Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process

Details Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process

2000-03-16

2001-02-13

Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)

Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location

Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication

Vehicle diagnosis or maintenance indication

C701S034000, C073S117020, C702S108000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06188938

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to automotive repair methods and, more particularly, to a method to incorporate customer feedback into correcting vehicle vibration.
BACKGROUND ART
In order to remain successful, any industry that produces consumer goods must constantly monitor the quality of their products. If the actual or perceived quality of a product is lower than customer expectations, then the customer will find alternative producers of a similar, better quality product. Therefore, it is in the best interest of producers of consumer goods to constantly strive to improve the quality of their products.
Unfortunately, the way in which each consumer perceives quality may vary. Producing a product that fulfills a function without needing repair is only the first step in satisfying today's modern consumer. While designers are successful at making products whose subjective characteristics are perceived by consumers as high quality, it is more difficult to design a product whose objective characteristics are perceived in the same way. For example, the size, weight, or functions of a product are all easily measured and designed into a product; however, the vibrations produced, or color of a product are more subjective. Also, what may seem acceptable to a designer often may not be acceptable to a consumer.
One of these subjective characteristics is vibration in an automobile. Vehicle vibration is a major source of customer complaints. Unfortunately, prior art solutions have generally relied on subjective measurements with limited success.
Recent developments in the area of vibration detection have allowed more objective measurements of vehicle vibration. The drawback of these techniques is that they are labor intensive and do not have immediate feedback to repair personnel. These limitations make current vibration detection technologies non-conducive to an assembly plant environment. Also, even after having objective measurements of vehicle vibration, there is almost no data on what forms and types of vibration are most objectionable to the consumer.
The disadvantages associated with conventional vehicle vibration repair techniques have made it apparent that a new technique for incorporating customer feedback during a repair process into correcting vehicle vibration is needed. The new technique should be able to objectively detect vehicle vibration without significant labor involvement. The new technique should also provide immediate feedback to repair personnel to allow vehicle vibration to be corrected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved and reliable means for incorporating customer feedback during a repair process into correcting vehicle vibration. Another object of the invention is to reduce the labor required to objectively detect vehicle vibration.
In accordance with the objects of this invention, an improved method of incorporating customer feedback into correcting vehicle vibration is provided. In one aspect of the invention, 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 in question 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. After repairing the vehicle, the dealer verifies with the vehicle owner that the vehicle vibration concern has been satisfied. The cause report is then sent to a NVH engineer where it is analyzed to provide information feedback to the vibration analyzer and design engineers.
The present invention achieves an improved and reliable means for incorporating customer feedback into correcting vehicle vibration. Also, the present invention is advantageous in that it provides immediate feedback to repair personnel so that the vehicle vibration may be corrected.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description that follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3695098 (1972-10-01), Kirkland, Jr.
patent: 3748896 (1973-07-01), Barrows
patent: 3844175 (1974-10-01), Hixson
patent: 4381548 (1983-04-01), Grossman et al.
patent: 5313407 (1994-05-01), Tiernan et al.
patent: 5434783 (1995-07-01), Pal et al.
patent: 5535131 (1996-07-01), Sanders
patent: 5551298 (1996-09-01), Rayment
patent: 5641904 (1997-06-01), Kopp et al.
patent: 5758311 (1998-05-01), Tsuji et al.
patent: 5809437 (1998-09-01), Breed
patent: 5950144 (1999-09-01), Hall et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Closed loop customer vibration screening and resolution process will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2565143