Integrated payload sensor

US6560561B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited · US

Inventors

• Steven Foster · Rochester Hills, US
• Roch Tolinski · Howell, US
• Holly Giangrande · Troy, US
• Charlie Hopson · Lebanon, US
• Nicholas Kalargeros · Coventry, GB
• Carmelo Mondello · Frankfurt, DE
• Rainer Grimm · Frankfurt, DE
• Laurent Arquevaux · Sully-sur-Loire, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2000
• Grant date: May 6, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01G19/08
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for measuring payload is integrated into the cargo carrying bed of a vehicle. The vehicle bed is formed from a plastic material and includes a body member that is supported on a vehicle frame. At least one sensor assembly is molded within the body member. The sensor is positioned over the vehicle frame and generates a weight signal representative of weight of the payload supported on the body member. A central processor receives the weight signal and transmits the weight signal to a vehicle driver. The weight signal can be used to activate a warning device if the payload exceeds a predetermined limit.