WO2012038955A1 - Système et procédé de pesage en mouvement du type piézoélectrique pour véhicules en mouvement - Google Patents

Système et procédé de pesage en mouvement du type piézoélectrique pour véhicules en mouvement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012038955A1
WO2012038955A1 PCT/IL2011/000741 IL2011000741W WO2012038955A1 WO 2012038955 A1 WO2012038955 A1 WO 2012038955A1 IL 2011000741 W IL2011000741 W IL 2011000741W WO 2012038955 A1 WO2012038955 A1 WO 2012038955A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
piezoelectric
vehicle
sensors
passing
sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2011/000741
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Haim Abramovich
Charles Milgrom
Eugeny Harash
Lucy Edery Azulay
Uri Amit
Gregory Klein
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Innowattech Ltd.
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Publication date
Application filed by Innowattech Ltd. filed Critical Innowattech Ltd.
Publication of WO2012038955A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012038955A1/fr

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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
    • G01G19/02—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
    • G01G19/022—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies in motion
    • G01G19/024—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies in motion using electrical weight-sensitive devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/007—Integrated arrangements for generating electrical power, e.g. solar cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G3/00—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances
    • G01G3/12—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
    • G01G3/13—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing having piezoelectric or piezoresistive properties

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to piezoelectric applications.
  • the present invention relates to a piezoelectric system and method for measuring weight of passing vehicles while the vehicles travel at any traffic speeds.
  • Truck load awareness assists in preventing truck overloading, a common safety hazard which may be heavily fined.
  • Overweight trucks both accelerate deterioration of the roadway and are a safety hazard because they increase the braking distance of trucks.
  • Truck overload prevention is a common practice in industries that manufacture or move bulk items, such as in goods transport, mines, quarries, garbage dumps, recycling centers or the like.
  • Static electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical truck scales and weigh bridges are usually mounted on a concrete foundation and are used to weigh entire vehicles and their contents. By weighing a loaded vehicle, the weight of the load carried by the vehicle can be calculated. Usually, the weight of the vehicle carrying the goods is known, or can be ascertained quickly according to vehicle type and model.
  • a truck can have one or more of its axels overloaded even though the total weight of the truck is within legal limits.
  • Determining the weight of a loaded truck may be used for charging passing vehicles according to the weight they carry. Governmental and law enforcement authorities use the gross vehicle weight to determine whether the vehicle is safe to travel on the public highway. Truck weigh stations operated by trained personnel are commonly used for determining whether vehicles meet weight restrictions. When weight violations are detected, vehicles and drivers may be pulled off the road or fined accordingly.
  • Vehicle weight enforcement requires that truck weigh stations be built at predefined locations, and that trained personnel operate these stations. It also causes potential delays in delivery schedules, because enforcement requires that driving vehicles be stopped in at least one of a plurality of road intercepts, and go through a lengthy manual process.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the current invention provide automated system and method for enforcing vehicle weight restrictions in motion without disturbing road traffic.
  • One aspect of the invention is to provide a piezoelectric vehicle weight-in-motion system comprising: at least two rows of piezoelectric sensors, situated such that the rows are substantially perpendicular to the direction of traffic on a motorway, and separated by at least 1 m, wherein each of said rows comprises at least a right-wheel cluster of sensors and a left-wheel cluster of sensor, and wherein each of said cluster comprises at least two piezoelectric sensors connected in parallel, wherein each of said piezoelectric sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce electrical signal indicative of the force applied on said sensor by a vehicle passing over said sensor; and a processor, receiving signals from said piezoelectric sensors, wherein said processor is capable of determining the speed in which said vehicle passed over said sensors and the load of said vehicle while said vehicle is traveling at normal traffic speed.
