Automatic test equipment for electric vehicle components

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The auto-industry has high standards for engine parts. All main parts have to be accurately measured to ensure their geometrical characteristics [1]. For certain parts the acceptable variation of geometrical features and dimensions from nominal values is less than a few micrometers. A part that does not meet the measurement requirements can result in premature wear, transmission problem or even catastrophic engine failure. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are widely used to measure geometrical features of engine parts. Commercially available CMM machines measure dimensions by collecting data using a sensing device or probe. CMM machines have been used to measure transmission parts of combustion engine cars. As the technology advances from combustion engine to Electric Vehicles (EV) the engine parts measurement become more challenging. The engine noise in EV is very low to the degree that is difficult to hear if an electric vehicles is ON or OFF. To maintain such a low level of noise, the variations of geometrical dimensions for engine parts from their nominal values have to be less than a few micrometers. Such a measurement accuracy cannot be easily achieved by current CMM machines. The main objective of this work is to design a non-contact CMM machine for electric vehicle parts with auto learning capacity to meet the measurement accuracy and resolution requirements for new generation of electric cars. If the proposed system is employed in the production line the benefit to the Canadian industry will be significant as it reduces the time required to test electric vehicle parts considerably. The potential sales of the family of products within this platform technology is expected to exceed $10M over its life. ****