Vehicle Damage Detection via Structure-Borne Noise Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods and sensor arrangements are unable to detect and evaluate minor vehicle damage, such as scratches and dents, accurately and efficiently, especially when vehicles are parked, as they lack the capability for differentiated evaluation and often require time-consuming visual inspections.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sensor arrangement with structure-borne noise sensors and an evaluation unit that records the entire frequency spectrum of noise caused by events, divides it into lower and upper frequency ranges, and uses envelope curve analysis to determine a relative power density ratio for precise automatic evaluation of minor damage, eliminating the need for visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to detect minor damage, then damage can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Structure-borne noise sensors detect vibrations and acoustic emissions from minor damage events, converting mechanical damage signals into electrical signals for automated analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for human visual inspection while providing continuous, objective damage detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement enables the vehicle to autonomously monitor and detect its own damage conditions without external inspection. The system continuously records structure-borne noise, automatically processes the signals through frequency analysis, and generates damage assessments, allowing the vehicle to self-diagnose minor damage events.
2Loss of information
If visual inspection is used to evaluate damage, then damage can be identified, but it is difficult to trace back how and when the damage occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by permanently installing sensors on the vehicle that continuously record structure-borne noise. Each damage event generates a unique acoustic signature that is immediately captured and time-stamped, providing real-time feedback about damage occurrence. This continuous feedback loop ensures no damage information is lost and creates an immutable record of when and how damage occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary damage detection and recording at the moment of damage occurrence, rather than waiting for later visual inspection. By continuously monitoring and immediately capturing damage events as they happen, the system preserves complete information about the damage event including precise timing, location, and characteristics before any evidence can be lost or forgotten.
3Extent of automation
If structure-borne noise sensors are used to detect minor damage, then automated detection is possible, but the frequency spectrum analysis is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex frequency spectrum into distinct frequency ranges, each associated with different types of damage events. By dividing the continuous spectrum into discrete bands and analyzing each separately, the system simplifies the processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive damage detection capability. This segmentation allows different analysis methods to be applied to different frequency ranges optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the raw structure-borne noise signals into different parameter domains through frequency analysis, converting time-domain vibrations into frequency-domain characteristics. By changing the parameter representation from raw waveforms to spectral features, the system makes the complex signals more manageable and enables automated pattern recognition for damage classification.
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
Enables precise and automatic detection and evaluation of minor damage, providing a comprehensive damage picture that includes position, severity, and time sequence, reducing costs and inaccuracies associated with visual inspections and allowing for real-time assessment of damage occurrence.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle shell can have a plurality of piezoelectric films configured as structure-borne noise sensors by which means vibrations of the vehicle shell can be recorded
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recording vehicle-relevant data, in particular for detecting and evaluating damage to a vehicle in which structure-borne noise caused by an event, such as damage or contact, is detected and evaluated. The noise is recorded with its entire frequency spectrum, the frequency spectrum is divided into a lower frequency range and an upper frequency range, and an event is characterized by at least one amplitude in the upper frequency range. The event having an amplitude in the upper frequency range is included in an envelope curve analysis, in which a lower power density and upper power density are determined for a lower and upper frequency range, respectively. A relative measured value is determined from the ratio of the upper power density to the lower power density, an evaluation of the event is made by means of the relative measured value, and the event is stored.