  • the system is configured with two rows of piezoelectric sensors, situated such that the rows are substantially perpendicular to the direction of traffic on a motorway, and separated by at least one meter, wherein one of said rows comprises a right-wheel cluster of sensors and the second row a left-wheel cluster of sensor, and wherein each of said cluster comprises at least two piezoelectric sensors connected in parallel, wherein each of said piezoelectric sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce electrical signal indicative of the force applied on said sensor by a vehicle passing over said sensor; and a processor, receiving signals from said piezoelectric sensor.
  • said piezoelectric element produces said electrical signal by reaction to compression forces with active D3,3 piezoelectric effect, generating signal indicative of the applied force.
  • said piezoelectric sensor comprises: a box; a cover; a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed between said box and said cover, wherein said piezoelectric elements are connected in parallel and are configured to produce electrical signal indicative of compressive force applied between said cover and said box.
  • said plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a single layer.
  • said plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a single row.
  • At least one of said box and said cover is made of aluminum.
  • At least one sensor measures approximately 400 mm long, 40 mm wide and 60 mm deep.
  • each of the clusters of sensors comprises at least three sensors.
  • the system comprises a camera capable of capturing an electronic image of said passing vehicle and transferring said capture image to said compressor, wherein said processor is capable of determining the license plate number of said passing vehicle and associating the load of said passing vehicle to said determined license plate number.
  • the system comprises a vehicle detection unit capable of detecting a passing vehicle and transferring information indicative of said passing vehicle to said compressor, wherein said processor is capable of using said transfer information to associate all signals generated by said sensors in response to a specific passing to said specific passing vehicle.
  • the system comprises a speed detection unit capable of determining the speed of a passing vehicle and transferring information indicative of the speed of said passing vehicle to said compressor, wherein said processor is capable of using said transfer information to calculate the loads on wheels of said passing vehicle.
  • the processor is capable of determining imbalanced loading of said passing vehicle.
  • the processor is capable of determining overloading of said passing vehicle.
  • system comprises: a remote server; and a communication unit, connected to said processor and capable of transmitting information indicative of said passing vehicle to said remote server.
  • the system comprises: at least one piezoelectric generator capable of generating electric power when force is applied to said piezoelectric generator by a wheel of a vehicle passing over said generator; an energy conversion unit converting said generating electric power to useful electric energy; and an energy storage, capable of storing said useful electric power and supply energy to power said system.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide a method for determining the weight of passing vehicles while in motion using piezoelectric generators comprising the steps of: positioning at least a first row of piezoelectric sensors and a second rows of piezoelectric sensors substantially parallel to each other, perpendicular to the direction of traffic on a roadway lane, and spatially separated; generating electric signals from said at least two rows of piezoelectric sensors in response to forces applied by the wheels of a passing vehicle over said piezoelectric sensors; determining the speed of said passing vehicle from the time difference between a signal generated by at least one sensor in said first row and a signal generated by at least one sensor in said second row; and determining the weight of said passing vehicle from said generated signals taking into account said determined speed of said passing vehicle.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide methods of implementing piezoelectric sensors in a roadway.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a piezoelectric vehicle WIM system according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Figure 2A shows an isometric external view of a narrow piezoelectric generator according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Figure 2B schematically depicts an isometric internal view of the housing of a narrow piezoelectric generator, accommodating a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in two horizontal rows according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • the rows of disks can be parallel or in a zigzag pattern.
  • Figure 3A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a road showing a concrete casing serving as a placeholder for two narrow generators according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Figure 3B schematically depicts a cross section of a road illustrating how generators may be placed within a casing below the surface of the road according to another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Figure 4 depicts a schematic top view of a road lane embedded with two succession casing clusters according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Figure 5 schematically depicts vies of a WIM sensor/generator, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • compositions, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
  • a compound or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
  • Embodiments are based on signal extraction from piezoelectric elements embedded into roads.
  • Embodiments of the system disclosed herein may be incorporated beneath an asphalt road and be covered with a layer of asphalt, such that the road is completely leveled despite the presence of the piezoelectric generators or sensors. This prevents the creation of cracks and leveling differences in the road as a result of road wear out, which may destroy the integrity of the piezoelectric elements over time.
