Patent Publication Number: US-2019172275-A1

Title: System of measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/594,958 which was filed on Dec. 5, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein fully by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to vehicles. More specifically and without limitation this invention relates to a system of measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known that over time the quality of a vehicle&#39;s ride deteriorates. However, the quality of a vehicle&#39;s ride is difficult to determine and it is often subjective. In addition, the quality of a vehicle&#39;s ride is based on a countless number of variables. Variables that affect the quality of a vehicle&#39;s ride include age of a vehicle, tire wear, wear of shock absorbers, wear of the suspension elements, road conditions, weather conditions, driving style, wheel bearings, and suspension settings, among countless other elements. 
     Complicating matters further is the fact that ride characteristics of a vehicle often change slowly over time. This slow change in ride characteristics makes it difficult to determine when repairs need to be made. In some cases this leads to unnecessary repairs being made earlier than they should which unnecessarily increases vehicle maintenance expense. In other cases this leads to vehicles going without needed repairs for far too long which can lower the user&#39;s satisfaction of the vehicle and can even pose a safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle. 
     Determining when to take corrective actions and when not to take corrective actions, as it pertains to the ride characteristics of a vehicle, requires understanding what the optimal or desired ride characteristics of a vehicle are and then understanding when these ride characteristics have changed in a manner beyond what is acceptable. However, there is no method, system or manner available on the market today that tracks a vehicle&#39;s ride characteristics and establishes a baseline of ride characteristic for that vehicle. Since there is no system available to determine the baseline of a vehicle&#39;s ride characteristics, there is no system, method or manner available to determine when the ride characteristics have changed dramatically enough to justify taking corrective action, such as implementing repairs, replacing a vehicle or the like. 
     Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides a baseline or optimal level of ride characteristics. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides an objective measure of ride characteristics. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that informs a user when ride characteristics of a vehicle have deteriorated to a point where repairs or changes are needed. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that informs a user when ride characteristics of a vehicle are still within an acceptable range and as such repairs or changes are not needed. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides statistical information regarding the ride characteristics of a vehicle. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides graphical information regarding the ride characteristics of a vehicle. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that is relatively inexpensive. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that is easy to use. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that improves safety. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that detects subtle changes in a vehicle&#39;s ride characteristics over time. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that can be used with practically any vehicle. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that detects vibration. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that detects noise levels. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that detects body roll. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides a ride score. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that can inform a user what changes or repairs are needed, such as tire changes, wheel bearing changes, shock absorber changes, or the like. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides a vertical baseline and a horizontal baseline. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that is robust. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that utilizes existing technology. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that saves money. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that eliminates waste. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that improves user satisfaction. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that is easy to implement. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that is easy to install. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that provides value, utility and novelty. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that can be used in multiple vehicles by moving the system from vehicle to vehicle. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system and method of measuring ride characteristics that automatically determines what vehicle the system is riding in through wireless connection to the vehicle so as to accumulate ride data across multiple vehicles. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification, claims and drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle, is presented that includes a module having a microprocessor, memory and instructions as well as a vibration sensor, a noise sensor, and a position sensor. The module is connected to a vehicle and when the vehicle is driven the module detects ride characteristics of the vehicle, such as vibration, direction, location, and noise levels. From this information the system establishes baseline ride characteristics, which is the optimal performance of the vehicle and compares the baseline ride characteristics to the actual or present ride characteristics. The system also establishes a threshold, which represents the worst acceptable ride characteristics. When the present ride characteristics exceed the threshold the system informs the user through a visual or audible alarm, a text or emailed message or through any other manner or means informing the user that it is time to repair or replace the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a demonstrative schematic of the system for measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle; the view showing a vehicle having ride components including tires, wheels, shocks, suspension components, steering components, wheel bearings, a motor, motor mounts and a transmission; the view showing the vehicle having a module connected to the vehicle using a mount; the view showing the module having a microprocessor, memory, instructions, an application, sensors, an antenna, a display and a power source; the view showing the sensors including a vibration sensor, noise sensor, position sensor, accelerometer, temperature sensor, gyroscope and compass; the view showing the module wirelessly connected to an electronic network, the cloud, the internet, and a database as well as other electronic devices; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a graph showing an example of an analysis output from the system for measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle; the view showing time charted on the X-axis and ride characteristics or ride number charted on the Y-axis; the view showing a baseline ride characteristics, which represent the optimal performance; the view showing a threshold, which represents the worst acceptable performance; the view showing the present ride characteristics which represents the actual performance of the vehicles ride components. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is disclosed, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides, left, right and the like, are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     System: 
     With reference to the figures, a system for measuring the ride characteristics of a vehicle  10 , or simply system  10 , is presented. The system  10  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide a user with an objective measure of the quality of the ride of a vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, as is shown, system  10  includes the components of a vehicle  12  having ride components  14  that affect the quality of the ride including but not limited to tires  16 , wheels  18 , shocks  20 , suspension components  22 , steering components  24 , wheel bearings  26 , a motor  28 , and motor mounts  30 , among other components; the vehicle  12  also including a vehicle control system  32 ; the system  10  also including a module  34  having a microprocessor  36 , memory  38 , instructions  40 , an application  42 , and sensors  44 , which may include a vibration sensor  46 , a noise sensor  48 , a position sensor  50 , an accelerometer  52 , a gyroscope  54  and a compass  55 ; the module  34  also including an antenna  56 , a display  58 , and connected to a power source  60 ; the module  34  electronically connected to an electronic network  62 , such as the cloud  64  and/or the internet  66  and a database  68 , system  10  also includes an electronic device  70 , such as a mobile device  72  and/or a computer  74  wherein information from the system  10  is transmitted and/or displayed for further analysis and use; the system  10  also includes a mount  76  that is configured to mount the module  34  to the vehicle  12 , among other components as are described herein. 
     Vehicle: 
     System  10  is configured to be used in association a vehicle  12 . Vehicle  12  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to travel between destinations while carrying people, cargo or a combination thereof. In one arrangement, as is shown, as one example, vehicle  12  is a conventional road vehicle as is shown in use with the system  10  which is in the form of a conventional pickup truck which serves as one of countless examples. Any other form of a vehicle is hereby contemplated for use with the system  10  such as any car, truck, semi, motorcycle, SUV, sports car, van, utility vehicle or any other form of a vehicle. 
     Vehicle  12  has a number of ride components  14  that affect the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . Ride components  14  are any components that affect the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . As these ride components  14  age or wear the ride characteristics of vehicle  12  deteriorate. 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, as one example, ride components  14  include the tires  16  of vehicle  12 , the wheels  18  of vehicle  12 , the shocks  20  of vehicle  12 , the suspension components  22  of vehicle  12  such as bushings, bearings, torsion bars, or any other suspension components, steering components  24  of vehicle  12  such as the steering wheel, steering column, steering box, steering gears, power steering components, rack and pinion, tie rods, ball joints, universal joints, and any other steering related component, wheel bearings  26  of vehicle  12 , and the motor  28  and associated motor mounts  30  and transmission  31  that connect motor  28  to vehicle  12 , among any other component that affects the ride of vehicle  12 . 
     Module  34  is connected to vehicle  12  and senses and tracks the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . 
     Module: 
     System  10  includes a module  34 . Module  34  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to detect and track ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . Module  34  is any device that is capable of detecting and tracking ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, as is shown, is module  34  is a standalone component that is added to vehicle  12  as an accessory. In another arrangement, module  34  is formed as integral component with the vehicle  12 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, module  34  includes at least one microprocessor  36 , at least one memory  38 , instructions  40 , which are stored in memory  38 , and an application  42  which runs on module  43 , among other electronic components necessary for use and operation. Module  34  also includes sensors  44 , an antenna  56  that facilitates wireless communications, a display  58  that displays information and facilitates the input of information, such as through a touch screen, and module  34  is electrically connected to a power source  60 , which is either internal or external or both. In one arrangement, module  34  is also electrically connected to the vehicle control system  32  of vehicle  12 . 
     Microprocessor  36  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to receive information, process this information received according to instructions  40  stored in memory  38  and output desired results. In one arrangement, microprocessor  36  is a single self-contained unit. In another arrangement, microprocessor  36  is formed of two or more electrically connected components. 
     Memory  38  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to receive information, store this information and provide this information for retrieval upon command by microprocessor  36  and other components of module  34 . In one arrangement, memory  38  is a single self-contained unit. In another arrangement, memory  38  is formed of two or more electrically connected components. Memory  38  is any form of an electronic information storage device and may be formed of volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory and may include devices such as a hard drive, a flash drive, Random Access Memory (RAM) (including static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), flash memory, a flash drive, or any other form of memory. 
