • the sensor means of the apparatus of the invention may include a sensor for each load carrying wheel of the vehicle, each sensor being located to sense when a predetermined maximum load limit acting on its wheel is being exceeded and thus sensing an overload condition on the vehicle.
  • the sensor means also may comprise any alternative means that can serve the purpose and that can act either directly as load measuring devices or distance measuring devices, a device utilizing laser beams being considered particularly suitable for the purpose also.
  • the first communicating means of the apparatus of the invention may include a signal transmitter that can generate and transmit an "overload" signal that can be picked up by a second communicating means disposed at a remote location, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means having sensed that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
  • the signal transmitter of the first communicating means also can generate and transmit a "proper loading” signal that can be picked up by a second communicating means, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means not sensing that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
  • the first communicating means For a first communicating means having a signal transmitter that can generate and transmit both an "overload” signal and a “proper loading” signal, the first communicating means also may include a signal receiver that can receive a "communication" signal from a second communicating means, providing for the signal transmitter of the first communicating means, in response to receipt of a "communication” signal, to transmit either one of an "overload” signal and a "proper loading” signal.
  • the monitoring of load carrying vehicles can thus be initiated through the operation of a second communicating means, essentially through an interrogation process.
  • the first communicating means and the second communicating means can communicate via radio signals and, particularly, coded radio signals.
  • the first communicating means and the second communicating means will include a signal encoder and a signal decoder, for this purpose.
  • identifiable signals can be provided for in various different forms in respect of which suitable signal transmitters and signal receivers are readily available. As such, communication via laser signals also is envisaged.
  • the control circuit of the apparatus of the invention may include an indicator light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which indicator light serves to indicate whether the apparatus is operative.
  • the control circuit may include at least one warning light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which warning light is energised in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
  • a vehicle driver will thus be immediately alerted upon his vehicle being overloaded and for this purpose the control circuit still further may include an audible alarm which, in use of the apparatus, also is energised in response to the sensing means sensing that the predetermined maximum is load being exceeded.
  • control circuit may include an engine inhibitor that can inhibit starting of the engine of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded. Thereby, a vehicle can be prevented from commencing a journey while in an overloaded condition.
  • the apparatus of the invention may be adapted particularly for use on a horse and trailer combination to identify overloading of the trailer and, as such, the control circuit may include a sensor arrangement for sensing a proper coupling between horse and trailer and warning means for warning when a proper coupling does not exist.
  • the control circuit may include a connector arrangement for electrically connecting the apparatus parts located respectively on the horse and on the trailer. In this way, the proper operation of the apparatus of the invention on a horse and trailer combination clearly is provided for.
  • control circuit in the operative configuration of the apparatus of the invention, may be connected to existing circuitry of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, particularly in a configuration in which the existing circuitry provides for communication with the sensing means via coded signals.
  • the invention extends also to a second communicating means that can communicate with a first communicating means of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, while disposed at a remote location from the first communicating means, and that includes indicator means for indicating an overload condition communicated to it by the first communicating means.
  • the first communicating means of the apparatus of the invention can provide both for an "overload” signal and for a "proper loading” signal to be transmitted, in which case the second communicating means clearly can serve also to identify vehicles not having the apparatus of the invention located thereon, or having an apparatus located thereon which does not operate properly. Particularly where it is a legal requirement to carry a working apparatus on load carrying transport vehicles, vehicles not obeying this requirement can thus be easily identified.
  • Figure 1 illustrates schematically the operation of a first embodiment of an apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates in side view the operation of sensor means forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 illustrates in end view the operation of the sensor means of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 illustrates schematically the operation of a second embodiment of an apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates schematically an elevational view of a second communicating means that can communicate, from a remote location, with a communicating means of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 3.
  • apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading includes a control circuit housed within a housing 10, the housing 10, in use, being located within the driver's compartment of a load carrying transport vehicle in a location where it is readily visible to a vehicle driver.
  • a control circuit housed within a housing 10, the housing 10, in use, being located within the driver's compartment of a load carrying transport vehicle in a location where it is readily visible to a vehicle driver.