  • the system may be incorporated beneath the surface of a concrete road and covered with grouting.
  • weighing system may be installed above the road's surface or such that the sensor is at the level of the road's surface.
  • system's components such as its control unit and its communication unit, may optionally operate on energy harvested from the piezoelectric elements, without a need for an external power source.
  • piezoelectric generators are embedded into roads and respond to mechanical load caused by passing vehicles. Piezoelectric energy may be generated by compression forces resulting from the combination of speed and weight of passing vehicles. With proper calibration, every amount of generated energy can be mapped to values representing a combination of vehicle weight and velocity. It is an optional advantage of the current invention that it may operate at both high and low speeds of the passing vehicles.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a piezoelectric vehicle WIM system 100. Although presented in the block diagram as separate blocks, the system may optionally be integrated into subunits or a stand-alone system.
  • WIM system Embodiment 100 comprises piezoelectric generators/sensors 110 (two such generators - 110A and HOB are seen in the exemplary embodiment).
  • Generators 110 are connected to at least one energy conversion and signal extraction unit 120, at least one processor 130, an optional data storage unit 140, and one or more optional: display units 160; communication units 150, and optional energy storage units 170.
  • Piezoelectric generators/sensors 110 comprises piezoelectric elements embedded into the road, for example as described in the prior art of piezoelectric power harvesting.
  • Generators 110A and HOB may be used for generating and optionally storing power harvested off piezoelectric elements within optional energy storage unit 170.
  • Energy harvested from piezoelectric generators 110A and HOB and stored in energy storage unit 170 may serve as an independent power source for the vehicle WIM system 100, and optionally for other uses such as, but not limited to powering surrounding traffic signs and lights.
  • Energy storage unit 170 may further be connected to an external power source or external power users such as external load 180, for example a main power grid.
  • excess energy generated by system 100 may be transferred to the external load 180 such as main electrical grid for distribution.
  • external load/power source 180 such as main electrical grid may supply energy to system 100 when its energy consumption is greater than its energy generation and receive energy from system 100 when its energy generation is grater than its energy consumption.
  • Processor 130 is capable of analyzing data received from signal extraction unit 120 regarding the amount of harvested energy from a passing vehicle, and translates the data to determine the speed and weight of the passing vehicle passing.
  • the processor uses configurable parameters to analyze and translate the data.
  • Data may be stored in a data storage unit 140.
  • processor 130 may verify that the translation is accurate or legitimate according to optional external units, for example camera 190.
  • Camera 190 may be used to obtain a picture or a license ID of passing vehicles.
  • Speed detection unit 192 may be a Doppler-based radar, laser speed trap or any other vehicle speed measurement tool which suits requirements.
  • speed detection unit 192 may be a Doppler-based radar, laser speed trap or any other vehicle speed measurement tool which suits requirements.
  • a plurality of generators 110 are embedded in the road at distances along the direction of travel (as seen for example in figure 4. In these embodiments, speed of travel may be extracted from the known distance between the generators and the measured time difference between signals generated by the same wheel as it passes a first and a second generator.
  • Processor 130 is optionally further capable of sending analyzed data to remote stations by using a communication unit 150 optionally connected to a remote server 155 via a wired or a wireless communication channel such as but not limited to phone, radio or cellular communication.
  • Processor 130 may use optional display units 160 for displaying analyzed data to users.
  • Display units 160 may be for example and without limitation computer screens, laptops, PDAs, cellular phone screens, printed sheets, integrated LCD screens (e.g. Thin Film Transistors, touch screens) or the like.
  • law enforcing unit such a police patrol vehicle or a roadside checkpoint may be alerted when law violation or hazardous condition is detected. This may include one or combination of: excessive load, uneven or imbalanced loading, above limit travel speed, uneven tire inflation or such like violations and hazardous conditions. Alert may be issued locally, for example using display 160, or remotely for example and without limitation using the communication unit 150.
  • Data storage unit 140 may be a database, or any other data storage means that suits requirements.
