Inspection device for detecting defects on the underbody of a vehicle

By combining the camera structure with the MES central control platform, automated inspection was achieved during the assembly of the automobile chassis, solving the problems of low efficiency and large errors in manual inspection, improving the accuracy and efficiency of inspection, and reducing rework time and costs.

CN224456598UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03SAIC GM WULING AUTOMOBILE CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SAIC GM WULING AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-26
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, manual inspection during the assembly of automobile chassis is inefficient and prone to errors, making it difficult to meet the requirements of efficient, accurate, and real-time quality monitoring. In particular, it is difficult to quickly and accurately locate defects during rework, which increases repair costs and time.

Method used

By combining a camera structure, on-site control console, and MES central control platform, the system automatically identifies defects on the bottom of the car through cameras. It also utilizes a ball screw drive assembly and a track-moving camera, along with infrared sensors and photoelectric switches, to achieve automated detection. The detection results are displayed on the workstation screen for easy verification and rework by staff.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid and accurate identification and recording of abnormalities in the assembly of automobile chassis, saving time spent on individual inspections, improving work efficiency, and reducing errors and repair costs associated with manual inspection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN224456598U_ABST
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Abstract

This utility model discloses a detection device for detecting defects on the undercarriage of automobiles, including a camera structure, a field control console, and a MES (Manufacturing Execution System) central control platform. A first track is positioned above the camera structure, which moves towards or away from the undercarriage of the automobile and along the length of the first track via a lead screw drive assembly. The MES central control platform is communicatively connected to the camera structure to receive, analyze, identify, and record the captured images of the undercarriage. The field control console is communicatively connected to the MES central control platform and electrically connected to the camera structure, the first track, and the lead screw drive assembly. It controls the operation of the camera structure, the first track, and the lead screw drive assembly, and displays the analyzed images of the undercarriage. By combining the camera structure and the MES central control platform, the device automatically determines whether there are any abnormalities in the assembly of the automobile chassis. The rework station can quickly identify the location of abnormalities by comparing the captured images, improving work efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automobile manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a detection device for detecting defects on the bottom of automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive chassis assembly refers to the process of assembling various chassis components (such as the frame, suspension system, powertrain, braking system, and steering system) during the manufacturing process. This process typically occurs on the automotive production line. Once the chassis assembly is completed, the chassis portion of the vehicle is essentially finished. Next, other parts such as the body, interior, and electrical systems will continue to be assembled, ultimately completing the production of the entire vehicle.

[0003] In automobile manufacturing, chassis assembly is a crucial step in vehicle production. During this process, the assembly and welding of various components can lead to defects such as defects like punctures, weld slag, fractures, and weld detachments. These defects significantly impact the vehicle's safety, stability, and durability, necessitating timely and effective detection and elimination. Traditional inspection methods typically rely on manual inspection, where workers visually inspect chassis components by touch. While this method can detect defects to some extent, manual inspection is time-consuming and prone to errors, making it difficult to meet the requirements of efficient, accurate, and real-time quality monitoring. Especially during rework, manual methods struggle to quickly and accurately pinpoint defect locations, further increasing repair costs and time. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a detection device for detecting defects on the bottom of automobiles, which can solve the problems of low efficiency and large errors in manual inspection of automobile chassis assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A detection device for detecting defects on the underside of a vehicle includes a camera structure, a field control console, and a MES (Manufacturing Execution System) central control platform. A first track is positioned above the camera structure for parking a vehicle. The camera structure moves towards or away from the underside of the vehicle and along the length of the first track via a lead screw drive assembly. The MES central control platform is communicatively connected to the camera structure to receive, analyze, identify, and record images of the vehicle's underside. The field control console is communicatively connected to the MES central control platform and electrically connected to the camera structure, the first track, and the lead screw drive assembly. It controls the operation of the camera structure, the first track, and the lead screw drive assembly and displays the analyzed images of the vehicle's underside.

[0007] Preferably, the camera structure includes a telescopic bracket assembly and three cameras. The telescopic bracket assembly is fixedly connected to the lead screw drive assembly. The cameras are disposed on the surface of the telescopic bracket assembly facing the bottom of the vehicle, and the three cameras are equidistantly distributed along the length direction of the telescopic bracket assembly.

[0008] Preferably, the telescopic bracket assembly is provided with a clamp corresponding to the camera for clamping the camera, and the camera's shooting surface faces the bottom of the car.

[0009] Preferably, the telescopic support assembly includes an electric actuator and a support body, the drive end of the electric actuator is connected to the middle of the support body, and a reinforcing rib is provided between the support body and the drive end of the electric actuator.

[0010] Preferably, the bracket body is equipped with an infrared sensor, which is electrically connected to the field control console to measure the distance between the camera structure and the bottom of the car.