     In one arrangement microprocessor  36  and memory  38  are formed of a single combined component, such as an integrated chip. In another arrangement microprocessor  36  and memory  38  are formed of two separate components that are electrically connected to one another. In yet another arrangement, microprocessor  36  and memory  38  are formed of a plurality of electronic components that are electrically connected to one another and work in concert with one another to facilitate the functionality of system  10 . 
     Instructions  40  are formed of any suitable configuration and information that facilitates the functionality of system  10  and module  34 . Instructions  40  provide the operational guidelines for module  34  and more specifically microprocessor  36  and memory  38 . In one arrangement, instructions  40  take the form of code, software, firmware, source code or any other information that instructs microprocessor  36  and memory  38  as to how to interpret the information received, how to process this information and what outputs to provide. In one arrangement, instructions  40  include or take the form of an application  42 , app or mobile application. Application  42  is any form of software, code, computer code, firmware, or other programming that provides operational functionality of system  10  and module  34 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, module  34  is formed of a conventional handheld device such as a smart phone, tablet, portable computer, portable computing device, laptop, or any other computing device or portable electronic device that is electronically connected to vehicle  12  either wirelessly or by wired communication or a combination of wireless and wired connection. This arrangement, where module  34  is a prepackaged and self-contained electronic component, is convenient and inexpensive as many commercially available portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, and the like are inexpensive and have a tremendous amount of capabilities and computing power. In addition, many portable hand held computing devices, such as smart phones include many of the components and capabilities described herein, including wireless connectivity, GPS capability, noise sensing capability, vibration sensing capability, direction sensing capability, acceleration sensing capability, motion sensing capability, and the like. In this arrangement, the portable handheld device that is module  34  is easily connected to and integrated into the vehicle control system  32  as an aftermarket accessory. 
     In an alternative arrangement, module  34  is integrated into the vehicle control system  32  as an integrated component of vehicle  12 , when the vehicle  12  is manufactured. This arrangement provides the advantage that the vehicle manufacturer can select the optimum electronic components for the particular vehicle  12  and install them in the optimum position within the vehicle  12 . This may reduce cost of the system  10  and improve the quality of the output. 
     Sensors: 
     Module  34  includes and/or is connected to a plurality of sensors  44 . Sensors  44  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to detect various ride characteristics  100  of vehicle  12 . Any number of sensors  44  are connected to, incorporated within, or used in association with module  34 . In one arrangement, as is shown, sensors  44  include a vibration sensor  46 , noise sensor  48 , position sensor  50 , such as GPS or the like, an accelerometer  52 , a gyroscope  54 , a compass  55 , a temperature sensor  53  and any other sensor that provides information regarding the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . 
     In the arrangement wherein a vibration sensor  46  is used in association with the system  10 , vibration sensor  46  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Vibration sensor  46  senses the vibration within vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, vibration sensor  46  is capable of sensing and detecting the displacement, velocity and acceleration associated with the vibrations the vehicle  12  experiences. In one arrangement, vibration sensor  46  is capable of sensing vibrations within any vibration range and frequency range and reporting the range and frequency of the vibration to microprocessor  36 . In one arrangement, vibration sensor  46  is capable of detecting the directionality of vibrations in the X, Y and Z directions (X being forward to back, Y being left to right, and Z being up and down). Vibration sensor  46  may be analog or digital. The information detected by vibration sensor  46  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . The greater the vibration the worse the ride characteristics. 
     One component of some vibration analyses is sensing acceleration. As such, in some arrangements, an accelerometer serves as a vibration sensor. In other arrangements, a separate vibration sensor and an accelerometer are separate components. In the arrangement wherein a vibration sensor  46  and a separate accelerometer  52  are used, accelerometer  52  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Accelerometer  52  senses acceleration or proper acceleration being the acceleration (or rate of change of velocity) of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame. In one arrangement, accelerometer  52  is an electromechanical device that measures acceleration forces, which may be static, such as the constant force of gravity, or they may be dynamic such as that caused by moving or vibrating the accelerometer  52 . Accelerometer  52  may be sensor that measures the dynamic acceleration of a physical device as a voltage. Accelerometer  52  may be analog or digital and may be a one-axis, a two-axis or three-axis accelerometer (for three dimensional positioning) or two two-axis accelerometers mounted at ninety degrees to one another, or three one-dimensional accelerometers mounted at ninety degrees to one another, or any combination thereof. In one arrangement, accelerometer  52  uses the piezoelectric effect, meaning it contains microscopic crystal structures that get stressed by accelerative forces, which causes a voltage to be generated which is interpreted as acceleration. In another arrangement, accelerometer  52  senses changes in capacitance between two proximate microstructures, which when they are moved relative to one another capacitance changes, which is interpreted as acceleration. However any other form of an accelerometer is hereby contemplated for use. The information detected by accelerometer  52  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     In one arrangement, vibration sensor  46  and/or accelerometer  52  may take the form of a seismometer or seismograph which tracks vibration and/or motion of one object relative to another. 