  • data storage unit 140 is mobile, or located at a remote location not residing in physical proximity to generators 110A and HOB, processor 130 or other components of system 100.
  • each piezoelectric WIM system 100 may have its own dedicated data processor 130, storage unit 140 and display system 160, for processing, storing and displaying data locally.
  • a number of WIM systems 100 may share processors 130, storage units 140 and display unit 160 or communication unit 150.
  • system 100 may supply power for its operation and may be used without connection to an external power source 180, relaying on energy generated by generators 110, converted to useful energy by energy conversion unit 120 and stored in energy storage 170.
  • system 100 may be used with piezoelectric sensors that do not generate enough energy for operating the system, or with sensors that require bias for their operation such as resistive strain gauges.
  • the external load 180 is replaced with a power source such as main electrical power or a renewable power source such as wind or solar power source, or a battery such as rechargeable or replaceable battery.
  • piezoelectric transducer made of piezoelectric polymers may produce sufficiently large signal for operate as sensors, but not efficient generators for energy harvesting. Such sensors may be cheaper to make.
  • transducers having small quantity of piezoelectric material may be used as sensors only.
  • the mechanical construction of the sensors' case may be design such that mechanical load is primarily supported by the structure of the case such that only a portion of the stress is applied to the piezoelectric material, thus reducing the generated energy while protecting the piezoelectric from being overloaded and optionally reducing its size.
  • system 100 may comprise a vehicle detection unit 193.
  • vehicle detection unit 193 may be an electromagnetic induction loop as known in the art. Vehicle detection unit 193 remove the ambiguity of multi-axial vehicles such as trucks, pickup-tracks and trailers and ensures that signals caused by a specific passing vehicle is correctly associated with a single vehicle.
  • the optional camera 190 performs this function when used with image recognition software.
  • electrical signals generated by piezoelectric sensors in response to a passing vehicle are large and easy to detect and/or digitize with an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) and do not require amplification. For example, voltage of few volts or even up to 100 volts may be generated. These signals may be transferred over electrical wires from sensors 110 to signal extraction electronics front end 120 which may be positioned near the road's curb or roadside structure without the use of signal amplification.
  • ADC Analog to Digital Converter
  • FIG. 2A and 2B showing an external view and an internal view respectively of a narrow piezoelectric generator 200, comprising a housing 210 with a cover 212.
  • Figure 2A shows an isometric external view of a narrow piezoelectric generator 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • the figure schematically shows the housing 210 for accommodating a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown in this figure), cover 212 and screws 214A - 214G arranged next to each other in a horizontal line according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • screws 214 run from the cover 212 to bottom 216.
  • heads of screws 214 are within recesses in cover 212 so as not to protrude above the surface of cover 212. This allows transfer of load applied to cover 212 to be transferred to the piezoelectric elements with body 210 of narrow piezoelectric generator 200.
  • Screws serve as fastening means and for ensuring that cover 212 is in contact with the embedded piezoelectric elements 220 (not seen in this figure). Other fastening means that suits requirements may alternatively be used.
  • the arrangement of the screws is generally targeted towards creating a pre-loading effect.
  • Screws ends are preferably not leveled with cover 212 or bottom 216, but rather slightly submerged within. This is to ensure that force generated from moving vehicles acts directly upon the cover and transferred the mechanical loads directly to the embedded piezoelectric elements.
  • Figure 2B schematically depicts an isometric internal view of the housing 210 of a narrow piezoelectric generator 200, accommodating a plurality of piezoelectric elements 220 arranged in two horizontal rows according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • a single piezoelectric element will be referred to herein as 220.
  • the length of narrow WIM generator 200 may be 50 centimeters and its width may be 7 centimeters. Alternatively, other dimensions may be used which suit requirements.