  • it is adapted for identifying overloading of a four-wheeled load carrying vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having a left front wheel 1 2, a right front wheel 14, a left rear wheel 1 6 and a right rear wheel 1 8.
  • the front wheels 12 and 14 are associated with an axle 20, whereas the rear wheels 1 6 and 1 8 are associated with an axle 22, the apparatus of the invention providing for each wheel to be associated with a sensor means that can sense when a load acting on the wheel exceeds a predetermined maximum load.
  • the sensor means in association with the wheel 1 2 and axle 20 comprises a proximity sensor 24 that is mounted on the chassis 26 of the vehicle, the sensor 24 particularly being mounted directly above the axle 20, as shown. It will be understood in this regard that in response to the associated vehicle being loaded, the spacing between the sensor 24 and the axle 20 will reduce and, as such, when the predetermined maximum load in relation to the wheel 1 2 is being exceeded, the said spacing will reduce beyond a predetermined minimum distance.
  • the proximity sensor 24 is of a type that generates a magnetic field, the magnetic field being interfered with by the vehicle axle 20, the sensor thus having means to measure the interference with the magnetic field by the axle 20, with the degree of interference being indicative of the load carried on the wheel 1 2.
  • the degree of interference reaches a predetermined level, this will indicate that the predetermined maximum load acting on the wheel 12 is being exceeded and this message can hence be transmitted to the control circuit housed within the housing 10, via a communication line 28 (see Figure 1 ) .
  • an alternative sensor means indicated by the numeral 30 and associated with the wheel 14 effectively monitors the spacing between the sensor 30 and an associated road surface 32, thus permitting operation in a similar manner to that of the sensor 24 for sensing an overload condition on the wheel 14.
  • the vehicle suspension arrangement 34 will essentially determine the relationship between load and distance monitored by the sensors of the apparatus of the invention and, as such, the apparatus of the invention can serve also to identify a faulty suspension arrangement.
  • the control circuit housed within the housing 10 particularly communicates with the respective sensors associated with the wheels of the vehicle and when a particular overload condition on a particular wheel is sensed, an indicator light 36 associated with the particular wheel will be energized, thus alerting the vehicle's driver of the overload condition.
  • An audible alarm 38 also is associated with the operation of the control circuit and also will be energized in response to an overload condition having been sensed.
  • a further indicator light 39 serves to identify the proper operation of the apparatus of the invention, particularly indicating when the apparatus is operative.
  • the apparatus of the invention includes further a first communicating means that comprises a signal transmitter, also housed within the housing, the transmitter being associated with an antenna 14 through which signals can be transmitted thereby.
  • the control circuit provides for operation of the signal transmitter in response to an overload condition on a wheel of the associated vehicle being sensed, the signal so transmitted typically being a coded radio signal that can be picked up by a suitable second communicating means at a remote location from the vehicle.
  • the signal transmitter associated with the apparatus typically has a pick-up range between 100 and 500 meters.
  • the second communicating means 42 may be located within a control station along a road side from where transport vehicles passing by the control station can be continuously monitored, the second communicating means typically having a signal receiver that can pick up an "overload " signal. When so picked up, the overloaded vehicle can be suitably dealt with, as will be described in more detail hereafter.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides for both the first communicating means and the second communicating means to incorporate both a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, that are each associated with a suitable signal encoder and a suitable signal decoder.
  • This particular embodiment of the invention provides for an operator of the second communicating means to initiate communication with the communicating means of an apparatus located on a vehicle, by transmitting a "communication" signal, receipt of the "communication" signal by the signal receiver of the apparatus inducing the transmission of either an "overload” signal or a "proper loading” signal from the apparatus.
  • the control circuit is thus adapted in particular to initiate the transmission of the required signal in response to effective interrogation from a second communicating means. It will appreciated that in association with this latter embodiment of the invention an operator of a second communicating means can control and identify specifically the vehicle being interrogated, although it is envisaged also that the second communicating means can be set to merely receive overload signals, as envisaged above.
