Browse Topic: Vehicle inspections

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Vision System Provides Real-Time Guidance for Unmanned Docking OperationsTBMG-587111/1/2009
TriDAR vision system Neptec Design Group Ottawa, ON, Canada 613-599-7602 www.neptec.com
New Method of Vehicle Inspection for Incompatible Crashes2007-01-11844/16/2007
This paper creates a worksheet to thoroughly document vehicle damage during an incompatible vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash. This data form serves as a supplement to the current and already established NASS inspection forms. It will assist biomechanics research by determining the extent by which incompatibility caused or changed occupants' injuries through structural analysis of the vehicles. This study identifies deficiencies in the current NASS inspection system for compatibility, and develops new measurable parameters to document the crash and associate injury to it.
Alonso, Brian, Stratton, James, Digges, Kennerly
Daily Vehicle Inspection and Vehicle Maintenance Issues in Accident Reconstruction2007-01-07224/16/2007
Problems with commercial motor vehicle components such as service brakes, steering controls, lighting devices, reflectors, tires, coupling devices, and other equipment can lead to accidents. Following a collision, accident reconstructionists may be called upon to determine whether these conditions were present before the crash and whether they were a causative factor. The paper gives an overview of current requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)(1) and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) that are related to daily vehicle inspections and commercial vehicle maintenance. Examples are presented to show how post-accident examinations detected vehicle deficiencies that were overlooked in the driver's vehicle inspection and/or fleet maintenance procedures. A discussion is included as to how such findings may be integrated into a reconstruction and cause analysis. Suggestions are offered to promote safer motor carrier practices relevant to vehicle inspections and maintenance issues.
Scott, John, Hoover, Norris, Fay, Richard, Robinette, Ric
OPACITY EMISSION ANALYSIS ON DUTY VEHICLES IN BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL2005-01-415011/22/2005
Opacity inspections were realized at the exhaustion pipe of 200 Diesel heavy vehicles (bus and trucks) of the circulating fleet in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The inspections were realized following the procedures of evaluation of the smoke indexes (opacity) of automotive Diesel cycle vehicles in use, by the free acceleration method, according to the Brazilian standard NBR 13037 and with what was established in the CONAMA Resolution No 251 of 1999. This methodology involves at first a visual inspection, to verify if the vehicle engine shows an irregular functioning, apparent emptying, violation of the sealing of supply pump, alterations in the exhausting system, in the air admission system, as well as emission of blue smoke, a rotation test, that is necessary to keep the engine mechanical integrity, and, finally, the opacity test of the exhaustion gas. From the analyzed sampling, the total percentage of disapproval was around 86%, where 8,5% at the visual inspection, 59% at the measurement tests of maximum rotation and 18,5% at the opacity test. The high percentage of disapproval at the rotation tests shows that a significant parcel of the fleet on study falls in with an adulterated fuel supply system. The disapproval at the visual tests and at the opacity tests, totalizes 27%, they can be directly related with general maintenance state of the vehicles. The operational difficulties for the implementation of the proposed measurement methodology, defined by the National Council of Environment - CONAMA, are also presented and discussed.
Dutra, Elisete Gomides, Fioravante, Edwan Fernandes, Chaves, Luis Roberto, Valle, Ramon Molina, Batitucci, Márcio Cerqueira
Electronic Vehicle Inspection Reports; A Field Evaluation2004-01-264810/26/2004
Current regulations (49 CFR Part 396.11 and 396.13) mandate that a commercial driver inspect the vehicle at the conclusion of the duty shift. This inspection should note any defects which were noticed during use. This report must be in writing. Unfortunately, many drivers have chosen not to do the inspection, but falsely fill out the report form or simply do nothing at all. A 2002 study shows that as many as 23.7% of all commercial vehicles inspected (levels 1, 2, 5) were found to be defective1. A 2003 study showed that as many as 23.2% of large trucks and 10.3% of commercial buses were deemed out of service2. This poor behavior has a direct effect on safety. Specifically an increased number of accidents related to maintenance defects. In fact, as much as a 5% increase in fatal accidents can be attributed to mechanical defects3. A product has been developed which forces the driver to go to each of the legally prescribed areas of the inspection. This is accomplished by using “Smart Radio Frequency Identification Tags” (R.F.I.D.) which are located on the vehicle at the critical inspection locations. A field evaluation conducted by a Chicago based motorcoach company has been performed and is reported in this paper. The research being presented is of a conceptual nature. That is, can this new technology be used successfully in a large metropolitan area with a varying driver base from which to choose from? Furthermore, this paper is intended to discuss the issues with the pre/post-trip inspection process and the insertion of the Electronic Vehicle Inspection System. However, due to the complexity of the system, its operational mechanics will not be addressed completely in this paper.