     In the arrangement wherein a gyroscope  54  is used in association with the system  10 , gyroscope  54  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Gyroscope  54  senses and/or measures the orientation and/or angular velocity of vehicle  12  and operates based on the principles of conversation of angular momentum. Gyroscope  54  may be a mechanical gyroscope, or an electronic gyroscope. When a mechanical gyroscope  54  is used it includes a gyroscope frame, a gimbal, a rotor and a spin axis that allows freedom of rotation in all three axes allowing the rotor to maintain its spin axis direction regardless of the orientation of the outer frame. When an electronic gyroscope  54  is used it may take one of many forms. One form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope which is a miniaturized gyroscope found in electronic devices which takes the idea of the Foucault pendulum and uses a vibrating element. When a MEMS gyroscope is rotated, a small resonating mass is shifted as the angular velocity changes. This movement is converted into very low-current electrical signals that can be amplified and read by a host microcontroller. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a hemispherical resonator gyroscope (HRG), also called wine-glass gyroscope or mushroom gyro, operates using a thin solid-state hemispherical shell, anchored by a thick stem. This shell is driven to a flexural resonance by electrostatic forces generated by electrodes which are deposited directly onto separate fused-quartz structures that surround the shell. Gyroscopic effect is obtained from the inertial property of the flexural standing waves. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a vibrating structure gyroscope (VSG), also called a Coriolis vibratory gyroscope (CVG), which uses a resonator made of different metallic alloys. It takes a position between the low-accuracy, low-cost MEMS gyroscope and the higher-accuracy and higher-cost fiber optic gyroscope. Accuracy parameters are increased by using low-intrinsic damping materials, resonator vacuumization, and digital electronics to reduce temperature dependent drift and instability of control signals. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a dynamically tuned gyroscope (DTG) which is a rotor suspended by a universal joint with flexure pivots. The flexure spring stiffness is independent of spin rate. However, the dynamic inertia (from the gyroscopic reaction effect) from the gimbal provides negative spring stiffness proportional to the square of the spin speed. Therefore, at a particular speed, called the tuning speed, the two moments cancel each other, freeing the rotor from torque, a necessary condition for an ideal gyroscope. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a ring laser gyroscope which relies on the Sagnac effect to measure rotation by measuring the shifting interference pattern of a beam split into two halves, as the two halves move around the ring in opposite directions. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a fiber optic gyroscope which uses the interference of light to detect mechanical rotation. The two halves of the split beam travel in opposite directions in a coil of fiber optic cable and makes use of the Sagnac effect. Another form of an electronic gyroscope is what is known as a London moment gyroscope which relies on the quantum-mechanical phenomenon, whereby a spinning superconductor generates a magnetic field whose axis lines up exactly with the spin axis of the gyroscopic rotor. A magnetometer determines the orientation of the generated field, which is interpolated to determine the axis of rotation. Any other form of a gyroscope or gyrostat is hereby contemplated for use as gyroscope  54 . The information detected by gyroscope  54  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     In the arrangement wherein a compass  55  is used in association with the system  10 , compass  55  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Compass  55  is any device that senses the relative direction and/or direction of travel of vehicle  12 . Compass  55  may be formed of a magnetic compass, a gyrocompass, a solid state compass, a GPS compass which uses GPS information to determine direction, or any other form of a compass. In one arrangement, compass  55  is an electronic compass that uses Hall Effect sensors and a magnetic concentrator formed of a disk of high permeability material to detect magnetic fields from which direction is determined. The information detected by compass  55  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     In the arrangement wherein a position sensor  50  is used in association with the system  10 , position sensor  50  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Position sensor  50  is any device that senses the position and/or direction of travel of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, position sensor  50  is a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor which is a radio-navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to three or more GPS satellites using trilateration. In another arrangement, position sensor  50  is what is known as an Assisted GPS system (AGPS) which uses GPS information in conjunction with position information from cell phone towers and Wi-Fi networks to calculate position. Alternatively, in one arrangement, position sensor  50  uses only signals from terrestrial points, such as cell phone towers and Wi-Fi networks are used to calculate position. The information detected by position sensor  50  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     In the arrangement wherein a noise sensor  48  is used in association with the system  10 , noise sensor  48  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Noise sensor  48  is any device that senses noises during operation of vehicle  12 . Noise sensor  48  may detect the volume, pitch, frequency, cadence or any other information regarding the noise within vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, noise sensor  48  is a microphone, or a plurality of microphones. The information detected by noise sensor  48  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     In one arrangement, a temperature sensor  53  is also used in association with the system  10 . Temperature sensor  53  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is either incorporated within module  34  or is attached as a separate component that is external to and connected to module  34 . Temperature sensor  53  is any device that senses temperature during operation of vehicle  12 . Temperature sensor  53  may directly detect temperature, such as a thermometer. Alternatively, temperature sensor  53  may provide temperature through connectivity to a temperature providing device, system or service, such as the national weather service, the internet or the like. The information detected by temperature sensor  53  is transmitted to microprocessor  36 , analyzed, distilled and/or stored in memory  38  and/or transmitted through electronic network  62  to the cloud  64 , internet  66  and/or database  68  for storage and/or further analysis as a component to assist with determining the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . 