  • a second communicating means can be carried also on a patrol vehicle, permitting officers patrolling roads generally to monitor overloading of load carrying vehicles in the vicinity of the control vehicles, thus further facilitating the identification of overloaded vehicles.
  • a second embodiment of an apparatus for identifying overloading is adapted particularly for use on a horse and trailer combination vehicle, the horse part of the vehicle having four wheels 50, while the trailer part of the vehicle has two wheels 52.
  • a housing 54 housing the control circuit of the apparatus again is provided in the driver's compartment of the horse and also is associated with indicator lights 56, an alarm 58 and an antenna 60 associated with first communicating means, also located within the housing 54.
  • the associated control circuit incorporated within the housing 54 is essentially the equivalent of the control circuit associated with the housing 10 referred to with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, but provides in addition for communication with a sensor 61 that can sense the coupling status of a coupling 62 acting between the horse and the trailer. This permits an improper coupling to be identified and hence for the control circuit to induce a warning signal, typically via an indicator light and/or the audible alarm 58.
  • a communication connector arrangement also is provided to provide for proper connection between the apparatus parts of the apparatus of the invention associated respectively with the horse and with the trailer, ensuring in particular proper operation of the apparatus in association with the trailer.
  • communication between the sensor means of the apparatus of the invention and their associated control circuit it is envisaged that either dedicated communication lines may be provided for or, alternatively, existing communication lines, i.e. electrical cabling, within a vehicle may be utilized, providing for communication via suitably coded signals.
  • control circuit associated with the different forms of the apparatus of the invention may be greatly variable while still providing for the effective operation of the apparatus which provides essentially for a vehicle overload condition to be sensed, firstly with a view to alerting the vehicle's driver of the overload condition and hence to transmit a signal that can be picked up at a remote location from the vehicle. Thereby, monitoring of load carrying transport vehicles from such a remote location is permitted.
  • sensor means could be utilized for identifying vehicle overloading, either by direct load measuring or by measuring distances that vary in response to vehicle loading.
  • a further feature of the apparatus of the invention provides for the control circuit to activate a vehicle inhibitor that can prevent a vehicle engine from starting once overloaded, thus ensuring that a vehicle cannot commence a journey in an overloaded condition.
  • a second communicating means for use with the apparatus of the invention and effectively forming a part of the apparatus of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 70.
  • the second communicating means 70 incorporates within a housing 72 thereof, a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, associated with an antenna 74, which provide for communication with a first communicating means of an apparatus, in the manner described above.
  • the housing carrying the control circuitry associated with the second communicating means 70 includes indicator lights, 76 and 78 respectively, these lights, during operation of the apparatus of the invention, indicating either an "overload” condition or a "proper loading” condition associated with a vehicle being monitored.
  • An audible alarm 80 associated with the second communicating means also will alert an operator of the presence of an overloaded vehicle.

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Drives, Propulsion Controls, And Safety Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading. The apparatus includes a proximity type sensor (24) that is located on a vehicle in a configuration in which it can sense when a predetermined maximum load permitted to be carried on the vehicle, is being exceeded. The apparatus includes also communicating means (40) and a control circuit, the communicating means being operable to communicate, via identifiable signals, with a second remotely located communicating means (70). Such communication will occur in response to the proximity type sensor sensing an overload condition on an associated vehicle. Overloaded vehicles can thus be identified while travelling along a road, the second communicating means (70) either being provided at a control station along a roadside or on a patrol vehicle.

Description

APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING VEHICLE OVERLOADING
THIS INVENTION relates to apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading.
It is well known in relation to the use of load carrying transport vehicles that vehicle overloading constitutes a major problem in relation to road safety and road preservation. Driving overloaded load carrying transport vehicles is not only dangerous but also causes substantial damage to roads, thus being a major contributory factor to road maintenance costs which are known to be extremely high.