[0011] Preferably, a photoelectric switch is provided at the head of the first track, and the photoelectric switch is electrically connected to the field control console.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a vehicle code scanner, which is electrically connected to the field control console and is used to scan and identify vehicle codes.

[0013] Preferably, the field control console has a workstation display screen for displaying the vehicle chassis status.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] By combining the camera structure with the MES central control platform, the system can quickly acquire photos of the assembled car chassis, automatically identify and analyze them, and input them into the vehicle file. It can also automatically determine whether there are any abnormalities in the car chassis assembly and display them on the workstation display screen on-site, making it easy for staff to verify them. In addition, the system can quickly identify the location of abnormalities by comparing the photos taken at the rework station, saving time spent on individual inspections and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detection device of this utility model for detecting defects on the bottom of a car;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection device for detecting defects on the bottom of a car, according to this utility model.

[0019] In the attached diagram, 1-camera structure, 11-camera, 12-electric actuator, 13-support body, 14-reinforcing rib, 15-infrared sensor, 2-field control console, 21-workstation display screen, 3-screw drive assembly, 4-clamp, 5-photoelectric switch, 6-indicator light, 7-vehicle coding scanner, 8-MES main control platform, 9-first track, 10-AGV trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3This utility model provides a detection device for detecting defects on the bottom of a car, including a camera structure 1, a field control console 2, and a MES central control platform 8. A first track 9 is provided above the camera structure 1 for parking a car. The camera structure 1 moves towards or away from the bottom of the car and moves along the length of the first track 9 via a lead screw drive assembly 3. The MES central control platform 8 is communicatively connected to the camera structure 1 to receive, analyze, identify, and record the images of the bottom of the car. The field control console 2 is communicatively connected to the MES central control platform 8 and electrically connected to the camera structure 1, the first track 9, and the lead screw drive assembly 3. It is used to control the operation of the camera structure 1, the first track 9, and the lead screw drive assembly 3, and to display the analyzed images of the bottom of the car.

[0025] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the camera structure 1 includes a telescopic bracket assembly and three cameras 11. The telescopic bracket assembly is fixedly connected to the lead screw drive assembly 3. The cameras 11 are mounted on the surface of the telescopic bracket assembly facing the bottom of the car, and the three cameras 11 are equidistantly distributed along the length of the telescopic bracket assembly. The car chassis is divided into a 3*4 area. By setting two sets of camera structures 1, which simultaneously move from the front and rear of the car towards the center, the six cameras 11 move and capture images of the corresponding areas. When an anomaly is detected in the car chassis, the location of the anomaly can be initially determined, and then the specific location can be determined by combining the images with the photographs.

[0026] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the telescopic bracket assembly is equipped with a clamp 4 corresponding to the camera 11 for clamping the camera 11, with the camera 11's shooting surface facing the bottom of the car. The clamp 4 has two clamping arms, and the surfaces of the clamping arms that contact the camera 11 are arc-shaped to fit the camera 11. After the two clamping arms clamp the camera 11, the two ends of the clamping arms are fixed with screws to prevent shaking. The clamping arms are also connected to the bracket body 13 with screws to ensure the stability of the camera 11 during the photo-taking and testing process, ensuring that the angle of the captured photos is correct and clear.

[0027] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the telescopic support assembly includes an electric actuator 12 and a support body 13. The drive end of the electric actuator 12 is connected to the middle of the support body 13, and a reinforcing rib 14 is provided between the support body 13 and the drive end of the electric actuator 12. The support body is equipped with an infrared sensor 15, which is electrically connected to the field control console 2 to measure the distance between the camera structure 1 and the bottom of the vehicle. The support body 13 is connected to the sliding plate of the lead screw drive assembly 3 with a screw to improve the connection stability between the two, while the reinforcing rib 14 is provided to improve the connection strength between the support body 13 and the electric actuator 12. Furthermore, in order to accommodate vehicles with different chassis heights, such as SUVs and sedans, a fixed shooting distance is set to ensure that the captured photos clearly show the assembly status of each position. When the vehicle to be inspected enters the inspection position, the height of the vehicle chassis is determined by the infrared sensor 15. Then, the bracket body 13 is moved towards the chassis by the electric push rod 12. After the distance between the camera 11 and the vehicle chassis is consistent with the set distance, the raising stops, and the vehicle chassis can be photographed.