     Combination of Sensor Information: 
     Sensors  44  include any other form of a sensor. The information from multiple sensors  44  is combined in a manner to provide insight into the ride characteristics of vehicle  12 . That is, information from one sensor  44  may only provide partial information about the ride characteristics of the vehicle  12 , whereas when the information is combined from multiple sensors  44  deeper insight is provided regarding the true ride characteristics. 
     As an example, position information from position sensor  50  when combined with vibration information from vibration sensor  46  may be able to isolate variables such as road variables from the data. That is, when it is known that the vehicle  12  is traveling on the same road, the data should be the same with the only variable being deterioration in the ride components  14  of the vehicle. As such, the system  10  combines ride information from similar portions of the road and thereby isolating the road condition variables. 
     As another example, temperature information from temperature sensor  53  is combined with the other information from other sensors  44 . It is well known that vehicle  12  may ride looser or smoother in July when the temperature is hot as compared to January when the temperature is cold. As such, the system  10  combines ride information when the temperature is similar thereby isolating the effects of temperature. 
     As another example, speed or acceleration information from accelerometer  52  and/or position sensor  50  is combined with the other information from other sensors  44 . The ride characteristics of vehicle  12  change as the acceleration or speed of vehicle  12  changes. Combining the speed or acceleration information from accelerometer  52  and/or position sensor  50  allows ride information from similar accelerations or similar speeds to be compared. As such, the system  10  isolates the effect of speed and/or acceleration as a variable affecting the ride characteristics. 
     Any other combination of information or isolation of information is hereby contemplated for use to remove or reduce the effect of variables on the information gathered by sensors  44  to determine the performance characteristics of the ride components  14  of vehicle  12 . The system  10  also applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to extract further insights into the data from sensors  44 . 
     Antenna: 
     System  10  and/or module  34  include an antenna  56 . Antenna  56  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate wireless communication from and/or to system  10  and/or module  34  and external components such as electronic network  62 , cloud  64 , internet  66 , database  68  and/or electronic devices such as mobile device  72  and/or computer  74 . Antenna  56  is any device which serves as the interface between radio waves propagating through space and electric currents moving in metal conductors, used with a transmitter or receiver. In transmission, a radio transmitter and/or microprocessor  36  supplies an electric current to the terminals of antenna  56 , and the antenna  56  radiates the energy from the current as electromagnetic waves (radio waves). In reception, the antenna  56  intercepts some of the power of an electromagnetic wave in order to produce an electric current at its terminals, that is applied to a receiver to be amplified and later used by microprocessor  36 . Antenna  56  facilitates one way and two way communication and data transfer. 
     Display: 
     In one arrangement, system  10  and/or module  34  includes a display  58 . Display  58  is any device that facilitates the display of information associated with system  10 , application  42  or any other component of the system  10  such as a screen, LCD screen, touch screen, or any other visual display. In one arrangement, display  58  also serves as an input, such as through the use of a touch screen display that facilitates the manipulation of the system and entry of information. Alternatively, a separate input is attached to system  10  and/or module  34  such as a keyboard, mouse and/or the like. 
     In the arrangement, wherein module  34  is a self-contained component connected to vehicle  12  such as a smart phone, tablet, or the like, display  58  is incorporated within this self-contained component. In the arrangement, wherein module  34  is incorporated within vehicle  12 , display  58  may be part of the vehicle control system  32  or navigation system or the like, such as an in-dash display. 
