Damper Clutch Degradation Detection Using Transmission Vibration Analysis

The patent replaces complex mechanical degradation assessment methods with vibration signal analysis. By using sensors to detect vibration signals and processing them through filtering and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), the system achieves precise degradation detection without requiring complex mechanical disassembly or invasive measurement techniques. The vibration signal serves as a proxy for mechanical state, enabling non-intrusive monitoring.

The patent extracts the relevant degradation information from complex vibration signals by isolating specific frequency components. Through band-pass filtering targeted at the natural frequency of the damper clutch assembly and FFT analysis, the system extracts the magnitude of vibration at critical frequencies, which directly correlates to degradation level. This extraction process separates the useful degradation signal from background noise and other vibration sources.

The patent implements partial monitoring by focusing only on specific frequency bands relevant to damper clutch degradation. Instead of analyzing the entire vibration spectrum continuously, the system applies band-pass filtering to isolate only the frequency range containing the natural frequency of the damper clutch. This selective approach provides sufficient reliability for degradation detection while minimizing the computational and energetic resources required compared to full-spectrum continuous analysis.

The vibration signal processing system is integrated into the vehicle's existing control architecture, utilizing the vehicle's computational resources and power supply. The monitoring system serves itself by using the vehicle's natural vibration signals without requiring external excitation or additional power-intensive sensors, thereby reducing net energy consumption while maintaining reliability.