[0028] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a photoelectric switch 5 is installed on the first track 9 corresponding to the front of the vehicle, and the photoelectric switch 5 is electrically connected to the field control console 2. The car is transported to the car chassis assembly and inspection station by the AGV trolley 10 along the first track 9. The AGV trolley 10 is fixed to the car by straps to prevent the car from shaking or moving. The AGV trolley 10 has a clearance space in the middle corresponding to the camera structure 1 to prevent it from obstructing the bottom of the car and to facilitate the camera structure 1 to capture images of the bottom of the car. The AGV trolley 10 is communicatively connected to the MES main control platform 8. The AGV trolley 10 travels along a predetermined route and delivers the vehicle to be inspected to the inspection station. At the inspection station, the AGV trolley 10 triggers the photoelectric switch 5 and stops moving. The first track 9 can also be equipped with an indicator light 6, which is electrically connected to the field control console 2. When the vehicle to be inspected is exactly at the inspection position of the inspection station, the indicator light 6 lights up to inform the staff that the vehicle to be inspected has arrived.

[0029] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a vehicle identification number (VIN) scanner 7, which is electrically connected to the field control console 2 and used to scan and identify vehicle identification numbers. The VIN is the vehicle identification number, commonly known as the chassis number. When a vehicle enters the chassis assembly and inspection area, the operator uses the VIN scanner 7 to identify the VIN. The field controller and the MES central control platform 8 work together to retrieve the relevant information for the vehicle. During the inspection process, the vehicle's condition is recorded on the MES central control platform 8, ensuring one file per vehicle.

[0030] In optional embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the field control console 2 has a workstation display screen 21 for displaying the vehicle chassis condition. The workstation display screen 21 can display the assembly status of the vehicle bottom, such as whether there are obstructions, welding slag, fractures, or weld failures. The exact location of the abnormality can be confirmed by actual photos, which facilitates subsequent rework. At the same time, the status of the vehicle production process in the previous process can be checked at the inspection station. If the problem is not resolved in the previous process, the vehicle will be directly returned to the previous process for rework.

[0031] After the AGV trolley 10 delivers the assembled car to the inspection station, the car is positioned correctly, and indicator light 6 illuminates. The staff uses a vehicle identification number scanner 7 to scan the vehicle's VIN code to retrieve relevant information. The on-site control console 2 controls the electric actuator 12 to adjust the distance between the camera 11 and the car chassis. After the camera 11 is adjusted to the appropriate position, the lead screw drive assembly 3 drives the camera 11 to move to the next area for shooting. The captured photos are transmitted to the MES central control platform 8, where they are identified and analyzed, anomalies are marked, recorded, and displayed on the workstation display screen 21 for verification by the staff.

[0032] In summary, by combining the camera structure 1 and the MES main control platform 8, the system can quickly acquire photos of the assembled car chassis, automatically identify and analyze them, and input them into the vehicle file. It can also automatically determine whether there are any abnormalities in the assembled car chassis and display them on-site through the workstation display screen 21, which facilitates verification by staff and allows the rework station to quickly identify the location of abnormalities by comparing the photos. This saves time spent checking each item individually and improves work efficiency.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A detection device for detecting defects on the underside of a vehicle, characterized in that, The system includes a camera structure, a field control console, and a MES (Manufacturing Execution System) central control platform. A first track is positioned above the camera structure for parking vehicles. The camera structure moves towards or away from the bottom of the vehicle and along the length of the first track via a lead screw drive assembly. The MES central control platform is communicatively connected to the camera structure to receive, analyze, identify, and record images of the vehicle's bottom. The field control console is also communicatively connected to the MES central control platform and electrically connected to the camera structure, the first track, and the lead screw drive assembly. It controls the operation of these components and displays the analyzed images of the vehicle's bottom.

2. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized by, The camera structure includes two sets of telescopic bracket assemblies and three cameras. The telescopic bracket assemblies are fixedly connected to the screw drive assembly. The cameras are arranged on the surface of the telescopic bracket assembly facing the bottom of the car. The three cameras are equidistantly distributed along the length of the telescopic bracket assembly.

3. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 2, characterized by, The telescopic bracket assembly is equipped with a clamp corresponding to the camera for holding the camera, with the camera's shooting surface facing the bottom of the car.

4. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 2, characterized by, The telescopic support assembly includes an electric actuator and a support body. The drive end of the electric actuator is connected to the middle of the support body, and a reinforcing rib is provided between the support body and the drive end of the electric actuator.

5. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 4, characterized by, The main body of the bracket is equipped with an infrared sensor, which is electrically connected to the field control console to measure the distance between the camera structure and the bottom of the car.

6. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized by, A photoelectric switch is installed at the head of the first track, and the photoelectric switch is electrically connected to the field control console.

7. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized by, It also includes a vehicle code scanner, which is electrically connected to the field control console and is used to scan and identify vehicle codes.

8. The detection apparatus for detecting defects of an underbody of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized by, The field control console has a workstation display screen for displaying the vehicle chassis status.