QC software tests for noise and defects

A software based quality control system developed for manufacturers will now allow 'on-the-line' testing of products for noise and defects.

The Wayne State University and SenSound in Detroit, Michigan, USA has announced that Dr Sean Wu, professor of Engineering, and his team of researchers and students, has developed a software technology that detects 'unwanted noise' in any product - be it vacuum cleaners, car break systems, dishwashers, etc.

It gives companies a new way of identifying unwanted sounds in their products, and target the exact location that an adjustment needed to be made in the product before it hits the marketplace.

SenSound is introducing SenQC, a software based quality control system for manufacturers that will now allow 'on-the-line' testing of products for noise and defects.

A sound chamber is no longer needed for testing - the new software is capable of blocking out any background sounds, thus allowing for quick inspection with minimal disruption to production.

Wayne University told manufacturingtalk that it is opening the door to a new way of quality control testing that will result in reduction of warranty issues, support and repair costs.

SenSound will allow manufacturers to conduct high-throughput 100% in-line and end-of-line pass/fail inspections of components, subassemblies and finished goods to verify acoustic signatures and test for noise indicated defects.

SenSound's proprietary technology works by filtering out constant and transient environmental noise generated by surrounding machinery, HVAC systems and other sources from sounds emitted by the test object.

The highly sensitive, non-contact system captures product noise emissions and 'de-noises' the environmental sounds, allowing for rapid automated defect inspection with minimal disruption to production.

"Noise-related quality control testing has been challenging and costly, often requiring anechoic chambers or sound enclosures to test for acoustic quality or noise indicated defects," said Sergio Mazza, president of SenSound.

He continued: "SenQC will open the door to a new way of quality control testing for manufacturers and suppliers in transportation, consumer products, industrial equipment and a number of other industries".

* Reducing repair costs - SenSound is currently working with assembly line integrators, such as Assembly and Test Worldwide, to introduce SenQC to the manufacturing industry.

Wayne W Schultz, president of ATW - ATT, said: "We are very excited to be working with SenSound in the introduction of SenQC.

Squeaks, rattles and other unwanted sounds are indicators of product defects in a variety of settings.

Noise consistency or sound signature is also an important attribute of many products.

SenQC will offer a novel and cost effective way to screen products for defects before they leave the factory, resulting in reduction of expensive warranty, support and repair costs".

Associate vice president for research at Wayne State University, Dr Gloria Heppner, said: "We are pleased with the continued impressive work of SenSound and Dr Sean Wu, distinguished professor of Engineering at WSU.

Discoveries stemming from university research make an impact on our economy and our lives, and Mr Mazza, Dr Wu and members of SenSound are working hard to make a difference in our world.

The introduction of SenQC is yet another example of this".

SenQC was developed with the support of SBIR grants obtained through the National Science Foundation.

SenSound technology was initially developed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Wayne State University's College of Engineering.

WSU researchers participated in the development and testing of SenQC through a subcontract to WSU from SenSound's National Science Foundation grants.

* About SenSound - SenSound is a privately held company based in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

SenSound's award winning patented technology was initially developed in the College of Engineering at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

SenSound diagnostic software produces 3D digital images of sound as it travels through space and time.

The software is novel in its ability to quickly, accurately and cost effectively map sound sources on arbitrary three-dimensional surfaces.

SenSound quality control software distinguishes between environmental noise and source object noise without the need for sound enclosures.

SenSound technology has broad applications in product design, development and manufacturing where noise needs to be identified, understood and eliminated, or where manufacturing and component defects need to be identified.

* About Wayne State University - Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting.

Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and beyond.

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