The monitoring and/or policing of overloaded load carrying transport vehicles conventionally is carried out by stopping vehicles and individually weighing these vehicles at a weighing station that is situated along a road side. This constitutes a slow process causing vehicles to be delayed for substantial time periods which, in itself, is non-productive. As such, it is an object of this invention to at lease alleviate the general problem of vehicle overloading and, particularly, the problem associated with the identification of overloaded vehicles.
According to the invention there is provided apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, which comprises, in its operative configuration located on a vehicle, sensor means for sensing when a predetermined maximum load, permitted to be carried on the vehicle, is being exceeded;
first communicating means for communicating, via identifiable signals, with a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle; and
a control circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor means and of the first communicating means for communicating the fact of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded from the first communicating means to a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle.
By providing a second communicating means at a control station along a roadside, and with apparatus, in accordance with the invention, located on load carrying transport vehicles, communication between the first communicating means of such apparatus and the second communicating means will enable identification of overloaded vehicles without requiring the vehicles to stop and to be separately weighed. A second communicating means also can be carried on patrol vehicles permitting officers, as part of their duty, to monitor possible overloading of load carrying transport vehicles travelling near such patrol vehicles. Only vehicles identified as overloaded will thus be stopped, in order to be suitably dealt with.
The sensor means of the apparatus of the invention may include at least one proximity-type sensor mounted on the vehicle in a location where it is sensitive to the proximity of a vehicle part that will be displaced with respect to the sensor upon the vehicle being loaded, permitting the sensor to sense when the said vehicle part reaches a predetermined location with respect to the sensor, which is indicative of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded. The proximity-type sensor typically is of a type that generates a magnetic field which, in use, is interfered with by the vehicle part that is displaced with respect to the sensor, the sensor thus having means to measure the interference, where the degree of interference can identify that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
The sensor means of the apparatus of the invention may include a sensor for each load carrying wheel of the vehicle, each sensor being located to sense when a predetermined maximum load limit acting on its wheel is being exceeded and thus sensing an overload condition on the vehicle.
The sensor means also may comprise any alternative means that can serve the purpose and that can act either directly as load measuring devices or distance measuring devices, a device utilizing laser beams being considered particularly suitable for the purpose also.
The first communicating means of the apparatus of the invention may include a signal transmitter that can generate and transmit an "overload" signal that can be picked up by a second communicating means disposed at a remote location, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means having sensed that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded. As such, the signal transmitter of the first communicating means also can generate and transmit a "proper loading" signal that can be picked up by a second communicating means, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means not sensing that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
For a first communicating means having a signal transmitter that can generate and transmit both an "overload" signal and a "proper loading" signal, the first communicating means also may include a signal receiver that can receive a "communication" signal from a second communicating means, providing for the signal transmitter of the first communicating means, in response to receipt of a "communication" signal, to transmit either one of an "overload" signal and a "proper loading" signal. The monitoring of load carrying vehicles can thus be initiated through the operation of a second communicating means, essentially through an interrogation process.
In order to facilitate the above, the first communicating means and the second communicating means, with which it can communicate while disposed at a remote location, can communicate via radio signals and, particularly, coded radio signals. As such, the first communicating means and the second communicating means will include a signal encoder and a signal decoder, for this purpose.
It will be understood also that identifiable signals can be provided for in various different forms in respect of which suitable signal transmitters and signal receivers are readily available. As such, communication via laser signals also is envisaged.
The control circuit of the apparatus of the invention may include an indicator light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which indicator light serves to indicate whether the apparatus is operative. In addition, the control circuit may include at least one warning light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which warning light is energised in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded. A vehicle driver will thus be immediately alerted upon his vehicle being overloaded and for this purpose the control circuit still further may include an audible alarm which, in use of the apparatus, also is energised in response to the sensing means sensing that the predetermined maximum is load being exceeded.
