We are experts in finding and eliminating stick slip phenomena.
You can reach us at:
+49 (0) 2166 – 1898 – 500
+49 (0) 2166 – 1898 – 550
Write us an email

1. What are annoying noises and what are the types?

Annoying noises are sounds that lead to an unpleasant hearing sensation. They need not be loud. A mosquito in the bedroom produces only about 30dB(A) of sonic pressure, but that is extremely disturbing. Annoying noises have the charac­ter­istic of being transient. They are considered impulsive and change their frequency and amplitude very quickly. As a result, people perceive them louder as they actually are.

We distin­guish between situa­tions in which two sound-​​reflecting compo­nents hit each other and cause rattling (rattle), and situa­tions in which compo­nents rub against each other and cause squeaking (squeak). These are material pairings that have a high stick-​​slip tendency.

There are numerous other noise phenomena, which, depending on the physical state, can be traced back to the same causes.

2. How do annoying noises arise?

ShakerThe cause of the annoying noises, that mostly occur in vehicle interiors, known as squeak and rattle or BSR, is the relative movement of various compo­nents in relation to each other, which is triggered by vibra­tions while the vehicle is in motion. Annoying noises appear at contact points. If two parts hit each other or rub against each other, annoying noises are the result. Therefore, the search for the core causes of annoying noises is closely linked to the search for relevant contact points.

Due to the electri­fi­cation of vehicle drives, the noise level in the interior has further decreased, which further increases the audibility of annoying noises.

3. The BSR Analysis

As the global BSR specialist, we offer you all services in the field of annoying noise elimi­nation from a single source, thanks to our experience and with the help of our test benches.

We provide you with the complete solution, from devel­opment to series production.

3.1 CAD analysis

For CAD analysis we are involved in an early phase of vehicle devel­opment as part of the service.

Using 3D CAD data, we analyalumse the devel­opment and uncover poten­tially critical contact points.

At the same time, we use our stick-​​slip test rig to examine the corre­sponding materials for their stick-​​slip behavior.

After­wards, the results are evaluated and prior­i­tized.

The customer’s devel­opers implement ZIEGLER’s optimization sugges­tions and evaluate them as part of a renewed correction loop. The result is a poten­tially annoying noise-​​free CAD model. The risk of annoying noises has increased in recent years due to a variety of new materials and customization options.

ZIEGLER-Instruments

3.2 Shaker tests

HapTempIn our acoustics laboratory the proto­types of the compo­nents, manufac­tured on the basis of the CAD data, are checked for rattling and creaking by so-​​called testing on the shaker, using appro­priate test speci­fi­ca­tions and real excited state. Finally, manufacturing-​​related aspects can lead to annoying noises, which must be elimi­nated.

Fault sources are objec­tively evaluated with our OCIAN System and documented by video recordings. Remedial measures are suggested accord­ingly.

3.3 Inspection of End-​​Of-​​Line Series Production

Certain OEMs and suppliers of the automotive industry perform end-​​of-​​line tests on kinematic compo­nents in series production. Here, acoustic parameters for all functions are analysed and evaluated for their degree of inter­ference on electri­cally adjustable seats, electri­cally extendable displays, electric sunroofs and roller blinds etc., using our specially developed Zound-​​Lab test system.

4. Why ZIEGLER-​​Instruments?

ZIEGLER Instruments Annoying Noises AnalysisPreventive avoidance of annoying noises during the early devel­opment phase using the contact point analysis (CPA) method is the most effective and, on balance, the most cost-​​effective method of preventing creaking noises, squeaking noises and rattling noises on and in the vehicle.

Since we at ZIEGLER-​​Instruments have been practicing this method for more than 20 years and have refined it again and again, we can now offer this service in a partic­u­larly time-​​saving and therefore cost-​​effective manner:

  • Interior systems, such as instrument panels, center consoles, seats etc. within one week
  • Subsystems or small compo­nents within a few days
  • Complete vehicles within 4 to 6 weeks
  • Reali­sation in our premises and on site at the customer
  • You receive compre­hensive documen­tation on the critical points with prior­i­ti­zation and improvement measures 

Have we aroused your interest? Contact us at sales@​ziegler-​instruments.​de

5. Indus­tries affected by annoying noises

This issue started with the automotive industry 25 years ago. There are extensive test speci­fi­ca­tions at all OEMs in the automotive industry, which we partly co-​​authored.
However, we have also worked with other indus­tries because of customer complaints due to creaking, rattling, squeaking and also cracking noises.
These are:

  • White goods: fridge-​​freezers, washing machines
  • Airplanes
  • Trains
  • Lighting
  • Medical technology
  • Cranes
  • Bicycles
  • Etc.