Vehicle Sensor System for Wheel Conicity and Propulsion Damage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively monitor and predict damage to vehicle propulsion systems and wheels using vibrations, leading to potential mechanical failures and reduced performance due to labor-intensive inspections and delayed maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system equipped with sensors and processors that measure vibrations to determine operational speed, frequencies of interest, hunting frequency, and lateral acceleration, allowing for the identification of wheel conicity and damage to propulsion components, enabling automatic scheduling of repairs and adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspections are used to monitor vehicle propulsion systems, then labor costs and inspection time are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of damage detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vibration monitoring task by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations (engine, transmission, differential, wheels) to detect different aspects of propulsion system health. Each sensor monitors specific components, allowing precise localization of damage sources while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces vibration sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly detect propulsion system damage through mechanical vibrations transmitted through the vehicle structure. This intermediary approach enables non-intrusive monitoring of internal component conditions without requiring direct access to damaged parts, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the inspection system externally positioned and relatively simple
2Reliability
If vibration monitoring is implemented to detect propulsion system damage, then reliability of damage detection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to improve reliability while managing complexity. The same sensor network and processing architecture detect multiple types of propulsion system issues (engine problems, transmission failures, differential damage, wheel defects) simultaneously. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized inspection systems into a single integrated platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where vibration data is constantly monitored, analyzed, and compared against baseline thresholds. When abnormal vibration patterns indicating damage are detected, the system provides immediate feedback through alerts and notifications. This real-time feedback mechanism enhances detection reliability by continuously tracking system health rather than relying on periodic manual inspections, while the automated feedback process reduces the need for complex human analysis procedures
3Productivity
If continuous vibration monitoring is performed, then productivity through predictive maintenance improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by monitoring vibration data continuously during vehicle operation but performing intensive analysis only when abnormal patterns are detected or at scheduled intervals. Normal vibration levels are tracked with minimal processing energy, while the full analytical pipeline (frequency analysis, pattern recognition, damage classification) is activated selectively. This periodic intensive analysis approach maintains high predictive maintenance productivity while avoiding continuous high-energy computation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on vehicle operating conditions. Processing intensity and sampling rates are adjusted according to speed, load, and detected vibration levels. During normal operation with low vibration amplitudes, the system uses lower sampling rates and simpler analysis algorithms to minimize energy consumption. When vibration thresholds are exceeded or damage is suspected, the system increases sampling frequency and activates comprehensive analytical procedures, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy use
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
The system provides timely and accurate detection of wheel and propulsion system damage, reducing maintenance costs and improving vehicle performance by enabling proactive maintenance and optimizing operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to sense vibrations of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes one or more sensors that sense vibrations of a vehicle and one or more processors that can determine a speed of the vehicle and determine whether the vibrations occurring at one or more frequencies of interest (that are based on the speed of the vehicle) indicate damage to a propulsion system of the vehicle. The one or more processors optionally may determine a hunting frequency of a wheel and axle set and/or a lateral acceleration of the wheel and axle set from the vibrations. The one or more processors can determine a conicity of a wheel in the wheel and axle set based on the hunting frequency and/or the lateral acceleration that is determined.