GB2527781A

GB2527781A - S-detekt

Info

Publication number: GB2527781A
Application number: GB1411713.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-01
Filing date: 2014-07-01
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Also published as: GB201411713D0

Abstract

A vehicle damage detection system comprising of a plurality of vibration sensors attached to the inner surface of vehicle body panels, moulded body parts, wheels and other exposed surfaces, a central control, processing and communication unit, and a GPS chip. The sensors will preferably be connected to the control unit either by a fixed cable or by wireless connection. The central control, processing and communication unit will preferably incorporate the GPS chip, communication module and a data logging storage module. The GPS chip will preferably be used for the purpose of location and time tracking, whilst the data logging storage module will be used for the purpose of recording event information and communicating via the communication module which facilities two way contact with a vehicle operators control centre.

Description

S-DETEKT. Vehicle Damage Detection System.

Summary Description.

System for detecting external contact damage on vehicles. All contact damage types are within scope but specific focus is on smaller cosmetic (as opposed to larger structural accident damage) and in particular, scratches (abrasion), dents, wheel damage and other panel damage.

Issue Addressed.

Particularly for remotely operated vehicle fleets such as pool cars or short term rental, incidental damage is a significant cost driver and / or a cause of customer dissatisfaction. As there is not a vehicle inspection after each use, and as vehicles are parked unattended, it is difficult to apportion cost to the individual who causes damage and it is possible to accuse the wrong person. What is needed is a cheap and reliable way of monitoring a vehicle for damage, recording the time and location of the damage event and identifying who was responsible for the vehicle at that time.

Solution To detect vehicle damage, a sensitive vibration sensor is fitted to all the major panels of the vehicle, each door, boot (trunk), bonnet (hood), the wings, wheels and bumpers (fenders). These sensors are linked either wired or wirelessly dependant on position, to a central control unit which monitors the signals from the different sensors. The control unit is programmed to separate environmental vibrations (heavy traffic, construction etc) from damage to the car. This distinction would be partly achieved by vibration signature and also by detecting vibrations identified in one or more vehicle panel as distinct from the general background. In this way, the unit would be able to identify both scratch (abrasion) and impact events whilst the vehicle is stationary and whilst in motion.

The control unit will record a damage event on detection and, making use of GPS location and clock, will identify when and where the event happens either storing for upload later by the vehicle operator or by immediately sending a signal to the control centre,

Claims

Claims.1. A vehicle damage detection system comprising of an array of sensitive vibration sensors attached to the inside surfaces of vehicle body panels, plastic moulded body parts, wheels and other exposed surfaces connected by fixed cable and or wireless connection to a central control, processing and communication unit incorporating a GPS chip for location and time tracking as well as a data storage and a communication module.
2. A vehicle damage detection system according to claim 1 where damage is detected by identifying the signature' vibration of damage.
3. A vehicle damage detection system according to claim 1 where vehicle damage as a specific event is distinguished from environmental vibrations (vehicle travel, heavy traffic, construction etc) by a control unit programmed to contrast an event with a reference log of similar events.
4. A vehicle damage detection system according to claim 1 where vehicle damage as a specific event is distinguished from environmental vibrations (vehicle travel, heavy traffic, construction etc) by a control unit programmed to compare input from different sensors to pinpoint unique events to a specific area.
5. A vehicle damage detection system according to claim 1 where identified vehicle damage events are recorded and logged along with GPS location and clock, to identify when and where the event happens either storing for upload later by the vehicle operator or by immediately sending a signal to the control centre to be used in order to identify who was responsible for the vehicle at the time of damage.