Wheel Nut Looseness Detection Using Reference Image Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting loose wheel nuts are complicated due to the need for attaching strain sensors and securing power and communication devices, making the operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A notification apparatus that captures images of vehicle wheels, designates reference positions for wheel nuts, and detects looseness by comparing the rotation of current wheel nuts to reference images, simplifying the detection process by using image analysis and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strain sensors are attached to each wheel nut with power supply and communication devices, then wheel nut looseness detection is achieved, but the operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology to create a reference image of the wheel nut in a known tight state. By comparing the current image with the reference image, the system detects looseness without requiring physical sensors on each wheel nut. This eliminates the need for attaching strain sensors, power supplies, and communication devices to each individual wheel nut, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical image-based system. Instead of using strain sensors that require mechanical attachment and electrical connections, the system uses imaging devices to capture visual information and analyze wheel nut rotation through image processing algorithms, thereby substituting a complex mechanical-electrical system with a simpler optical system
2Reliability
If strain sensors are attached to each wheel nut, then loosness detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system where a single imaging device and image processing system can detect the looseness of multiple wheel nuts. The reference image serves as a universal reference for comparing all wheel nuts on the wheel, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems for each wheel nut. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
By creating and storing a reference image that captures the wheel nut in a known tight state, the system establishes a universal reference model. This reference copy allows the system to detect looseness across multiple wheel nuts using the same imaging and comparison methodology, significantly reducing the complexity associated with deploying individual sensors on each wheel nut
Data Source
AI summary
A notification apparatus comprises a receiving part that receives a designation of a reference position; a specifying part that specifies a current wheel nut at the same position as a reference wheel nut, which is one of a plurality of wheel nuts included in a reference image that is a captured image acquired by the acquiring part in the past, from the captured image acquired by the acquiring part, with respect to the reference position; and a detecting part that detects looseness of the current wheel nut by detecting that the current wheel nut specified by the specifying part has rotated with respect to the reference wheel nut included in the reference image.