  • PZT elements 220 may be in the form of a rod, a disk, or any other form which suits requirements. PZT elements 220 act upon compression forces with active D 3 piezoelectric effect generating signal indicative of the applied force. The dimensions selected for a single PZT element may vary according to requirements. PZT elements of different sizes, shapes and types may be embedded into a single piezoelectric generator. PZT elements may be layered on top of one another, as disclosed in the applicant's previous applications. Piezoelectric elements 220 are sometimes reffered herein as "PZT elements" may be made of Lead zirconate Titanate (PZT), but other piezoelectric materials may be used. For example, piezoelectric polymers may be used.
  • PZT elements Lead zirconate Titanate
  • Each element 220 may be a single element, a sintered (co-fired) piezoelectric stack of assembled piezoelectric stack.
  • the number of rows, the number of elements, location and interspersion of embedded PZT elements within a WIM 200 may vary according to requirements.
  • a generator may comprise two rows of 8 to 16 elements each of disks having a diameter or between 7 to 20 millimeters arrange in parallel rows or in a zig-zag pattern.
  • the load on the elements should not exceed 20 MegaPascals so as to ensure the stability and longevity of the system.
  • shape of PZT elements may be round as disks or rods, but rectangular or other shapes may be used.
  • Piezoelectric elements 220 may be held in cavities in a matrix 299 that support the elements.
  • Tapped holes 298A to 298G are used for securing screws 214A to 214G respectively.
  • Figure 3A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a road 300 comprising a concrete casing 310 serving as a placeholder for two narrow generators 200A and 200B according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • Casing 310 may be constructed from materials other than concrete which suit requirements, for example plastic or metal.
  • generators 200 are exposed and are placed such that their covers are at the level of the road's surface 331.
  • Figure 3B schematically depicts a cross section of a road 300 that illustrates how generators 200A and 200B may be placed within casing 310 below the surface 331 of the road 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • casing 310 is embedded into the road and covered with an insulting layer 320, optionally a bituminous sheet, and further covered by a layer of asphalt 330 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a schematic top view of a road lane 400 showing the driving direction 410 and embedded with two succession casing clusters 420A and 420B according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • each casing cluster 420A and 420B comprises a plurality of PZT casings, for example casing cluster 420A having two casings 422A and 424B, each casing capable of receiving two narrow piezoelectric generators 200.
  • the clusters are arranged such that casings are placed next to each other in a straight line perpendicular to driving direction 410.
  • Casings 422 in clusters 420A and 420B are connected to energy conversion and signal extraction unit 120 (seen in figure 1) via connecting cables 421A and 421B respectively.
  • energy conversion and signal extraction unit 120 (seen in figure 1) via connecting cables 421A and 421B respectively.
  • Generators in casing 422 may be connected to each other or may be separately connected to energy conversion and signal extraction unit 120.
  • clusters 420A and 420B are separated along the direction of vehicle travel, thus enabling speed determination from time difference between the signals produced by the two clusters.
  • each one of clusters 420A and 420B may comprise two casings such as depicted in figures 3A or 3B.
  • the casings are placed upon the road in locations where passing vehicles' wheels are most likely to pass directly over them.
  • An optional gap 459 may be left between the casings where probability of wheel passing is low.
  • generators 200 may be placed without gaps or across the entire lane 400.
  • figure 4 is to be viewed as demonstrating the optional positions of the generators in a first row and second row along the direction of the traffic, where in each row the generators positioned at right wheel route and left wheel route.
  • camera 190 and optionally license plate illuminators for nighttime operation may be positioned near the road's curb 499 or on a pole or arch above the road 400.
  • optional speed detection unit 192 for example RADAR or laser unit used in automatic speed limit enforcement, may be positioned near the road's curb 499 or on a pole or arch above the road 400.
  • camera 190 or an additional camera may be used for vehicle detection purposes, optionally also identifying the type of vehicle.
  • vehicle detection unit such as induction loop is embedded in the relevant lane.
  • figure 4 depicts installation of unit 100 in one of the lanes of road 400. It should be noted that systems may be installed on several lanes, all the lanes, and optionally on opposite sides of the road. However, since traffic is usually heavier on the right lane; and heavy truck, for which load monitoring is more important, often travel on the right lane right lane installation may be preferred.
