VEHICULAR SQUEAK AND RATTLE DETECTION
First Claim
1. A method for detecting buzz, squeak, or rattle of interior components in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
- outputting a sine sweep signal through speakers of an audio system mounted in the vehicle capable of causing buzz, squeak, and rattle by defective installed parts in the vehicle;
recording audible sounds within the vehicle by a portable test unit during the outputting of the sine sweep signal;
removing a component of the recorded audible sounds corresponding to the direct recording of the sweep signal;
analyzing recorded audible sounds without the component to determine if a predetermined threshold is exceeded; and
generating a vehicle repair indication in response to a determination that the sound exceeds the predetermined threshold.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for detecting buzz, squeak, or rattle of interior components in a vehicle. A sine sweep signal is output through speakers of an audio system mounted in the vehicle capable of causing buzz, squeak, and rattle by defective installed parts in the vehicle. Audible sounds within the vehicle are recorded by a portable test unit during the outputting of the sine sweep signal. A component of the recorded audible sounds corresponding to the direct recording of the sweep signal is removed. Recorded audible sounds are recorded without the component to determine if a predetermined threshold is exceeded. A vehicle repair indication is generated in response to a determination that the sound exceeds the predetermined threshold.
20 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for detecting buzz, squeak, or rattle of interior components in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
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outputting a sine sweep signal through speakers of an audio system mounted in the vehicle capable of causing buzz, squeak, and rattle by defective installed parts in the vehicle; recording audible sounds within the vehicle by a portable test unit during the outputting of the sine sweep signal; removing a component of the recorded audible sounds corresponding to the direct recording of the sweep signal; analyzing recorded audible sounds without the component to determine if a predetermined threshold is exceeded; and generating a vehicle repair indication in response to a determination that the sound exceeds the predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for detecting buzz, squeak, and rattle within a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
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mounting a portable test unit within the vehicle for recording audible sound generated within an interior of the vehicle; communicating with a vehicle control unit for obtaining a vehicle identification number of the vehicle; transmitting the vehicle identification number from the portable test unit to a base station unit; transmitting vehicle accessory information from the base station unit to the portable test unit for controlling vehicle accessory operations within the vehicle; the portable test unit commanding the vehicle control unit to tune an audio system of the vehicle to a predefined frequency; broadcasting a sine sweep signal from the base station unit to the vehicle; reproducing the broadcast sine sweep signal through the audio system of the vehicle for potentially exciting parts within the interior cabin of the vehicle; recording the sound within the interior cabin of the vehicle by the portable test unit during the output of the of the sine sweep signal; transmitting a sound data file as recorded by the portable test unit to the base station unit; removing the sine sweep signal from the sound data file; analyzing the data file by the base station unit for determining whether any remaining sound exceeds a predetermined threshold; and the base station unit communicating to the portable test unit whether the vehicle requires repair in response to the determination that the sound exceeds the predetermined threshold.
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13. A vehicular noise detection system comprising:
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a vehicle including a vehicle control unit and a vehicle audio system, the vehicle audio system including an antenna for receiving broadcast signals, a radio head unit for processing the received broadcast signals, and speakers for outputting signals reproduced by the radio head unit to an interior of the vehicle, the vehicle control unit communicating with a plurality of subsystems of the vehicle for monitoring and controlling a plurality of vehicle operations; a portable test unit disposed within the vehicle for recording sound generated within the interior of the vehicle, the portable test unit being in communication with the vehicle control unit for obtaining a vehicle identifier and for controlling vehicle functionality within the vehicle; and a base station unit in communication with the portable test unit for obtaining the vehicle identifier, the base station unit communicating to the portable test unit parameters for executing a respective noise test in response to the vehicle identifier; wherein the portable test unit commands the radio head unit to tune to a respective radio frequency, wherein the base station unit generates a sine sweep signal that is received by the antenna and is reproduced by the vehicle audio system, wherein the portable test unit records sound generated with the interior of the vehicle during the reproduction of the sine sweep signal, wherein the portable test unit transmits the recorded sound data to the base station unit, wherein the base station unit analyzes the recorded sound data for determining whether any interior trim parts excited by the sine sweep signal within the vehicle emit a sound above a predetermined threshold, wherein the base station unit transmits a signal to the portable test unit indicating whether the vehicle passed or failed the noise test, and wherein the portable test unit generates an indication whether the vehicle passed or failed the noise and vibration test. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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16. The vehicular noise detection system 15 wherein the pass-through diagnostic device communicates with the radio head unit for controlling radio settings through the vehicle communication network.
Specification