A state tracking system for tracking a state of a vehicle component

Abstract

A condition tracking system (100) for tracking the physical condition of a component (200) of a suspension system in a vehicle or a component (200) in a steering system. It is thus characterized in that it comprises a sensor unit (130) connected to the body of the component, a processor unit (110) connected to the sensor unit (130) in such a way that it receives measurements made by the sensor unit (130) as input, the processor unit (110) being configured to obtain measurement information from the measurements it receives and to generate condition information by classifying the measurement information against reference values in a memory unit (120), and to display the condition information on a user interface (161).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a status tracking system for tracking the physical condition of components in a vehicle's suspension system or steering system. Background Technology

[0002] Suspension and various steering components, such as the wishbone in a vehicle, can deform and develop cracks over time. The estimated lifespan of these components is derived through testing; however, due to various influences, they may deform before the estimated time. Users may recognize the deformation in later stages or not at all. Deformation that goes unnoticed by the user can lead to component damage and serious accidents.

[0003] Document CN106080072 describes a system in which the tension of these components is measured by means of stress sensors and fault detection is performed accordingly. However, it may lead to inaccurate damage detection because components may be subjected to excessive stress even if they are not deformed, under various conditions and circumstances of vehicle operation.

[0004] Therefore, all of the above problems make it necessary to innovate in the relevant technological fields. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to a state tracking system to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and bring new advantages to the related technical field.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a status tracking system that can track the suspension and steering components in a vehicle in real time.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a state tracking system that can improve the accuracy of deformation detection of the component.

[0008] This invention is a state tracking system for tracking the physical condition of components in a vehicle's suspension or steering system to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and presented in the following detailed description. Its novelty includes a sensor unit connected to the component body, a processor unit configured to receive measurement results from the sensor unit as input, and the processor unit configured to obtain measurement information from the received measurement results, generate state information by classifying the measurement information according to reference values ​​in a memory unit, and display the state information on a user interface. Therefore, the state of the component is monitored in real time, and abnormal conditions are reported to the user immediately.

[0009] One possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the processor unit is configured to calculate and obtain the variation of the measured value of the aforementioned measurement information within a predetermined range. Therefore, incorrect state information is prevented from being caused by instantaneous peak measurements due to environmental factors.

[0010] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor unit includes at least one vibration sensor. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a crack exists in the component.

[0011] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor unit includes at least one of an acoustic sensor, a temperature sensor, and an electric field sensor. Therefore, the possibility of variations in measurement values ​​due to inaccurate detection of cracks or damage caused by environmental factors is reduced.

[0012] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processor unit is configured to take into account measurement results received from a vehicle sensor unit that generates signals related to vehicle motion while generating state information. Therefore, in situations where the vehicle is on a slope, making a sharp turn, traveling at high speed, or driving on rough roads, the measurement results obtained from the sensor unit are prevented from leading to erroneous damage detection.

[0013] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the user interface described above is provided on the user terminal, and the state tracking system includes a first communication unit for enabling the processor to send data to the user interface.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first communication unit is configured to perform wireless communication.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the status tracking system includes a second communication unit to ensure that the status information and / or measurement results generated by the aforementioned processor unit are sent to the server. Therefore, information about healthy and damaged components can be collected on the server and transmitted to other users or operators via an instant status server.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the present invention is characterized by providing the aforementioned memory unit on a server. This ensures the memory unit is continuously updated with measurement values, status information values, and reference values ​​obtained from other vehicles, thereby optimizing the determination of status information.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor unit is located around at least one first region of a component that has been determined to be damaged as a result of a previously performed test. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the sensor unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the detailed description of this application, examples that are not intended to be limiting and are merely used to better understand the subject matter are used to explain the subject matter of the invention.

[0021] This invention is a condition tracking system (100) that monitors the condition of components (200) in the suspension and steering systems of a vehicle. These components (200) may be load-bearing or otherwise stressed component sensors (200). Over time, these components (200) may develop cracks, and such cracks may lead to accidents. For example, in the detailed description of this invention, the component (200) is a wishbone (suspension fork, suspension deltoid arm) in the suspension system. This invention can also be applied to different components (200). The vehicles mentioned herein are land vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, etc.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 A sensor unit (130) is disposed on the component (200). The sensor unit (130) may include a vibration sensor (132). The sensor unit (130) may also include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), an acoustic sensor, and a magnetic field sensor (134). The sensor unit (130) may be disposed in a groove in the component (200). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit (130) may be attached to the component (200) by an adhesive.

[0023] The processor unit (110) is configured to receive measurement results from sensors in the sensor unit (130). The processor unit (110) may be a microprocessor. The processor unit (110) is associated with a memory unit (120) to read and write data. The processor unit (110) obtains measurement information about the measurement results it receives. The measurement information may be a converted version of the measurement converted to a predetermined format. In this exemplary embodiment, the measurement information may be a deviation (variation) of measurements taken at predetermined time intervals.

[0024] The memory unit (120) contains reference values, including measured values ​​and / or measurement information obtained as test results, wherein the component (200) is tested in a controlled environment using a sensor similar to the sensor unit (130). In these tests, the component (200) operates under normal operating conditions and is measured by applying various effects and forces, and in several cases, the reaction force of the component (200) is measured. Therefore, the measurement characteristics of the component (200) under normal operating conditions, the presence of cracks, etc., are determined, and thresholds can be determined based on the measurements obtained from the sensors. For example, when a vibration sensor (132) is associated with a cracked component (200), the vibration sensor (132) receives vibration measurements with specific characteristics.