Ferrrone, Christopher W.
Harmonization of Australian NCAP with EuroNCAP~Lessons learned2001-06-01256/4/2001
Australian NCAP (ANCAP) began in 1992 with full frontal 56 km/h barrier tests and added the 40% offset deformable barrier test shortly afterwards. In 1999 ANCAP decided to harmonize its testing and evaluation procedures with EuroNCAP (ENCAP). This was so ANCAP could use the results of ENCAP testing on European vehicles where the vehicle specifications were essentially similar to those of the Australian model, thereby reducing the number and cost of tests required to produce consumer information. The process has involved a joint Memorandum of Understanding, close communication between technical and management staff, auditing of ANCAP test results by ENCAP and has required very careful examination of vehicle specifications in the respective continents. Presentation of the results has been different to ENCAP based on Australian research. Training in vehicle inspection techniques to evaluate the subjective aspects of the crash test results required under ENCAP protocols has been an ongoing concern for ANCAP. The harmonization process has been surprisingly smooth and has already benefited both groups by providing information which would not otherwise have been available. For instance, ANCAP has published consumer ratings for a range of expensive European car models which would not otherwise have been tested. There has been close liaison with the motor industry on the changes to the program. Future directions of the program will follow ENCAP in principle. The New Zealand Government and auto club joined the program in 2000 to form Australasian NCAP.
Haley, Jack, Case, Michael, Paine, Michael
Compulsory Periodic Vehicle Inspections91258711/1/1991
The systematic investigation of road accidents by multi-disciplinary teams appears to be the most suitable approach to estimating the proportion of accidents that may be attributable to ‘mechanical defects’. These reports invariably conclude that mechanical defects have an insignificant effect on road accident rates. At current prices an annual vehicle inspection program would cost about $86 million per annum more than the current change of ownership inspection and such a program might lower accident costs by between $9 million and $27 million per annum. At best costs would outweigh benefits 3:1. Periodic inspection thus would not be cost-effective. The RACV suggests that there are alternative safety programs which are cost-effective, and therefore, the money that would need to be spent on an inspection program may be more effectively spent on other road safety initiatives. The RACV believes that continued publicity and increased police surveillance of vehicle conditions, (in particular, of tyre condition) registration and driver licensing on a random selection basis would improve vehicle condition and driver behaviour. Such a procedure would be more cost-effective not only because of lower operational cost, but also because of a wider spread of potential road safety benefits.
Case, M., De Forest, R., Youngman, J.H.R.
Corrosion Damage to Wheel Suspension Parts91229010/1/1991
Corrosion damage on wheel suspension parts has been noticed in recent years by the Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Company in their annual control inspection of motor cars. This type of damage, which affects relatively new cars, has not occurred on earlier models to any great extent. Since the breakdown of a wheel suspension can lead to a traffic accident, it has been considered necessary to investigate the problem. By evaluating results from the yearly inspections of motor cars, different car models could be judged with respect to extent and age of corroded vehicles. Damaged wheel suspension parts, especially spring mountings of the McPhearson type, were analysed to explain the causes of the corrosion. To promote traffic safety in Sweden the Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Company is responsible for the annual control inspection of motor cars. The age of the car fleet in Sweden has increased according to Fig. 1 if the situation in 1979 is compared with that in 1989. Despite the fact that the average inspected car is older, the corrosion on the car body has decreased if the observation frequencies in different years of inspection is compared, Fig. 2. The most common reason for observations on defects in the structure is perforation corrosion on body parts such as side members, cross members, floor, wheel arches, door pillars and mounting points for chassis components. During recent years, an increased amount of corrosion damages on wheel suspension parts has however been noticed. This initiated a cooperative investigation between the Swedish Corrosion Institute and the Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Company to map out the extent and to analyse the causes of the corrosion problems on the wheel suspension parts on motor cars.
