Assembly-Line Wheel Sensor Mapping for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mapping sensor IDs with their locations on heavy-duty vehicles during assembly are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in factory settings where diagnostics and parameter settings need to be completed before the vehicle leaves the assembly line.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic system comprising assembly-line tools with antenna systems that automatically locate and verify wireless sensors, pair sensor readings with vehicle identifiers, and map sensor data to electronic control units, utilizing spindle tools or wheel lifts to facilitate efficient data collection and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual scanning or auto location functionality is used to map sensor IDs with locations, then sensor mapping can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be completed before the vehicle leaves the assembly line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor location mapping accuracyVSAvoidsensor mapping time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning processes with an automated antenna system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect and map sensor IDs. The antenna system automatically interrogates sensors in the wheel assembly area, eliminating the need for manual optical scanning or QR code reading, thereby reducing mapping time while maintaining accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs sensor mapping as a preliminary action during the wheel assembly process on the assembly line, before the vehicle leaves. The antenna system is integrated into the assembly line tooling, allowing sensor identification and location mapping to be completed during wheel installation, ensuring all diagnostics are done before vehicle departure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If auto location functionality is used during vehicle movement, then sensor locations can be determined, but it requires continuous driving for up to 10 minutes and additional sensor data from the Electronic Brake System

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor location determination accuracyVSAvoiddriving duration for sensor mapping
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs sensor location determination as a preliminary action during static wheel assembly on the assembly line, eliminating the need for prolonged vehicle movement. The antenna system captures sensor IDs and determines locations during wheel installation, completing mapping before the vehicle leaves the factory, rather than requiring 10 minutes of continuous driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sensor mapping function from the moving vehicle context and relocates it to the static assembly line environment. By separating the mapping process from vehicle operation, the system eliminates dependency on wheel rotation and brake system data, performing mapping independently during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If manual scanning of each tyre is performed to read sensor IDs and locations, then sensor mapping can be achieved, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming in factory settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor ID reading accuracyVSAvoidassembly line efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual scanning operations with an automated antenna-based detection system. The antenna system automatically interrogates sensors in the wheel assembly area, eliminating the need for operators to manually scan each tyre, thereby maintaining accurate sensor ID reading while significantly improving assembly line productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system serves multiple functions: it detects sensor IDs, determines sensor locations, and integrates with the assembly line workflow. This multi-functional tool replaces multiple manual processes (scanning, recording, mapping), improving both accuracy and productivity simultaneously.

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

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 significantly reduces the time needed for sensor pairing and mapping, enabling quicker diagnostics and parameter settings during vehicle assembly, and allows for effective data collection regardless of sensor orientation.

Implementation Method 1

one or more antenna systems arranged to interrogate one or more wireless sensors integrated into or on a wheel of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4424528A1Sensor localization using an assembly line tool
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4424528A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4424528A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4424528A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a diagnostic system (200) for verifying functionality and performing mapping of a wireless sensor (206) in/on a wheel of a heavy-duty vehicle (102a) on an assembly line (100), the system (200) comprising: an assembly-line tool (208) provided along the assembly line, each tool comprising one or more antenna systems arranged to interrogate a wireless sensor (206) integrated into/on a wheel (202) of the vehicle (102a), each tool is arranged in use to: automatically locate on the vehicle (102a) and verify a function of the sensor (206); and interrogate the sensor (206) to perform a wireless sensor reading; and pair sensor reading data with a tyre identifier, pair sensor reading data with a vehicle chassis ID, wherein the diagnostic system (200) maps the sensor (206) using sensor readings and provides mapping information for the sensor (206) to a gateway/receiver of an electronic control unit of the vehicle.