Still further according to the invention, the control circuit may include an engine inhibitor that can inhibit starting of the engine of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded. Thereby, a vehicle can be prevented from commencing a journey while in an overloaded condition. The apparatus of the invention may be adapted particularly for use on a horse and trailer combination to identify overloading of the trailer and, as such, the control circuit may include a sensor arrangement for sensing a proper coupling between horse and trailer and warning means for warning when a proper coupling does not exist. In addition, the control circuit may include a connector arrangement for electrically connecting the apparatus parts located respectively on the horse and on the trailer. In this way, the proper operation of the apparatus of the invention on a horse and trailer combination clearly is provided for.
The control circuit, in the operative configuration of the apparatus of the invention, may be connected to existing circuitry of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, particularly in a configuration in which the existing circuitry provides for communication with the sensing means via coded signals.
The invention extends also to a second communicating means that can communicate with a first communicating means of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, while disposed at a remote location from the first communicating means, and that includes indicator means for indicating an overload condition communicated to it by the first communicating means. The first communicating means of the apparatus of the invention can provide both for an "overload" signal and for a "proper loading" signal to be transmitted, in which case the second communicating means clearly can serve also to identify vehicles not having the apparatus of the invention located thereon, or having an apparatus located thereon which does not operate properly. Particularly where it is a legal requirement to carry a working apparatus on load carrying transport vehicles, vehicles not obeying this requirement can thus be easily identified.
Further features of the apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention, including the mode of operation and the benefits associated with the use of the apparatus, are described hereafter, with reference to examples of such an apparatus, illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates schematically the operation of a first embodiment of an apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates in side view the operation of sensor means forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 illustrates in end view the operation of the sensor means of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates schematically the operation of a second embodiment of an apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention; and
Figure 5 illustrates schematically an elevational view of a second communicating means that can communicate, from a remote location, with a communicating means of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 3.
Referring initially to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, in accordance with the invention, includes a control circuit housed within a housing 10, the housing 10, in use, being located within the driver's compartment of a load carrying transport vehicle in a location where it is readily visible to a vehicle driver. In the embodiment of the apparatus as shown, it is adapted for identifying overloading of a four-wheeled load carrying vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having a left front wheel 1 2, a right front wheel 14, a left rear wheel 1 6 and a right rear wheel 1 8.
The front wheels 12 and 14 are associated with an axle 20, whereas the rear wheels 1 6 and 1 8 are associated with an axle 22, the apparatus of the invention providing for each wheel to be associated with a sensor means that can sense when a load acting on the wheel exceeds a predetermined maximum load. Typically, and referring particularly also to Figures' 2 and 3 of the drawings, the sensor means in association with the wheel 1 2 and axle 20 comprises a proximity sensor 24 that is mounted on the chassis 26 of the vehicle, the sensor 24 particularly being mounted directly above the axle 20, as shown. It will be understood in this regard that in response to the associated vehicle being loaded, the spacing between the sensor 24 and the axle 20 will reduce and, as such, when the predetermined maximum load in relation to the wheel 1 2 is being exceeded, the said spacing will reduce beyond a predetermined minimum distance.
In the example shown, the proximity sensor 24 is of a type that generates a magnetic field, the magnetic field being interfered with by the vehicle axle 20, the sensor thus having means to measure the interference with the magnetic field by the axle 20, with the degree of interference being indicative of the load carried on the wheel 1 2. Clearly, where the degree of interference reaches a predetermined level, this will indicate that the predetermined maximum load acting on the wheel 12 is being exceeded and this message can hence be transmitted to the control circuit housed within the housing 10, via a communication line 28 (see Figure 1 ) .
By way of example, an alternative sensor means indicated by the numeral 30 and associated with the wheel 14 effectively monitors the spacing between the sensor 30 and an associated road surface 32, thus permitting operation in a similar manner to that of the sensor 24 for sensing an overload condition on the wheel 14. It will also be appreciated in general that the vehicle suspension arrangement 34 will essentially determine the relationship between load and distance monitored by the sensors of the apparatus of the invention and, as such, the apparatus of the invention can serve also to identify a faulty suspension arrangement.