Hedlund, Staffan, Odén, Lennart
Field Measurement of Windshield Surface Wear86136110/1/1986
An instrument is described which permits the measurement of scattered light on windshields in cars in full daylight. It presents the intensities of the scattered light as a diagram and calculates two indices, which can be associated with the most prominent types of wear, i.e. impact of small stones and wiper damage. The instrument is easy to operate and permits inspection of a large number of windshields in a short time. Measurements on 700 vehicles indicate a linear increase in wear due to impact of small stones with mileage and a more-than-linear increase of wiper damage. Vehicles of identical mileage can have very different values depending on the type of use.
Timmermann, Alwin, Gehring, Gudrun
Instrumentation and Data Analysis Design for Evaluating Mechanic Performance in Decentralized I/M Programs86154910/1/1986
Significant reductions in motor vehicle emissions are possible through the implementation of inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs. However, the potential benefits of I/M are obviously not achieved when specific inspection requirements are ignored or improperly performed. In addition, I/M benefits may be substantially reduced when improper repair procedures are used on vehicles which fail the test. In order for the “theoretical” benefits of I/M to be achieved, certain program design and enforcement procedures are necessary. The use of instrumentation and data analysis methods capable of identifying individuals who are improperly performing inspections and repairs is critical. Under the I/M programs developed for use in the state of Alaska, data analysis techniques are employed which identify mechanics who are reporting invalid information about the vehicles they inspect, failing to repair an excessive number of vehicles, or reporting visual inspection failure rates that are much higher or much lower than the norm. Similar data analysis methods are being used under the California I/M program. Based on analyses of currently operating programs, it is clear that modified instrumentation and data analysis techniques can further enhance the ability to identify inspectors and mechanics who need additional instruction or other remedial action. Progress in this area will significantly affect the air quality benefits of I/M.
Ashby, H. Anthony, Carlson, Thomas R.
Introduction of Periodical Maintenance/Inspection of Motor Vehicles in Use and Its Automated System85226111/11/1985
To assure safe runnings of motor vehicles, laws in Japan have made it statutory for motor vehicles to periodically undergo motor vehicle tests. During these tests (diagnosis and inspections), brakes, speedometers, wheel alignment, headlamps, exhaust emissions and so forth are inspected by means of appropriate pieces of test equipment. After the test results have been compared against the reference values, "pass/fail" evaluation is indicated, memorized and recorded. Moreover, instructions for the driver are provided on indicators. The test equipment with such capabilities has been employed in the government-run motor vehicle inspection stations in Japan. In addition to such government-run motor vehicle inspection stations, this paper deals with an automated motor vehicle inspection system which has been designed compactly and which is to be used in nongovernmental service shops directly connected with services and repairs.
Nakajima, Akira
The Past and Future Benefits of Automobile Inspection and Maintenance Programs8312088/8/1983
The historical and predicted benefits associated with existing and imminent inspection and maintenance programs are investigated. Air quality trends analyses involving three techniques: paired city comparisons, time series analyses, and population exposure modeling are presented which quantify the benefits of I/M programs on Carbon Monoxide (CO) air quality. Except for the New Jersey program, the authors conclude that there is little air quality related evidence to support the contention that I/M programs are contributing to improving air quality CO levels. In addition, future ambient trend data are even more unlikely to show any significant CO reduction trends due to I/M programs currently being implemented.
Jones, Kay H., Walsh, James F.
The California Approach to Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance8312138/8/1983
Though primarily decentralized, California has proposed a biennial Inspection/Maintenance Program that is a hybrid of the decentralized and centralized concepts of vehicular pollution inspections. Private repair garages will volunteer to become licensed by the State in order to conduct inspections and repairs. This novel approach greatly enhances motorist convenience but also results in lesser inspection and repair accuracy than seen in the typical centralized approach. Several features have been built into the proposed program that protect the motorist and minimize decisions on the part of the mechanic. Equipment and quality assurance measures are comparable to those typically found in a centralized approach. The major features of the program will be discussed in this paper.
Wallauch, John R.
Official Inspection Procedures for Road Vehicles in Great Britain7800312/1/1978
The various systems of inspecting the condition of road vehicles in Great Britain are presented. Firstly, the system of public service vehicle inspection is described, together with the results of these inspections. Secondly, the system of using authorised commercial garages to inspect passenger cars, motor cycles and light vehicles is covered. Representative figures of the results of these tests are given. Thirdly, the inspection of heavier goods vehicles and trailers is dealt with and a detailed description is given of the system used for the inspection of these vehicles at Government owned and operated testing stations. The paper, therefore, deals with the following three types of inspection systems:- (i) Inspection at the roadside and at operators' premises by Department of Transport examiners. (ii) Inspection by commercial garages supervised by Department of Transport examiners. (iii) Inspection at Government owned testing stations conducted by Department of Transport examiners.