  • Piezoelectric energy generation and data extraction can be studied to determine how much energy can be harvested from passing vehicles according to their velocity and weight, for example and without limitation by measuring electric voltage or current. Accordingly, the weight of a passing vehicle can be deduced from the amount of energy generated by piezoelectric generators or the signals generated by sensors.
  • signal shape (voltage vs. time) and magnetite may be analyzed. For example, a less inflated tire may create a longer signal with lower peak voltage due to its larger contact with road's surface.
  • Data may optionally and additionally be calibrated according to additional measurement tools such as radars for measuring velocity of moving vehicles. Other factors such as temperature may be used during the calibration process.
  • Calibration vehicle may be driven periodically over the generator for calibration. Uneven and/or unbalanced loading may be detected by comparing signals generated by separate passing wheels of the same vehicle. Imbalanced tire may be detected by identifying an unusual signal time-profile and/or by observing signal signature of the same wheel traversing different generators at different phases of its rotation.
  • the study may comprise a calibration phase, during which data about the amount of energy harvested or signal generated from vehicles is recorded.
  • vehicles typically have pre-defined weights and are moving at pre-defined speeds.
  • the data may be stored in storage units, analyzed by a person or dedicated software, and optionally displayed in the form of tables, graphs, or any other means which suit requirements.
  • vehicles may pass over the piezoelectric scale. Their speed may be measured for example and without limitation by traveling over two consecutive piezoelectric clusters comprising piezoelectric generators or sensors, and measuring the energy or signal generated from the applied forces.
  • the speed of the vehicle may be deduced, for example and without limitation, by measuring the times in which the two piezoelectric energy readings are recorded. Alternatively, the speed may be deduced according to the time cycle of the recorded signal's frequency, the external speed detection unit 192, or any other means which suit requirements.
  • the data recorded in the calibration phase can be used to deduce the weight of the passing vehicle according to the electric current or voltage measurements and the recorded speed.
  • deducing the weight of the vehicle can be performed by a person skilled in the art.
  • the processor 130, the server 155, or any other automated means that suits requirements may be used to interpret and extract vehicle weight information.
  • Axial load distribution of a vehicle may be determined with the piezoelectric weigh in motion system disclosed herein. Attributing axial load to a specific vehicle may be determined for example and without limitation according to an analysis of one or more of measured speed, typical distance between axes within a single vehicle, typical distance between moving vehicles at a specific travel speed, and specific load profiles of moving vehicles and information deduced from vehicle detection unit 193.
  • data about vehicle speed and weight can be automatically transferred to authorities via a communication unit.
  • This data may be correlated by vehicle identification as determined by camera 190.
  • data can be transferred to the driver of the vehicle or the vehicle owner.
  • Statistical data can be obtained about road traffic comprising vehicles such as but not limited to trucks, vehicles, motorcycles or the like.
  • data about vehicle density may be used in "smart road” applications, where traffic lights can be timed to alert vehicles on heavy traffic, vehicles slowing or stopping for example due to a possible accident, and to adjust traffic for example by directing it to alternative roads.
  • Data obtained from this system may further be used for enforcing safety regulations, for example lane retention, keeping safe distance between vehicles, and maintaining balanced loads on trucks. Measurement accuracy and precision may be influenced by vehicle speed, but in general the system enables in-motion weight measurement capabilities regardless of the speed in which the vehicle travels.
  • a method for embedding embodiments of vehicle WIM devices in a road may comprise:
  • Exposing a nest within a road lane for receiving at least one vehicle WIM device This can be done by scratching the surface of an asphalt road, optionally by using a road scarifier;
  • the nest may be for example and without limitation 8-15 centimeters deep.
  • the other dimensions of the nest may vary according to the size and type of the generators intended to be embedded within the nest.
