Automotive rattle detection system

• US 9,316,567 B2
• Filed: 01/12/2013
• Issued: 04/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dustin Joiner
• Original Assignee: Dustin Joiner
• Inventors: Joiner, Dustin
• Primary Examiner(s): Surin, J M Saint
• Application Number:
  US13/740,178
• Publication Number:
  US 20130205905A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,193 Days
• Field of Search: 736/69, 736/70, 73/110.5, 73/110.7, 73/110.8, 73/110.9
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/007 Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles G01M17/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/04 Suspension or damping
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 7/00 Vibration-testing of structures; Shock-testing of structures G01M9/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A system for detecting rattles, squeaks and other annoying sounds in a vehicle can include a vibration generator and a clamping device configured to attach to the vehicle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for locating a squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a vibration generator capable of producing a vibration transmittable to a vehicle, the vibration configured to excite a squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise in the vehicle, the vibration generator comprising;

a variable-speed electric motor having a shaft extending therefrom;

a flywheel attached to the shaft extending from the electric motor; and

a mass attached to the flywheel, wherein the mass is configured to be movable relative to a centerline axis of the shaft; and

a clamping device attached to the vibration generator and configured to attach to a vehicle.

2. The apparatus in claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to adjust the frequency of the vibration generator.

3. The apparatus in claim 2, wherein the control system comprises a wireless controller.

4. The apparatus in claim 2, wherein the control system comprises a wired controller.

5. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the mass is manually positioned on the flywheel relative to the centerline axis of the shaft.

6. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the mass is automatically positioned on the flywheel relative to a centerline axis of the shaft.

7. The apparatus in claim 6, further comprising a servo motor configured to adjust the position of the mass relative to the centerline axis of the shaft.

8. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the mass ranges from 0.25 to 32 ounces.

9. The apparatus in claim 8, wherein the mass ranges from 0.25 to 2 ounces.

10. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the clamping device is configured to attach to a pinch weld of the vehicle.

11. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to be movable toward each other to allow the device to clamp onto the vehicle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second jaw are movable toward each other via a threaded screw.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second jaw are movable toward each other via a quick clamp device.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator is configured to produce a vibration ranging from 0 to 20,000 Hz.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator comprises one or more pre-weighted flyweights.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator comprises a reciprocating piston capable of producing the vibration transmittable to the vehicle.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator comprises a mechanical linkage capable of producing the vibration transmittable to the vehicle.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator comprises a fluid-based system capable of producing the vibration transmittable to the vehicle.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vibration generator comprises a loudspeaker capable of producing the vibration transmittable to the vehicle.

20. A method for locating a squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise in a vehicle, the method comprising:

attaching to a vehicle an apparatus for producing a squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise in the vehicle, the apparatus comprising a vibration generator and a clamping device attached to the vibration generator, the clamping device configured to attach to the vehicle, the vibration generator comprising;

a variable-speed electric motor having a shaft extending therefrom;

a flywheel attached to the shaft extending from the electric motor; and

a mass attached to the flywheel, wherein the mass is configured to be movable relative to a centerline axis of the shaft; and

scanning a range of frequencies with the vibration generator by adjusting the speed of the variable speed electric motor, wherein the range of frequencies is between 0 and 20,000 Hz.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising:

identifying a certain frequency within the range of frequencies that produces the squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise; and

reproducing the certain vibrational frequency using the vibration generator to allow the squeak, rattle, or other unwanted noise to be located.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein identifying the certain frequency comprises providing feedback to the apparatus.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein feedback is provided to the apparatus by an acoustical sensor.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein feedback is provided to the apparatus by a control operable by a technician.