Assembly Line Tool Localization for Correct Tire-Axle Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual methods for determining tire sensor locations and axle assignments during vehicle assembly are prone to errors and time-consuming, leading to suboptimal vehicle performance and costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing short-range wireless transmitters and receivers on dollies and assembly line tools to automatically associate dolly IDs with predetermined axle layouts, enabling precise localization of wheels and tire sensors, and generating alerts for non-compliant tire/axle combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual registration of tire sensor positions is used, then the TPMS system can be calibrated, but the process is prone to errors and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical registration process with an automated wireless communication system. RFID tags in dollies communicate with readers on assembly line tools to automatically determine and transmit tire sensor positions to the TPMS system, eliminating manual intervention and its associated errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the assembly line tool to automatically obtain dolly ID information through wireless communication and autonomously determine tire sensor locations without requiring operator input, making the calibration process self-executing
2Reliability
If manual determination of tire axle assignments is used, then tires can be mounted on axles, but the process is prone to errors and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and decision-making with automated wireless communication between RFID tags in dollies and readers on assembly line tools. The system automatically determines which tires should be mounted on which axles based on dolly ID sequences, eliminating human error and reducing the need for complex manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the assembly line tool read dolly ID information, automatically determine the correct tire-axle assignments, and provide this information to the TPMS system. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate assignment without requiring manual verification
3Measurement precision
If automated wireless localization system is implemented, then tire sensor positions are accurately determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using multi-functional RFID tags that serve both as identification markers for dollies and as carriers of tire sensor position information. The same wireless communication infrastructure serves multiple purposes: tracking dolly position, identifying tires, and calibrating the TPMS system, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added automation
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
Ensures accurate wheel and tire sensor placement on the correct axles, reducing human error and time, and facilitating efficient integration of tire information into the vehicle's ECU.
Implementation Method 1
each dolly comprises a short range wireless transmitter. The assembly line also comprise at least one assembly line tool comprising a short range wireless receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
System for localizing an assembly line tool with respect to at least one axle of a vehicle located on an assembly line is provided. The assembly line comprise at least two dollies and at least one assembly line tool. The system is configured to obtain a sequence of dolly IDs according to an order of sequence of which the at least two dollies are moving along the assembly line, and associate each dolly ID in the obtained sequence of dolly IDs with a specific axle in a predetermined axle layout associated with the vehicle based on the order of sequence. The system is further configured to obtain at least a first dolly ID of a first dolly, and determine a location of the assembly line tool with respect to a specific axle in the predetermined axle layout associated with the vehicle based on the obtained first dolly ID and the specific axle associated thereto.