  • the dimensions of the nest may be configured to receive two adjacent narrow generators 200 (having a total length of 100 centimeters, a width of 10 centimeters and a thickness of three centimeters).
  • the vehicle WIM system is designed so that the signal from the generator needs no external amplification.
  • the system can be designed to provide itself with the energy required for its operation. It is easily embedded into roads in construction, as well as into existing roads by means of retrofitting as described hereinabove. Energy and data obtained from the generators may be transferred be means of wired or wireless communication.
  • the automated system and method for enforcing vehicle weight restrictions in motion without disturbing road traffic is a superior alternative to weigh bridges and other vehicle weight enforcement mechanisms.
  • the vehicle WIM system may serve for other uses, for example it may be embedded into entrances to plants and factories.
  • FIG. 5 schematically depicts vies of WIM sensor 900 which may serve as a piezoelectric generator or sensor, substituting for generators/sensors 200 and/or clusters 422, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention.
  • 901a is a long side view
  • 901b is a narrow side view
  • 901c is an isometric view
  • 901d is a top view
  • 901e is an enlarged cross section taken at the A-A seen in view 901d.
  • WIM sensor 900 comprises a box 910 and a cover 911.
  • Cover 911 has tapped holes 920 for fastening or holding the WIM sensor 900, for example during the process of embedding it into a road.
  • Piezoelectric assembly 930 Within box 910, and in contact with the box and the cover 911 is the piezoelectric assembly 930 (seen in the cross section view 901e).
  • Piezoelectric assembly 930 comprises two plastic layers 931 transferring compression force to the piezoelectric active structure 933 when force is applied to cover 911.
  • Piezoelectric active structure 933 comprises a single or a stack of multiple layers of piezoelectric material, and conductive layers acting as electrodes.
  • Piezoelectric assembly 930 is held in place with holding screws 935 which are fastened to box 910.
  • Piezoelectric material in Piezoelectric active structure 933 act upon compression forces with active D 3 3 piezoelectric effect, generating signal indicative of the applied force.
  • holding screws 935 provides pre-loading force on piezoelectric assembly 930 by forcing the upper plastic layers 931 towards box 910.
  • the dimensions of WI sensor 900 may be approximately 400 mm long, 40 mm wide and 60 mm deep.
  • the three or four WIM sensor 900 in a cluster are wired together in parallel to form a sensor for one wheel.
  • the narrow and shallow dimensions of the assembly enable installation of the assembly in a ditch curved in the road.
  • the WIM sensor 900 is hermetically sealed against the weather.
  • the upper and lower parts (911 and 910 respectively) of the WIM sensor 900 may be made of rigid material such as aluminum.
  • the sensor's active structure 933 comprises a single row of piezoelectric disks which are designed to be loaded at 20 megapascals or less to ensure stability. Preferably, diameter of the disks is between 6.5 to 10 mm for greater efficiency.
  • Two of clusters are placed in a row in the traffic lane so as to provide recordings for both right and left wheels.
  • a second row of these clusters is placed at a distance of preferably at least one meter apart so that the speed of the vehicle can be calculated. Alternatively one row records only the right wheel and the second row records only the left wheel.
  • the sensors 900 are placed in slots cut in the road.
  • the slots may be filed with polymer grouting or the base of the slot may be filled with a concrete layer and then filled with polymer grouting, or the slot may be filled with cold asphalt or other material used for fixing road cracks with or without the concrete base.
  • Sensors 900 produce sufficient voltage so that amplification of the signal is not need.
  • Sensors 900 may not produce enough energy to power a wireless information communication.
  • additional piezoelectric generators modules may be added to the system to provide enough energy for wireless transmission and/or to power other equipment such as vehicle identification.
  • sensors 900 may be placed at roadway level such that the wheel of a passing vehicle makes direct contact with the cover of sensor 900.
