Kenneth Alan Ward

US Patent:

6481271, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/526376

Inventors:

Kenneth Alan Ward - Ann Arbor MI
Gerard Paul Silka - Dearborn MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 1700

US Classification:

731173, 701 29

Abstract:

A method of detecting and correcting vehicle vibration during an assembly process begins by connecting a vibration analyzer to a vehicle through an OBD-II connector. This allows the vibration analyzer to monitor engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size. An operator then drives the vehicle at a full range of speeds in a controlled sequence. While the vehicle is driven, the vibration analyzer detects any vehicle vibration generated. The vibration analyzer then compares the vehicle vibration in conjunction with engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size to several preset thresholds. If the vehicle vibration exceeds one or more of the preset thresholds, then the vibration analyzer will determine a probably cause for the vehicle vibration and generates a cause report. A repair bay operator uses the cause report to correct any unacceptable vehicle vibration. After repairing the vehicle the repair bay operator verifies that the vehicle vibration is gone.

US Patent:

61889385, Feb 13, 2001

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/526383

Inventors:

Gerard Paul Silka - Dearborn MI
Kenneth Alan Ward - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 1700

US Classification:

701 29

Abstract:

A method of incorporating customer feedback into correcting vehicle vibration begins by interviewing a vehicle owner concerning an objectionable vehicle vibration. The dealer then connects a vibration analyzer to the vehicle with the objectionable vibration through an OBD-II connector. This allows the vibration analyzer to monitor engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size. The dealer then drives the vehicle at a full range of speeds in a controlled sequence with the vehicle owner to reproduce the objectionable vehicle vibration. While the vehicle is driven, the vibration analyzer detects any vehicle vibration generated. The vibration analyzer then compares the vehicle vibration in conjunction with engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size when the vehicle owner identifies the objectionable vibration. The vibration analyzer then determines a probably cause for the vehicle vibration and generates a cause report. The dealer uses the cause report to correct the objectionable vehicle vibration.