     Power Source: 
     Power source  60  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide power to system  10  and/or module  34 . In one arrangement, wherein module  34  is a self-contained component connected to vehicle  12 , power source  60  is a self-contained battery. In one arrangement, wherein module  34  is integral or incorporated within vehicle  12 , power source  60  may be part of the vehicle control system  32  and/or vehicle  12 . In yet another arrangement, power source  60  is a combination of a self-contained battery as well as being connected to the power source of vehicle  12 . 
     Electronic Network, Cloud, Internet, Database and Electronic Device: 
     In one arrangement, system  10  and/or module  34  is connected to and communicates with external electronic components such as electronic network  62 , cloud  64 , internet  66  database  68  and/or electronic device  70  such as mobile device  72  and/or computer  74 . 
     In one arrangement, system  10  and/or module  34  communicates through antenna  56  over an electronic network  62 . Electronic network  62  may be any electronic network that includes wireless communication capabilities such as a cellular network wherein system  10  and/or module  34  communicates with cellular towers; a satellite network wherein system  10  and/or module  34  communicates with satellites; a Personal Area Network (PAN) or a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), a mesh network or any other network wherein system  10  and/or module  34  communicates with access points, such as routers, gateways, repeaters or the like, or any combination thereof. System  10  and/or module  34  is capable of communicating using any one or a combination of wireless communication protocols such as cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LTE, or any other communications protocol and/or frequency or wavelength. Electronic network  62  serves as the intermediary or serves as a data-transfer system between system  10  and/or module  34  on one side and cloud  64 , internet  66  database  68  and/or electronic device  70  such as mobile device  72  and/or computer  74  on the other side. 
     In one arrangement, system  10  and/or module  34  communicates over electronic network  62  with the cloud  64  and/or internet  66  and/or database  68 . The internet  66  is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide and consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The cloud  64  is a physical infrastructure of interconnected servers that facilitate various functionality such as data storage, data analysis, running of applications and the delivery of various computing services. The cloud  64  facilitates global access to information stored and/or produced by dedicated computers or serves via access through electronic network  62  and/or the internet  66 . Database  68  is any remote electronic data storage, data analysis and/or computing device that can be connected to through electronic network  62  and/or the internet  66  and/or the cloud  66  and facilitates software-as-a-service and computing-as-a-service functionality. In one arrangement database  68  facilitates the computation of much of the data and information received from system  10  and/or module  34  and in this way database  68  may serve as data storage as well as a central processing or central computing system. This arrangement facilitates the hosting and utilization of a web-based application in association with the system  10 . 
     Utilization of electronic network  62  and/or the internet  66  and/or the cloud  66  and/or database  68  allows for placing capabilities remote from vehicle  12 . This allows for the remote storage and manipulation of data and information, this allows for improved data security, this allows for less sophisticated and expensive components to be used in vehicle  12 , among a host of other benefits. 
     When using a remote database  68  an/or the cloud  64  in one arrangement, electronic devices  70  such as a user&#39;s mobile device  72 , such as a smart phone, tablet or the like, and/or a user&#39;s computer  74  or any other electronic device  70  may be used to access the information generated by system  10  and module  34  as well as the consolidated results of the ride characteristics  100  through remote connection through the internet  66  and/or electronic network  62 . 
     Mount: 
     In one arrangement, system  10  includes a mount  76 . Mount  76  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to mount module  34  to vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, it is important that module  34  and/or sensors  44  are held to the vehicle  12  in a consistent manner so as to ensure the readings of sensors  44  are consistent from ride-to-ride. As such, in one arrangement, mount  76  facilitates connection of module  34  and/or sensors  44  to vehicle  12 . In the arrangement, wherein module  76  is formed of a conventional handheld device such as a smart phone, tablet, portable computer, portable computing device, laptop, or any other computing device or portable electronic mount  76  serves as a bracket or other mounting member that physically connects module  34  to the vehicle  12  in a rather rigid manner so that when the vehicle  12  experiences vibrations, those vibrations are transferred to module  34 ; when vehicle  12  experiences acceleration, that acceleration is transferred to module  34 ; when vehicle  12  experiences body roll or list, that body roll or list is transferred to module  34 , and so on. In one arrangement, mount  76  rigidly connects to a frame member of vehicle  12  either directly or through connection to intermediary devices. 