[0025] During the testing phase, the damaged or cracked areas of the component (200) under stress are detected as the first region (210). The sensor unit (130) is placed around the first region (210).

[0026] The processor unit (110) creates status information by classifying measurement information according to reference values ​​in the memory unit (120). The status information may indicate that the component (200) has a crack, the component (200) is operating under normal conditions, etc.

[0027] The status tracking system (100) includes a user interface (161) associated with a processor unit (110). The user interface (161) may be a display connected to the vehicle's electronic systems. The processor unit (110) may also be an electronic control unit of the vehicle. In a possible embodiment, the user interface (161) may be a display of a user terminal (160). The user terminal (160) may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc. The status tracking system (100) may include a first communication unit (151) for enabling communication between the processor unit (110) and the user terminal (160). The communication unit may preferably use a short-range wireless communication protocol, which is one of the protocols known in the art for providing wireless data exchange. The status tracking device may also include a second communication unit (152). The second communication unit (152) is configured to connect to a wide area network such as the Internet or to a cellular network. The processor can send measurement information or status information to the server (300) via a second communication unit (152) or a first communication unit (151) and a user terminal (160). Therefore, the condition of components (200) in the vehicle can be remotely observed, and the measurement values ​​obtained from the vehicle can be used to update and increase reference values. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the memory unit (120) may be located on the server (300). In another embodiment of the invention, the server (300) periodically updates the memory unit (120) in the vehicle.

[0028] The processor unit (110) may also be associated with the vehicle sensor unit (140). The vehicle sensor unit (140) may include sensors for measuring the vehicle's condition. The vehicle sensor unit (140) may include sensors for measuring the vehicle's start and stop, speed, orientation, steering wheel position, tilt relative to the ground, acceleration, G-force applied thereto, etc. The sensor unit (130) generates state information by considering the information it receives from the vehicle sensors and the measured information. For example, vibration measurements are the same when the vehicle is traveling on a slope, even though the condition of a component (200) may differ depending on vibration measurements taken when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road. Uneven road conditions may also be a factor. The processor unit (110) classifies the information by considering this information.

[0029] The above-mentioned state tracking system (100) operates as follows:

[0030] When the vehicle is started, the processor unit (110) receives information from the vehicle sensor unit (140) that the vehicle is starting. It receives measurement results from the sensor unit (130) and obtains measurement information until a predetermined time has elapsed. After the predetermined time has elapsed, it classifies the measurement information according to reference values ​​in the memory unit (120). It creates status information as a result of the classification and makes it possible to display it on the user interface (161). For example, if the measurement information is detected to exceed a threshold in the reference value, a warning is allowed to be generated in the user interface (161) to indicate a crack. The warning mentioned can be audible, visual, vibratory, etc. The status information can also be specified in the user interface (161) to indicate the remaining life of the component (200). For example, if the measurements performed are similar to the characteristics of a component (200) with a lifespan slightly more than halfway through, these measurements can be displayed by determining the percentage of remaining lifespan, as a result of the classification.

[0031] In one possible embodiment of the invention, past measurements can be sent in real time to a server (300) or a user interface (161).

[0032] The scope of protection of this invention is defined in the appended claims and is not limited to the description given for illustrative purposes in the foregoing detailed description. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can propose similar embodiments based on the foregoing without departing from the subject matter of this invention.

[0033] Reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 100 Status Tracking System

[0035] 110 processor units

[0036] 120 memory cells

[0037] 130 sensor units

[0038] 131 Temperature Sensor

[0039] 132 vibration sensor

[0040] 133 Acoustic Sensor

[0041] 134 magnetic field sensor

[0042] 135 position sensor

[0043] 140 vehicle sensor units

[0044] 151 First Communication Unit

[0045] 152 Second Communication Unit

[0046] 160 user terminal

[0047] 161 User Interface

[0048] 200 parts

[0049] 210 First District

[0050] 300 server

Claims

1. A state tracking system (100) for tracking the suspension system in a vehicle, characterized in that, include: A component sensor unit (130) is connected to the body of a component (200), which is included in the suspension system; as well as The processor unit (110) is configured to connect to the component sensor unit (130) in such a way as to receive component measurements performed by the component sensor unit (130) as input, wherein the component sensor unit (130) includes a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor and an electric field sensor; wherein the component measurements include measurements performed by each sensor in the component sensor unit (130), and the processor unit (110) is configured to obtain measurement information from the component measurements it receives, generate status information by classifying the measurement information according to reference values ​​in the memory unit (120), and display the status information in the user interface (161).

2. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processor unit (110) is configured to obtain the variation of the measured value of the measurement information within a predetermined range.

3. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The component sensor unit (130) includes at least one of an acoustic sensor (133), a magnetic field sensor (134), and a position sensor (135).

4. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface (161) is located at the user terminal (160), and the status tracking system (100) further includes a first communication unit (151) for enabling the processor to send data to the user interface (161).

5. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first communication unit (151) is configured to perform wireless communication.

6. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second communication unit (152) to ensure that the status information generated by the processor unit (110) and / or the component measurements are sent to the server (300).

7. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The memory unit (120) is located on the server (300).

8. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The component sensor unit (130) is located around at least one first region (210) of the component (200), the first region (210) corresponding to a region of another component that was determined to be a damaged region due to previous testing of the other component.

9. The state tracking system (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The component sensor unit (130) is placed in a slot provided in the component (200).

10. The state tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The component sensor unit (130) is attached to the component (200) by adhesive.

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