The control circuit housed within the housing 10 particularly communicates with the respective sensors associated with the wheels of the vehicle and when a particular overload condition on a particular wheel is sensed, an indicator light 36 associated with the particular wheel will be energized, thus alerting the vehicle's driver of the overload condition. An audible alarm 38 also is associated with the operation of the control circuit and also will be energized in response to an overload condition having been sensed. A further indicator light 39 serves to identify the proper operation of the apparatus of the invention, particularly indicating when the apparatus is operative.
The apparatus of the invention includes further a first communicating means that comprises a signal transmitter, also housed within the housing, the transmitter being associated with an antenna 14 through which signals can be transmitted thereby. For one particular embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the control circuit provides for operation of the signal transmitter in response to an overload condition on a wheel of the associated vehicle being sensed, the signal so transmitted typically being a coded radio signal that can be picked up by a suitable second communicating means at a remote location from the vehicle. The signal transmitter associated with the apparatus typically has a pick-up range between 100 and 500 meters.
As such, the second communicating means 42 may be located within a control station along a road side from where transport vehicles passing by the control station can be continuously monitored, the second communicating means typically having a signal receiver that can pick up an "overload " signal. When so picked up, the overloaded vehicle can be suitably dealt with, as will be described in more detail hereafter.
A further embodiment of the invention provides for both the first communicating means and the second communicating means to incorporate both a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, that are each associated with a suitable signal encoder and a suitable signal decoder. This particular embodiment of the invention provides for an operator of the second communicating means to initiate communication with the communicating means of an apparatus located on a vehicle, by transmitting a "communication" signal, receipt of the "communication" signal by the signal receiver of the apparatus inducing the transmission of either an "overload" signal or a "proper loading" signal from the apparatus. The control circuit is thus adapted in particular to initiate the transmission of the required signal in response to effective interrogation from a second communicating means. It will appreciated that in association with this latter embodiment of the invention an operator of a second communicating means can control and identify specifically the vehicle being interrogated, although it is envisaged also that the second communicating means can be set to merely receive overload signals, as envisaged above.
It must be understood also that a second communicating means can be carried also on a patrol vehicle, permitting officers patrolling roads generally to monitor overloading of load carrying vehicles in the vicinity of the control vehicles, thus further facilitating the identification of overloaded vehicles.
Referring particularly to Figure 4 of the drawings, a second embodiment of an apparatus for identifying overloading, in accordance with the invention, is adapted particularly for use on a horse and trailer combination vehicle, the horse part of the vehicle having four wheels 50, while the trailer part of the vehicle has two wheels 52.
A housing 54 housing the control circuit of the apparatus again is provided in the driver's compartment of the horse and also is associated with indicator lights 56, an alarm 58 and an antenna 60 associated with first communicating means, also located within the housing 54. The associated control circuit incorporated within the housing 54 is essentially the equivalent of the control circuit associated with the housing 10 referred to with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, but provides in addition for communication with a sensor 61 that can sense the coupling status of a coupling 62 acting between the horse and the trailer. This permits an improper coupling to be identified and hence for the control circuit to induce a warning signal, typically via an indicator light and/or the audible alarm 58. A communication connector arrangement also is provided to provide for proper connection between the apparatus parts of the apparatus of the invention associated respectively with the horse and with the trailer, ensuring in particular proper operation of the apparatus in association with the trailer. Insofar as communication between the sensor means of the apparatus of the invention and their associated control circuit is concerned, it is envisaged that either dedicated communication lines may be provided for or, alternatively, existing communication lines, i.e. electrical cabling, within a vehicle may be utilized, providing for communication via suitably coded signals. It will be appreciated in this regard that the configuration of the control circuit associated with the different forms of the apparatus of the invention may be greatly variable while still providing for the effective operation of the apparatus which provides essentially for a vehicle overload condition to be sensed, firstly with a view to alerting the vehicle's driver of the overload condition and hence to transmit a signal that can be picked up at a remote location from the vehicle. Thereby, monitoring of load carrying transport vehicles from such a remote location is permitted.
It will be appreciated in the above regard also that different forms of sensor means could be utilized for identifying vehicle overloading, either by direct load measuring or by measuring distances that vary in response to vehicle loading.
