Method and apparatus for objective measurement of noise
First Claim
1. A method for objectively monitoring a noise level occurring in a product during use comprising the steps of:
- imparting energy to the product to simulate an in use condition of the product;
measuring the sound emitted from the product;
establishing a threshold metric;
generating an objective metric based on the measured sound;
comparing the objective metric with the threshold metric; and
generating feedback, the feedback including information relating to the comparison of the objective metric and the threshold metric.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of objectively and subjectively monitoring noise and correspondingly level or loudness thereof in a product or assembly. The method includes placing a product on the vibration generator. Activating the vibration generator to move or shake the product to simulate usage conditions. A sound recording instrument measures and records the noise emitted by the product or assembly. An objective metric or N10 level is computed from the recorded noise. The objective metric or N10 level is compared to a threshold metric or threshold N10 level. When the objective metric or N10 level exceeds the threshold metric or threshold N10 level, an operator or technician subjectively evaluates the vehicle to determine the source of the noise and performs any repairs necessary along with documenting those repairs. The objective metric or N10 level along with the threshold metric or threshold N10 level are saved along with the information relating to the source of the noise and necessary repairs for further evaluation and statistical analysis. Statistical processing is done on all the measured product or assembly saved in the database for generating reports, including preparing charts or graphs enabling the data to be analyzed. Feedback reports to the assembly/fabrication line relating to cause and repairs so manufacturing/design improvements can be implemented to eliminate size to minimize the occurrence of undesired noise.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for objectively monitoring a noise level occurring in a product during use comprising the steps of:
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imparting energy to the product to simulate an in use condition of the product;
measuring the sound emitted from the product;
establishing a threshold metric;
generating an objective metric based on the measured sound;
comparing the objective metric with the threshold metric; and
generating feedback, the feedback including information relating to the comparison of the objective metric and the threshold metric. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for objectively monitoring the sound level of vibration induced sounds on a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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placing a sound recording instrument in a position with respect to the vehicle to record sound emitted from the vehicle;
connecting the sound recording instrument to a data acquisition apparatus;
vibrating the vehicle and using the data acquisition apparatus to record the vibration induced sound;
measuring the level of the vibration induced sound and computing an objective metric; and
comparing the objective metric with a threshold metric. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of objectively monitoring the sound level occurring in a vehicle during operation comprising the steps of:
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placing a sound recording instrument within the vehicle;
connecting sound recording instrument to a data acquisition apparatus;
measuring and recording the sound level emitted from the vehicle during operation;
computing an objective metric based on the recorded sound level;
subjectively evaluating the vehicle to determine the source of the sound emitted from the vehicle when the objective metric exceeds a threshold metric; and
if necessary, repairing the vehicle to reduce the sound to an acceptable level. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification