Vehicle Body Deflection Testing Using Suspension-Induced Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face structural integrity issues due to manufacturing defects, wear, and external factors like potholes or collisions, which can affect the stiffness of the vehicle body, necessitating regular testing to ensure operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A method using computing devices and vehicle suspensions to apply torsion loads and analyze sensor data to determine deflection and stiffness, comparing these values to baseline standards to assess structural soundness, and performing additional tests such as suspension and sensor offset tests to detect any issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing methods are used to assess structural integrity, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors capture images of the vehicle body, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate deflection values, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's own suspension system is utilized to apply torsion loads for testing purposes. The suspension naturally applies force when the vehicle operates on uneven surfaces or during normal operation, allowing the vehicle to test itself without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through automated sensor detection.
2Reliability
If comprehensive structural testing is performed regularly, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of structural integrity by utilizing the vehicle's normal operation to apply torsion loads and the automated sensor system to continuously capture and analyze deflection data. This transforms periodic manual testing into a continuous automated monitoring process, maintaining high reliability while minimizing time loss since testing occurs during normal vehicle operation without requiring dedicated testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system transitions from static manual measurements to dynamic automated monitoring that adapts to the vehicle's operational state. The suspension dynamically applies varying torsion loads during normal operation, and the sensor system dynamically captures real-time deflection data, allowing comprehensive reliability assessment without fixed testing schedules or time interruptions.
3Productivity
If automated sensing systems are implemented, then productivity is improved through continuous monitoring, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vehicle's existing suspension system to serve dual purposes: its primary function of supporting the vehicle body and its secondary function of applying torsion loads for structural testing. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated monitoring productivity through multi-functional utilization of existing components.
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 allows for the automatic and continuous assessment of a vehicle's structural integrity, enabling early detection of defects or changes that could impact safety, thereby ensuring the vehicle remains structurally sound for operation.
Implementation Method 1
This lifting of the corners of the vehicle may cause a torsion load to be applied on the body of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the computing device(s) may then determine a deflection associated with the structural component based at least in part on the sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and methods for testing a structural integrity of a vehicle. For instance, the vehicle may use suspension(s) to lift corners of the vehicle, where lifting the corners creates a torsion force in the body of the vehicle. The vehicle may then use sensor(s) to determine a deflection that is caused by the torsion force. Next, the vehicle may determine a stiffness associated with the body of the vehicle using the force that was applied to lift the corners and the deflection. After determining the stiffness, the vehicle may compare the stiffness to a baseline stiffness in order to determine whether there is a problem with the structural integrity of the vehicle. The baseline stiffness may include s standard stiffness or be based on a previous test of the vehicle. If the vehicle determines that there is no problem, then the vehicle may continue to operate as intended.