Toyne, C. C.
Inspection, Defect Detection, and Accident Causation in Commercial Vehicles7701162/1/1977
A recently completed HSRI study, “Effects of Commercial Vehicle Systematic Preventive Maintenance on Specific Causes of Accidents”, concluded that an identifiable relationship exists between good commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance practices and a reduction in defect-related accidents. The better maintenance practices were usually associated with larger firms, and poorer maintenance practices more often were associated with smaller firms or individual owner operators. Also documented was the need for improved or modified inspection and maintenance requirements as stated in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
McDole, Thomas L.
California Vehicle Inspections - A Balanced Approach7307052/1/1973
California has combined the best features of the random and periodic methods of vehicle inspection in a multipronged attack on the operation of unsafe vehicles. Specially trained personnel of the California Highway Patrol conduct vehicle inspections at random locations throughout the state, at fixed commercial vehicle inspection facilities, and at fleet owners' terminals to ensure compliance with statutory regulations. As a result of this balanced approach, the California motorist is provided with a quality vehicle inspection without economic hardship.
Gibson, Donald L.
Passenger Car Occupant Restraint Alternatives Demonstration and Display: a Consumer Research Study7204302/1/1972
Baxter, Robert S.
Motor Vehicle Inspection * - American Viewpoint7003802/1/1970
Brenner, Robert, Bradford, Lynn, Parker, George
Success and Recognition of the Voluntary Vehicle Inspection Program in the Federal Republic of Germany7003832/1/1970
This publication is intended to provide information on how a voluntary vehicle inspection program has been set up in the Federal Republic of Germany under the auspices of a voluntary association of vehicle owners, particularly owners of larger motor vehicle fleets. It is also intended to show the advantages enjoyed by the vehicle owner through such an inspection program and how particular demands on the part of the government are fulfilled without additional expenses. Technical knowledge and acumen gained from the inspection of motor vehicles is systematically analysed. The results of this analysis from the years between 1966 and 1969, is presented and explained in tabular form. Analysis was performed on an IBM 360 unit so that the frequency of defects related to the type of vehicle, could be statistically ascertained. DEKRA--Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein e. V. (German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association, Reg.)--is active on a very large scale as an independent and neutral inspection organization in the field of vehicle inspection as well as in the field of appraising and examining motor vehicles. This report deals with essential aspects of these activities and the successes to be obtained therefrom.
Moll, Rolf, Halbgewachs, Ernst
Some Trends and Views on New Car and Used Car Safety Performance Standards6802684/9/1968
The safety of motor vehicles is discussed in relation to: the development and application of new and used car safety standards; the improvement and standardization of motor vehicle inspection programs; and comprehensive engineering and economic studies to guide the application and development of standards themselves. Each of these aspects of auto safety is discussed in detail.
Brenner, Robert
Revision of ASA Inspection Requirements for Motor Vehicles, Trailers, and Semitrailers Operated on Public Highways6301221/1/1963
The D7 Sectional Committee of the ASA has revised to 1962 standards the codes for inspection requirements for motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers operating on public highways. This paper covers 16 areas of substantial revisions to the code. The paper strongly endorses vehicle inspection as making an important contribution to highway safety and endorses the D7 code as an instrument to provide uniformity, to further reciprocity on vehicle inspection, and to consolidate safety features engineered by the automotive trade.
Parsekian, Ned J., Anteau, Ralph
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION PROBLEMS FROM THE ENGINEER’S VIEWPOINT6301781/1/1963
This paper will review the problems encountered in review of the ASA Standard D7.1, Inspection Requirements for Motor Vehicles; these problems, from the engineer’s viewpoint, were largely in the area of reaching compromise whereby designs of widely different character can be inspected by the same procedure on the same equipment.
Stonex, K. A.
COMPULSORY VEHICLE INSPECTION FROM THE SAFETY VIEWPOINT3900741/1/1939
Williams, Sidney J.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION3500611/1/1935
Shanley, James J.
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