Car diagnostics using sound

Abstract

The “mechanic’s ear” is a special aptitude developed by trained car technicians that allows the detection of problematic behaviours in cars, based mostly on the perceived sounds from the rotating motors, either idle or in motion, and wheels, shafts, bearings and other parts during driving conditions. An instrument able to emulate this sonic information usage through quantification and digital processing could be advantageously used at car repair shops, either by helping the trained mechanic with objective data but also by allowing some diagnostics to be performed by operators with limited skills. The data base of identified and registered malfunctions is still limited, but is growing and will allow more detailed problem diagnostics in the near future. The device is simple to use, robust and low priced, in order to be handled at the floor shop by limited training users, withstanding some rough manipulation and with a cost low enough to not be considered the very special piece of equipment reserved for a small number of operators. Its use is intended to be such as that almost any employee with a minimal knowledge should be able to operate it in reasonable conditions and the collected data usable either for direct diagnostic and/or recording for further work.