Vehicle Part Conformity Check via Remote Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conformity checks for mechanical parts in vehicles, such as steering system racks, pose health hazards to operators due to exposure to UV light and magnetic fields, and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders from handling heavy parts at high production rates.
Innovation Solution
An installation with a magnetizing device, a revealing product spray device, and an image capture system that transmits images to an analysis unit for remote defect detection, allowing operators to assess mechanical parts without direct contact, using cameras that capture images under UV and white light, and systems for rotating and translating the parts to ensure comprehensive defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually inspects the rack under UV light, then defect detection is performed, but the operator is exposed to health hazards from UV light and magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture apparatus to create visual copies (images) of the rack surface under inspection. Instead of directly observing the rack, the operator views captured images on a display device, eliminating exposure to UV light and magnetic fields while maintaining defect detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture apparatus and display device serve as intermediaries between the inspection process and the operator. The apparatus captures images in the hazardous environment, transmits them, and the operator views them remotely, thus the intermediary protects the operator from harmful factors
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually handles the rack for inspection, then defect detection is performed, but the operator may develop musculoskeletal disorders from handling heavy parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system that includes the image capture apparatus mounted on a movable platform. The system automatically positions and moves the apparatus along the rack, substituting operator physical effort with automated mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-positioning and self-inspection functions. The movable platform with image capture apparatus automatically navigates to inspect different portions of the rack without requiring manual handling by the operator, making the system self-sufficient in the inspection process
3Device complexity
If the image capture apparatus is fixed, then the structure is simple, but comprehensive defect detection on all surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed image capture apparatus into a dynamic system with a movable platform. The platform can move along the rack and adjust positioning, enabling comprehensive inspection of all surfaces including curved portions, while maintaining relatively simple structure through straightforward mechanical movement mechanisms
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 solution enables safe and efficient conformity checks by reducing operator exposure to hazardous environments and minimizing musculoskeletal disorders, while ensuring thorough detection of defects on mechanical parts through remote analysis and automated image processing.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetizing the rack by means of a magnetizing device allowing diffusing a current in the rack
Implementation Method 2
Spraying the rack with a revealing product by means of a spray device, the revealing product becoming fluorescent under an ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
An installation intended to enable a conformity check of a mechanical part of a vehicle, including at least one magnetizing device, and at least one device for spraying a revealing product, wherein the installation also includes at least one device for generating at least one image by means of at least one image capture apparatus and at least one device for transmitting the at least one image on an analysis unit.