A further feature of the apparatus of the invention provides for the control circuit to activate a vehicle inhibitor that can prevent a vehicle engine from starting once overloaded, thus ensuring that a vehicle cannot commence a journey in an overloaded condition. Once again, state-of-the-art circuitry and components that are suitable for cooperating with the apparatus of the invention for this particular purpose are already well known.
Referring particularly to Figure 5 of the drawings, a second communicating means for use with the apparatus of the invention and effectively forming a part of the apparatus of the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 70. The second communicating means 70 incorporates within a housing 72 thereof, a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, associated with an antenna 74, which provide for communication with a first communicating means of an apparatus, in the manner described above. The housing carrying the control circuitry associated with the second communicating means 70 includes indicator lights, 76 and 78 respectively, these lights, during operation of the apparatus of the invention, indicating either an "overload" condition or a "proper loading" condition associated with a vehicle being monitored. An audible alarm 80 associated with the second communicating means also will alert an operator of the presence of an overloaded vehicle.
By being able to monitor the possible overloading of vehicles, either from a control station along a roadside or from a patrol vehicle, the presence of overloaded vehicles on roads can be more easily identified and the present requirement of identifying overloaded vehicles by stopping all load carrying vehicles and weighing these vehicles separately, is thus no longer necessary. Only vehicles having being identified as being overloaded will be stopped and then be suitably dealt with.
It is envisaged that the use of the apparatus of the invention on load carrying vehicles could become a legal requirement, thus enabling overloaded vehicles to be conveniently dealt with. This, it is believed, will greatly enhance road safety associated with heavy load carrying transport vehicles, while also serving to reduce significantly the damage to roads that is commonly associated with overloaded vehicles using such roads.

Claims

1 . Apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading, which comprises, in its operative configuration located on a vehicle,
sensor means for sensing when a predetermined maximum load, permitted to be carried on the vehicle, is being exceeded;
first communicating means for communicating, via identifiable signals, with a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle; and
a control circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor means and of the first communicating means for communicating the fact of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded from the first communicating means to a second communicating means that is disposed at a remote location from the vehicle.
2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the sensor means includes at least one proximity-type sensor mounted on the vehicle in a location where it is sensitive to the proximity of a vehicle part that will be displaced with respect to the sensor upon the vehicle being loaded, permitting the sensor to sense when the said vehicle part reaches a predetermined location with respect to the sensor, which is indicative of the predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which the proximity-type sensor is of a type that generates a magnetic field which, in use, is interfered with by the vehicle part that is displaced with respect to the sensor, the sensor having means to measure the interference, where the degree of interference can identify that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the sensor means includes a sensor for each load carrying wheel of the vehicle, each sensor being located to sense when a predetermined maximum load limit acting on its wheel is being exceeded.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the first communicating means includes a signal transmitter that can generate and transmit an "overload" signal that can be picked up by a second communicating means disposed at a remote location, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means having sensed that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, in which the signal transmitter of the first communicating means can generate and transmit a "proper loading" signal, that can be picked up by a second communicating means, through operation of the control circuit and in response to the sensor means not sensing that the predetermined maximum load is being exceeded.
7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, in which the first communicating means includes a signal receiver that can receive a "communication" signal from a second communicating means, and in which the signal transmitter of the first communicating means, in response to receipt of a "communication" signal will transmit either one of an "overload" signal and a "proper loading" signal.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the first communicating means and a second communicating means, with which it can communicate while disposed at a remote location, can communicate via radio signals.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the first communicating means and a second communicating means, with which it can communicate while disposed at a remote location, can communicate via coded signals, each of the first communicating means and the second communicating
'5 means including a signal encoder and a signal decoder for this purpose.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the control circuit includes an indicator light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which indicator light serves to indicate whether the apparatus is operative.
