Determining vehicle overload using a tyre pressure monitoring system and auto levelling system

摘要

A system and method for determining if a motor vehicle 100, 200 is overloaded by utilising the existing tyre pressure monitoring system 103 and auto levelling system 203 installed on most vehicles. The auto levelling system 203 is used to determine the weight of the vehicle 100, 200 by comparing the measured vertical displacement of the vehicle's suspension spring to calculated vertical displacement values (relating to a loaded and an unloaded vehicle). An overload condition can then be determined from the comparison and the tyre pressure monitoring system 103 is used to determine the appropriate tyre pressure to ensure safe driving conditions for the motor vehicle 100, 200. If an overload condition is determined a warning signal may be sent to the vehicle operator, the signal may also indicate the amount of pressure required in each tyre to overcome the overload condition. The warning signal may also indicate over-inflated tyres.