Vehicle Chassis Health Evaluation via Wheel End Vibration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the health of vehicle chassis are uncertain and costly, especially for long-distance vehicles, as they rely on surface observation or periodic replacement, which is impractical and inefficient, particularly in non-service areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using vibration sensors installed at the wheel end and/or reducer, combined with other sensors like temperature, oil, grease, and acoustic sensors, to monitor and evaluate the chassis health in real-time, employing algorithms for anomaly detection and fault diagnosis, including classical mechanism models and machine learning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface observation method is used to evaluate chassis health, then the evaluation can be performed without additional equipment, but the evaluation accuracy and reliability are low due to lighting conditions and engineer experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual surface observation method with automated sensor-based detection systems. Vibration sensors, acoustic sensors, temperature sensors, and oil sensors are used to detect chassis component states, substituting human engineers' visual inspection and replacing subjective evaluation with objective mechanical and physical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the chassis components and the evaluation system. These sensors (vibration, acoustic, temperature, oil sensors) act as mediators that convert physical states of chassis components into measurable signals, enabling indirect but accurate assessment of component health without direct visual inspection.
2Reliability
If periodic component replacement is implemented, then chassis reliability is maintained, but vehicle transportation cost increases due to unnecessary replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of component degradation through continuous monitoring by sensors. By detecting early signs of wear, vibration anomalies, temperature changes, or oil contamination, the system enables proactive maintenance planning, allowing components to be replaced only when actually needed rather than following fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensor data continuously monitors chassis component conditions and feeds this information to the evaluation system. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of maintenance timing, replacing components based on actual degradation states rather than predetermined intervals, thus avoiding unnecessary replacements and associated costs.
3Measurement precision
If chassis evaluation is performed by parking in road sections, then detailed inspection is possible, but this is unrealistic for long-distance vehicles in non-service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the chassis evaluation system to perform self-inspection while the vehicle is in operation. The sensors mounted on the chassis continuously monitor component conditions during normal driving, eliminating the need for the vehicle to be parked or stopped for inspection. The system serves itself by autonomously collecting and analyzing operational data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static inspection (requiring vehicle parking) to dynamic inspection (during vehicle operation). The sensor system is designed to function effectively while the vehicle is moving, capturing vibration, acoustic, temperature, and oil condition data under real operating conditions, thereby enabling inspection accessibility anywhere along the route without requiring service area stops.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate, real-time evaluation of vehicle chassis health, reducing the risk of accidents and maintenance costs by detecting faults and estimating the remaining useful lifetime of components, thus enabling proactive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the vibration of at least one of the wheel end and the reducer by a vibration sensor
Implementation Method 2
abnormal sound of at least a part of wheel end, reducer and other mechanical parts of chassis monitored by acoustic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle chassis health evaluation method and apparatus is disclosed. The method for health evaluation of vehicle chassis may include monitoring the vibration of at least one of the wheel end and the reducer by a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor is installed in the wheel end and/or the reducer. The method may further include, based on the monitored vibration of at least one of the wheel end and the reducer, performing the health evaluation of the vehicle chassis. The health evaluation method of the vehicle chassis of the present disclosure allows the real-time state of the vehicle chassis to be determined, even when the vehicle is driving, and critical safety accidents caused by the chassis can be avoided.