Vehicle Underbody Optical Inspection for Gear Case Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inspection of vehicle underbodies is difficult due to restricted access and time-consuming manual processes, leading to inadequate detection of defects like fluid leaks, which can cause significant damage and failure.
Innovation Solution
A defect detection system using route optical sensors and machine learning algorithms to automatically identify and detect defects on vehicle underbodies, performing responsive actions based on defect type and severity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual inspection of vehicle underbodies is performed, then inspection can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical inspection system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to detect defects on vehicle underbodies, eliminating the need for physical access and manual examination
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system enables vehicles to be inspected automatically without human intervention during normal operations, with the system self-processing images and detecting defects through machine learning algorithms
2Reliability
If inspection frequency is increased to detect defects early, then defect detection improves, but vehicle availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous inspection of vehicles as they pass through the inspection zone during normal operations, allowing defect detection to occur continuously without interrupting vehicle schedules or requiring vehicles to be taken out of service
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs inspection actions in advance during normal vehicle operations, detecting defects before they lead to failures, allowing remedial actions to be planned without urgent vehicle downtime
3Productivity
If automated optical inspection system is implemented, then inspection efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional inspection system that can detect various types of defects (fluid leaks, component damage, missing parts) using a single integrated platform with multiple cameras and algorithms, reducing the need for separate specialized inspection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of vehicle underbodies through high-resolution imaging, allowing virtual inspection and analysis without physical manipulation, and enables repeated analysis of the same data without additional inspection passes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid leak detection system includes one or more route optical sensors configured to generate image data depicting an underbody of a vehicle that is on the route. The fluid leak detection system also includes a controller capable of determining an area of interest in the image data, the area of interest containing a gear case. The controller is capable of detecting a fluid leak related to the gear case in the image data that is within the area of interest. The controller is capable of determining a location and severity of the fluid leak related to the gear case. The controller is capable of performing at least one responsive action based on a result of the detection and determination of the location and severity of the fluid leak.