0 1 1 . Apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which the control circuit includes at least one warning light located to be visible in the driver's compartment of a vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, which warning light is energized in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
5 1 2. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the control circuit includes an audible alarm which, in use of the apparatus, is energized in response to the sensing means sensing the. predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
1 3. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the control 0 circuit includes an engine inhibitor that can inhibit starting of the engine of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in use, in response to the sensing means sensing the predetermined maximum load being exceeded.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted for use on a horse and trailer combination to identify overloading of the trailer, in 5 which the control circuit includes a sensor arrangement for sensing a proper coupling between horse and trailer and warning means for warning when a proper coupling does not exist.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted for use on a horse and trailer combination to identify overloading of the trailer, in which the control circuit includes a connector arrangement for electrically connecting the apparatus parts located respectively on the horse and on the trailer.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the control circuit, in the operative configuration of the apparatus, is connected to existing circuitry of the vehicle on which the apparatus is located, in a configuration in which the existing circuitry provides for communication with the sensing means via coded signals.
7. A second communicating means that can communicate with a first communicating means of an apparatus as claimed in anyone of Claims 1 to 1 6, while disposed at a remote location from the first communicating means, and that includes indicator means for indicating an overload condition communicated to it by the first communicating means.
8. Apparatus for identify vehicle overloading substantially as described in the specification with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
9. A second communicating means substantially as described in the specification with reference to and as illustrated in the apparatus.
PCT/IB2001/001489 2000-08-21 2001-08-17 Apparatus for identifying vehicle overloading WO2002016890A1 (en)

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ZA200004288 2000-08-21
ZA00/4288 2000-08-21

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EP2131167A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2009-12-09 Philipp Dipl.-Ing. Tarter Device for calculating the load state of vehicles
WO2011025436A1 (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Scania Cv Ab Method and system for improving durability of a motor vehicle
DE102016219176A1 (en) 2016-10-04 2018-04-05 Contitech Vibration Control Gmbh Transport vehicle or transport vehicle network

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US5081443A (en) * 1987-06-02 1992-01-14 Christoph Breit Device for protecting the systems and load of motor vehicles
US5167289A (en) * 1991-04-30 1992-12-01 Stevenson David L Air spring load monitoring system
DE9415153U1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1994-11-03 Mielke Reiner Dipl Ing Th Microcontroller-controlled weight monitoring for truck trailers / trailers and transport vehicles with external data connection
DE29516505U1 (en) * 1995-10-18 1995-12-14 Mielke Reiner Dipl Ing Th Radio / infrared measurement data transmission for truck trailers / trailers and transport vehicles
US5844474A (en) * 1997-07-03 1998-12-01 Saling; Brian Jay Vehicle overload sensor
DE19751908A1 (en) * 1997-11-22 1999-05-27 Christoph Nawroth Land vehicle overload control system e.g. during police control of streets

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU5712680A (en) * 1979-04-09 1980-10-16 Hayter, J.E. Measurement transducer
US5081443A (en) * 1987-06-02 1992-01-14 Christoph Breit Device for protecting the systems and load of motor vehicles
US5167289A (en) * 1991-04-30 1992-12-01 Stevenson David L Air spring load monitoring system
DE9415153U1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1994-11-03 Mielke Reiner Dipl Ing Th Microcontroller-controlled weight monitoring for truck trailers / trailers and transport vehicles with external data connection
DE29516505U1 (en) * 1995-10-18 1995-12-14 Mielke Reiner Dipl Ing Th Radio / infrared measurement data transmission for truck trailers / trailers and transport vehicles
US5844474A (en) * 1997-07-03 1998-12-01 Saling; Brian Jay Vehicle overload sensor
DE19751908A1 (en) * 1997-11-22 1999-05-27 Christoph Nawroth Land vehicle overload control system e.g. during police control of streets

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2131167A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2009-12-09 Philipp Dipl.-Ing. Tarter Device for calculating the load state of vehicles
WO2011025436A1 (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-03-03 Scania Cv Ab Method and system for improving durability of a motor vehicle
DE102016219176A1 (en) 2016-10-04 2018-04-05 Contitech Vibration Control Gmbh Transport vehicle or transport vehicle network

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