Semi-Trailer Wheel Vibration Analysis for Early Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semi-tractor and semi-trailer trucks experience degradation or anomalies in their component systems, and substandard roads can cause damage; early detection of these anomalies is beneficial to prevent further damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a vibration sensor and an electronic processor to detect anomalies in the wheel system and road by analyzing vibration measurements and velocity profiles, with machine learning for classification and mitigation actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vibration sensors and electronic processors are installed to detect anomalies early, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration sensor system is designed to detect multiple types of anomalies including bearing wear, braking system defects, loose wheels, and road conditions using a single integrated platform. The electronic processor analyzes vibration patterns to identify various failure modes, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate detection systems for each anomaly type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a machine learning model as an intermediary between the vibration sensor and the anomaly identification process. The model processes raw vibration data and translates it into actionable insights about component health and road conditions, bridging the gap between simple vibration measurement and complex diagnostic interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If machine learning and deep learning systems are used to classify vibration levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration classification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of vibration levels into distinct categories (normal, elevated, high) before detailed anomaly analysis. This staged approach allows the machine learning model to process data more efficiently by first filtering out normal conditions and then applying more complex analysis only when necessary, reducing overall computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration analysis methods with machine learning and deep learning algorithms. Instead of using complex physical models and thresholds, the system uses trained neural networks to automatically recognize patterns and classify vibration levels, achieving higher precision while managing computational complexity through software-based solutions.

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

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

Early detection and mitigation of anomalies in semi-trailer trucks and roads help prevent damage by identifying potential issues before they cause significant harm.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration sensor positioned to sense vibrations of the wheel system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250297923A1Prediction and identification of potential semi-trailer truck system anomalies
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20250297923A1 patent drawing
  • US20250297923A1 patent drawing
  • US20250297923A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for predicting anomalies in a wheel system of a semi-trailer truck. One example system includes: a vibration sensor positioned to sense vibrations of the wheel system and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the vibration sensor. The electronic processor is configured to determine a velocity profile of the semi-trailer truck; obtain a vibration measurement; determine, from the vibration measurement, a classified vibration level; determine whether the classified vibration level is indicative of an anomaly; identify, based on whether the classified vibration level is indicative of the anomaly and both the velocity profile and a reference classified vibration level, an anomaly existing within either or both of the semi-trailer truck wheel system or the road; and perform a mitigation action in response to identifying the anomaly.