  • sensors 900 may be placed such that the box is facing upwards and the cover is downward. In some embodiments the wheel of a passing vehicle makes direct contact with the box of sensor 900.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de pesage en mouvement piézoélectrique de véhicules possédant des capteurs piézoélectriques sensiblement perpendiculaires au sens de circulation sur une autoroute. Chaque capteur piézoélectrique comprend au moins un élément piézoélectrique configuré pour produire un signal électrique indiquant la force appliquée sur ledit capteur par un véhicule passant sur ledit capteur; et un processeur recevant des signaux desdits capteurs piézoélectriques, ledit processeur étant capable de déterminer la vitesse à laquelle ledit véhicule est passé sur lesdits capteurs et la charge dudit véhicule lorsqu'il se déplace à la vitesse de circulation normale.
PCT/IL2011/000741 2010-09-20 2011-09-19 Système et procédé de pesage en mouvement du type piézoélectrique pour véhicules en mouvement WO2012038955A1 (fr)

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CN107273605A (zh) * 2017-06-12 2017-10-20 扬州大学 基于多重分类器系统的实测轴载谱确定方法
CN107301781A (zh) * 2017-05-04 2017-10-27 浙江大学 一种路面自供能的交通监控装置及方法
DE202018001843U1 (de) 2018-04-12 2018-04-30 Rudi Danz Multifunktionale Module zur Erzeugung elektrischer Energie auf Verkehrswegen für die Elektromobilität
RU187948U1 (ru) * 2018-07-12 2019-03-25 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью Казань-Телематика Устройство для определения параметров движущегося транспортного средства
CN112304406A (zh) * 2020-10-28 2021-02-02 山东高速股份有限公司 一种用于道路车辆称重的自供电式检测装置及检测方法
CN112683376A (zh) * 2021-01-12 2021-04-20 杭州电子科技大学 一种基于磁致伸缩材料自供能动态称重装置及工作方法
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JP2022042580A (ja) * 2020-09-03 2022-03-15 三菱重工機械システム株式会社 故障検知装置、料金収受システム、故障検知方法、及びプログラム
CN114577385A (zh) * 2022-02-28 2022-06-03 中铁第四勘察设计院集团有限公司 桥梁动态荷载识别方法及装置

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WO2013017768A1 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-02-07 Sterela Détecteur piézoélectrique extraplat et capteur de passage de véhicules roulants
CN102680065A (zh) * 2012-05-30 2012-09-19 四川兴达明科机电工程有限公司 一种车辆称重系统
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CN105651368A (zh) * 2015-12-29 2016-06-08 韦金城 公路轴载谱快速无损检测方法
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CN107301781A (zh) * 2017-05-04 2017-10-27 浙江大学 一种路面自供能的交通监控装置及方法
CN107273605B (zh) * 2017-06-12 2020-05-22 扬州大学 基于多重分类器系统的实测轴载谱确定方法
CN107273605A (zh) * 2017-06-12 2017-10-20 扬州大学 基于多重分类器系统的实测轴载谱确定方法
DE202018001843U1 (de) 2018-04-12 2018-04-30 Rudi Danz Multifunktionale Module zur Erzeugung elektrischer Energie auf Verkehrswegen für die Elektromobilität
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RU187948U1 (ru) * 2018-07-12 2019-03-25 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью Казань-Телематика Устройство для определения параметров движущегося транспортного средства
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CN112304406A (zh) * 2020-10-28 2021-02-02 山东高速股份有限公司 一种用于道路车辆称重的自供电式检测装置及检测方法
CN112304406B (zh) * 2020-10-28 2022-03-11 山东高速股份有限公司 一种用于道路车辆称重的自供电式检测装置及检测方法
CN112683376A (zh) * 2021-01-12 2021-04-20 杭州电子科技大学 一种基于磁致伸缩材料自供能动态称重装置及工作方法
CN114577385A (zh) * 2022-02-28 2022-06-03 中铁第四勘察设计院集团有限公司 桥梁动态荷载识别方法及装置
CN114577385B (zh) * 2022-02-28 2023-08-04 中铁第四勘察设计院集团有限公司 桥梁动态荷载识别方法及装置

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