     In one arrangement, when the system  10  runs on a user&#39;s hand held device, such as their smart phone or other connected device, it is desirable to allow the user to easily use their hand held device and move it from vehicle  12  to vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, mount  76  is a suction-cup system that facilitates connection to the windshield of the vehicle  12  or other surface. This arrangement facilitates quick and easy installation while also allowing for quick removal. This arrangement also facilitates consistent transfer of vibrations from the vehicle to the handheld device for sensing purposes. In another arrangement, mount  76  is a container or holder that allows the handheld device to be quickly and easily inserted into an opening that holds the handheld device in place. This arrangement also facilitates consistent transfer of vibrations from the vehicle to the handheld device for sensing purposes. This arrangement also allows the user to remove the handheld device in a quick and easy manner upon departing the vehicle. In another arrangement, no specific mount  76  is used and instead the handheld device interprets the information needed simply by being within vehicle  12  and the software interprets the needed information to determine the quality of the ride from noise in the background due to not being mounted in a consistent manner. Any other manner or method of attaching module  34  to vehicle  12  is hereby contemplated for use. 
     In Operation: 
     In the arrangement, wherein module  34  is formed of a conventional handheld device such as a smart phone, tablet, portable computer, portable computing device, laptop, or any other computing device or portable electronic, module  34  is installed into vehicle  12  by mounting module  34  to vehicle  12  using mount  76 . In one arrangement, mount  76  is screwed, bolted or otherwise attached to the body or frame or other component of vehicle  12  and module  34  is installed therein. In one arrangement, module  34  is also electrically connected to vehicle control system  32  of vehicle  12  that facilitates power and/or information transfer between vehicle  12  and module  34 . 
     Application  42  is also installed onto module  34  through wireless communication over electronic network  62  and connection to internet  66  and/or the cloud  66  and/or database  68 . Once application  42  is installed on module  34 , the application runs on module  34 . 
     Once installed and running, as vehicle  12  is operated sensors  44  sense parameters such as vibration, noise level, temperature, body roll, direction, position, speed, acceleration and any other parameter. This information is interpreted by microprocessor  36  according to instructions  40  stored in memory  38  and this information, or distilled information is stored in memory  38 . 
     In one arrangement, wireless connectivity is established on a continuous basis or on an intermittent basis (such as on an as-needed or when-available basis) between module  34  on one side and the cloud  64 , the internet  66  and/or database  68  on the other side over electronic network  62 . When this connection is made, data and information transfer is made between module and the cloud  64 , the internet  66  and/or database  68 . 
     In one arrangement, the information detected by module  34  through sensors  34  is monitored and analyzed to determine ride characteristics  100  of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, ride characteristics  100  is presented in a numerical form and is an objective measure of the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, ride characteristics  100  is presented as a single number to represent the overall quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . In another arrangement, ride characteristics  100  is presented as a plurality of numbers, each representing a different component of the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, this is represented as an X-number, which represents forward to back motion or horizontal motion, a Y-number, which represents side motion or lateral motion, and/or a Z-number, which represents vertical motion. Any other number of components are hereby contemplated for use to describe ride characteristics  100 , from one value which describes the overall ride quality, to any amount of numbers, where each describes a separate component of ride quality. 
     In one arrangement, to determine the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 , module  34  establishes baseline ride characteristics  102 . Baseline ride characteristics  102  represent optimal or desired or best performance of ride components  14  and/or the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . In one arrangement, baseline ride characteristics  102  are established through the interpretation of ride characteristics when the system  10  is initially installed into vehicle  12 , such as when the vehicle  12  is brand new. In another arrangement, baseline ride characteristics  100  are established knowns or standards provided for a particular vehicle or model of vehicle. In another arrangement, baseline ride characteristics  102  are a standard or known for all vehicles. Alternatively, baseline ride characteristics  102  are established by any other manner, method or means. 
     In one arrangement, once baseline ride characteristics  100  are established, the information detected by module  34  through sensors  34  when vehicle  12  is operated is analyzed to determine present ride characteristics  104 . Present ride characteristics  102  represent the present performance of ride components  14  and/or the present quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . Present ride characteristics  104  are calculated from actual use of vehicle  12 . Present ride characteristics  104  may be referred to as a ride number  108 . 
     In one arrangement, present ride characteristics  104 , which represent the present or actual quality of the ride of vehicle  12  are compared to baseline ride characteristics  102 , which represent the optimal or desired or best performance of ride components  14  and/or the quality of the ride of vehicle  12 . Through this comparison, the difference between baseline ride characteristics  102  and present ride characteristic  104  represents the difference between the present performance and the desired or optimal performance. This difference represents the amount of wear or deterioration of ride components  14  of vehicle  12 . This difference alone may provide valuable insight into whether repairs to the ride components  14  and/or replacement of vehicle  12  is warranted. 
