Ford says its engineers are pioneering thermal imaging technology to locate and eliminate air leaks in vehicle cabins. The result, Ford claims, is less wind noise and a quieter ride, which is key to customer satisfaction with vehicle quality.
Thermal imaging cameras capture the radiation present that appears as an infrared image. In Ford tests, air leaks show up as hot spots when heated air escapes a vehicle.
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Ford claims that data from its US Global Quality Research System show the 2013 Ford Fusion earned a 67% approval rating for interior quietness compared to 58% for the 2012 Toyota Camry.
Fusion data were for the first quarter of 2013, compared to full year 2012 data for the Toyota Camry, which did not receive major updates for 2013. The 2013 first quarter study, conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., asked owners of all major makes and models to comment on troubles and rate their overall satisfaction with their three month old vehicles.
“Ford is redefining our vehicles through many innovations – both features to improve the driving experience and fuel economy, and advanced new tools to help engineer better vehicles,” said William Dedecker, noise, vibration and harshness engineering supervisor. “We are using thermal imaging to further improve quietness so customers can enjoy the other features our vehicles offer, such as audio systems… and even the sounds of silence.”
“We are the first automaker to use this technology to track air leaks,” said John Crisi, Ford NVH engineer. “It’s an example of the innovative methods we use so our customers have a more pleasant driving experience. Our cameras can detect tiny holes and openings we could not otherwise identify.”
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By GlobalDataIn addition to reducing noise, sealing air leaks increases heating and cooling efficiency by reducing energy loss, similar to how sealing a home prevents leaks of heated air in the winter and cooled air in the summer.
Before this technology, Ford engineers relied on sensory findings to prevent air leaks. They would fill the car with smoke, and then watch for the smoke to exit from small holes. They would also walk around the vehicle and feel for air leakage.
