Structure Noise Source Tracking with Vibration Sensor Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying the location of noise sources in structures, such as vehicles, are subjective and lack quantitative evaluation, leading to inefficiencies in diagnosing and addressing Buzz, Squeak, Rattle (BSR) noise issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using multiple vibration sensing units, such as accelerometers, to sense and analyze vibration intensity, trigger events based on threshold levels, and calculate arrival order and amplitude to pinpoint noise sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a subjective evaluation method by experts is used to identify noise sources, then the method is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and objectivity of noise source identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidprecision of noise source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/expert evaluation system with an automated acoustic detection system using microphones and signal processing algorithms. The system objectively measures noise parameters (intensity, frequency, location) and automatically identifies noise sources without requiring expert subjective judgment, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes acoustic signals between the noise source and the final identification result. This intermediary system uses algorithms to analyze microphone data, calculate noise source locations, and generate objective evaluations, bridging the gap between simple data collection and precise noise source identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple vibration sensing units are deployed to improve noise source location accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of noise source locationVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the acoustic measurement task into segments by deploying multiple microphones at different locations. Each microphone captures local acoustic information, and the system processes these segmented data sources independently before integrating them to determine the overall noise source location, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal noise detection system where multiple microphones serve the same function (acoustic signal capture) but at different spatial locations. The same signal processing algorithms and analysis methods are applied to data from all microphones, allowing the system to handle multiple data sources uniformly and determine noise source locations efficiently without requiring complex specialized processing for each sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated signal processing algorithms are used to analyze vibration data, then the productivity of noise identification improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of noise identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service automated system where the noise identification process performs itself without human intervention. The algorithm automatically processes vibration data from sensors, identifies noise sources, and generates results. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual analysis time, while the complexity is contained within the automated processing system rather than requiring complex human expert systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 objective and efficient identification of noise sources, allowing non-experts to recognize their locations accurately, improving the diagnosis and resolution of BSR noise.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration sensing step for sensing a vibration of a structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4644848A1Method for tracking and processing noise in structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SM INSTRUMENTS CO LTD
  • EP4644848A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4644848A1 patent drawingFigure 2b
  • EP4644848A1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a noise tracking and processing method using a plurality of vibration sensing units, the method comprising: a vibration sensing step for sensing the vibration of a structure; a data acquisition step for acquiring data about the intensity of the vibration, by receiving an input of the sensed vibration as a signal about the intensity of the vibration; a triggering step for triggering an instance in which the signal level of the acquired data about the intensity of the vibration exceeds a certain threshold; and an arrival order and maximum amplitude calculation step for calculating an arrival order by making the trigger time be an arrival time, and for calculating the maximum amplitude of the signal level of the data about the intensity of the vibration.