     In one arrangement, a threshold  106  is established. Threshold  106  represents the greatest acceptable amount of deterioration in the performance of ride components  14  of vehicle  12 . Threshold  106  may be established by a known or standard for the particular vehicle or for all vehicles. Alternatively, threshold  106  may be an interpreted or calculated value, such as a 25% reduction from the baseline ride characteristics  102 . Alternatively, threshold  106  is established by any other manner, method or means. Once the present ride characteristics  104  exceed threshold  106  the user is alerted that it is time for repairs to ride components  14 , such as replacing shocks  20 , or replacement of vehicle  12  is warranted. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , system  10  graphs the baseline ride characteristics  102 , present ride characteristics  104  and threshold  106  are graphed with the X-axis representing time and the Y-axis representing ride characteristics  100 , or the quality of the ride. This graph which is generated by system  10 , such as by the module  34  and displayed on display  58 , shows a graphical representation of where the present ride characteristics  104 , or present ride quality or ride number  108  is in comparison to the baseline ride characteristics  102 , or optimum performance, as well as in comparison to the threshold  106  which represents the worst acceptable performance. This information and graph can also be used to extrapolate future events or graph future predicted information, such as how much longer it will be before the threshold  106  is exceeded and repairs are needed. With this information, the user can visually see where present performance is compared to optimum performance and with this information the user can make informed decisions regarding repairs or replacement. 
     Other Uses: 
     The system  10  presented herein is used, primarily, to determine the present ride characteristics  104  of vehicle  12  as well as to use this information to determine when repairs or replacement of vehicle  12  is required. However, the system  10  provides countless other benefits as the system  10  provides access to information that was never before accessible. This new information can be used for countless purposes. As one example, this information can be used by car manufacturers to determine how well their vehicles  12  and associated ride components  14  are performing. As another example, this information can be used by rating agencies to determine the quality and ranking of various vehicles for safety, ride, quality, durability, longevity, and other categories. As another example, with multiple vehicles  12  traveling over roads using system  10 , state and federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation can use the information, such as ride number  108  and position or location information gathered by systems  10  to determine when to repair or replace road surfaces. 
     Multiple Vehicles: 
     It is desirable to facilitate use of system  10  across multiple vehicles. To facilitate this, in one arrangement, the system  10  syncs or connects with the electronic control system  32  and determines what vehicle the module  34  is presently in such as through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or by any other method of connecting. Once the module  34  determines what vehicle  12  it is in, module  34  accumulates data for that specific vehicle  12 . In this way, the module  34  can track ride quality data for each vehicle  12  the module  34  rides in. In this way, the module  34  seamlessly and without user interaction self-associates what vehicle the ride data should be attributed to for calculation of a ride number  108  without the need to enter information into the module  34  and without the need to plug the module into the vehicle  12 . This allows for ultimate portability and seamless operation. 
     From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings and claims it will be appreciated that the system and method for measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle presented herein meets all of its stated objectives. That is, the system and method for measuring ride characteristics of a vehicle presented herein: improves upon the state of the art; provides a baseline or optimal level of ride characteristics; provides an objective measure of ride characteristics; informs a user when ride characteristics of a vehicle have deteriorated to a point where repairs or changes are needed; informs a user when ride characteristics of a vehicle are still within an acceptable range and as such repairs or changes are not needed; provides statistical information regarding the ride characteristics of a vehicle; provides graphical information regarding the ride characteristics of a vehicle; is relatively inexpensive; is easy to use; improves safety; detects subtle changes in a vehicle&#39;s ride characteristics over; can be used with practically any vehicle; that detects vibration; that detects noise levels; that detects body roll; that provides a ride score; that can inform a user what changes or repairs are needed, such as tire changes, wheel bearing changes, shock absorber changes, or the like; that provides a vertical baseline and a horizontal baseline; that is; that utilizes existing technology; that saves money; that eliminates waste; that improves user satisfaction; that is easy to implement; that is easy to; that provides value, utility and novelty; that can be used in multiple vehicles by moving the system from vehicle to vehicle; that automatically determines what vehicle the system is riding in through wireless connection to the vehicle so as to accumulate ride data across multiple vehicles, among countless other improvements and advantages. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device, method or system without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.