Automatic positioning and centering device and automatic positioning and centering method
By combining a laser crosshair and a position sensor with a towing device, the problem of insufficient positioning and centering accuracy between the test vehicle and the test track was solved, efficient and accurate positioning and centering operations were achieved, the structure was simplified, and costs were reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511087015.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing automobile collision tests, the positioning and alignment accuracy of the test vehicle and the test track is insufficient. Traditional methods have problems such as large errors, low efficiency, complex structure or high cost.
A laser crosshair and position sensor are used in conjunction with a towing device. The photodiode array and light intensity sensor sense the deviation. The main controller determines the deviation and drives the towing device to adjust the vehicle position, achieving rapid and accurate alignment of the test vehicle and the test track.
It achieves high-precision and rapid positioning and alignment of the test vehicle and the test track, is easy to operate, has a simple structure, and is low in cost, avoiding the errors and complexities of traditional methods.
Smart Images
Figure CN120741016A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile collision testing, and in particular to an automatic positioning and centering device and an automatic positioning and centering method. Background Art
[0002] During automotive collision safety testing, the test vehicle or barrier vehicle must be accelerated to a specific speed along a test track before striking the target location with precise accuracy to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results. The relative positional accuracy of the test vehicle and the test track is crucial, and high-precision positioning and alignment must be performed before the test to minimize vehicle offset during the acceleration process and improve collision accuracy.
[0003] Currently, existing alignment equipment and methods have numerous shortcomings. Traditionally, grease is applied between two steel plates, placed under each of the four wheels. The vehicle is then manually pushed left and right, forcing the upper and lower plates to slide against each other to achieve left-right movement. Position is determined using a plumb bob and ruler. This method not only results in significant errors, but also suffers from low manual efficiency, limited load-bearing capacity, and significant oscillation, making it difficult to achieve even small adjustments.
[0004] There is also an existing product that uses a remote-controlled motor to drag the upper steel plate for centering. Although it solves some of the problems of manual pushing, the front and rear axles have poor coordination, and adjusting the position will affect the position of the rear axle. It is easy to make multiple adjustments, and the final centering accuracy still depends on human judgment, which has certain errors.
[0005] In addition, there is a laser ruler stuck in the track, which can quickly find the middle position of the track and judge whether it is centered to the target position by the position of the laser line on the vehicle body. However, the vehicle position needs to be adjusted repeatedly during the centering process, which is inefficient.
[0006] Another type of adjustment cart uses Mecanum wheels. After the vehicle is pushed onto the cart, the force and position sensors on the cart move the entire vehicle, returning the steering wheel to center the vehicle and aligning the vehicle with the track. This overcomes the limitations of manual centering accuracy. However, this cart, which needs to bear the weight of the entire vehicle and uses a conveyor belt and Mecanum wheels for adjustment, is bulky, complex, and extremely expensive. Furthermore, the vehicle travels a long distance when moving out of the cart, making it prone to deviation.
[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, it is very necessary to develop a device and method that can realize automatic, efficient and accurate positioning and centering of the test vehicle and the test track. Summary of the Invention
[0008] In response to the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention proposes an automatic positioning and centering device and an automatic positioning and centering method, which can achieve rapid positioning and centering of the test vehicle and the test track with high precision and easy operation.
[0009] Specifically, the present invention provides an automatic positioning and centering device suitable for a collision test, wherein the collision test includes a test track and a test vehicle arranged along the test track. The automatic positioning and centering device includes:
[0010] A laser cross, disposed on the test track, for emitting a laser beam, wherein the length direction of the laser beam is consistent with the length direction of the test track;
[0011] a position sensor, configured to be set at a target position on the test vehicle, the position sensor comprising a photodiode array, a light intensity sensor, and a main controller, the photodiode array and the light intensity sensor being configured to sense the laser beam and generate a switch signal and a light intensity signal, respectively; the main controller determining deviation information between the test vehicle and the test track based on the switch signal; and determining whether the test vehicle and the test track are aligned based on the light intensity signal;
[0012] A towing device is provided on which the test vehicle is arranged, and the towing device is used to receive the deviation information and adjust the position of the test vehicle based on the deviation information.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laser cross instrument includes a base and a transmitter disposed on the base, the base is engaged with the test track, and the transmitter is used to emit the laser beam.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor further includes a circuit board, a housing and a back cover, wherein the housing and the back cover cooperate to form a space for accommodating the circuit board, one side of the housing is open to expose the photodiode array and the light intensity sensor, and the main controller, the photodiode array and the light intensity sensor are arranged on the circuit board.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor further includes a wireless module, which is disposed on the circuit board, and the main controller sends the deviation information to the dragging device via the wireless module.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor further includes a power module, an indicator light and a switch, wherein the power module is used to supply power to the circuit board, the switch is used to control the power supply of the power module, and the indicator light is used to display the working status of the position sensor.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor further comprises an alignment scale and a magnet. The alignment scale is used to align the position sensor with a target position on the test vehicle. The magnet facilitates setting the position sensor to the target position on the test vehicle.
[0018] The present invention also provides an automatic positioning and centering method, which uses two sets of the automatic positioning and centering devices as described above, and includes the following steps:
[0019] S1, marking target positions in front of and behind the test vehicle based on the test track;
[0020] S2, aligning and fixing the position sensors of each group of the automatic positioning and centering devices to the target position based on the mark;
[0021] S3, placing the test vehicle at a set position, placing one of the traction devices on each of the front and rear axle tires, and pushing the test vehicle onto the sliding plates of the traction devices; setting the laser crosshairs of each set of the automatic positioning and centering devices on the test track;
[0022] S4, start the laser cross to emit a laser beam, the main controller determines the deviation information of the test vehicle based on the switching signal of the photodiode array, the towing device receives the deviation information and adjusts the position of the test vehicle, and the main controller determines whether the position sensor and the laser beam are aligned based on the light intensity signal.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step S4 includes:
[0024] S41, the main controller determines whether the position sensor and the laser beam are aligned based on the light intensity signal, if not, proceeds to step S42, if yes, proceeds to step S44;
[0025] S42, the main controller determines the deviation information of the test vehicle based on the switching signal of the photodiode array;
[0026] S43, the towing device receives the deviation information and adjusts the position of the test vehicle based on the deviation information, and returns to step S41;
[0027] S44, end.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in step S4, when the light intensity signals of the light intensity sensors of the two groups of the automatic positioning and centering devices reach a maximum value, each group of the main controllers determines whether the test vehicle and the test track are aligned.
[0029] The present invention provides an automatic positioning and centering device and an automatic positioning and centering method. Through the cooperation of a photodiode array and a light intensity sensor, the deviation information between a test vehicle and a test track can be accurately determined. The towing device determines the position of the test vehicle based on the deviation information, thereby realizing rapid positioning and centering of the test vehicle and the test track with high accuracy and easy operation.
[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further explanation of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the present invention.
[0032] In the attached figure:
[0033] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a position sensor of an automatic positioning and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the alignment of a laser crosshair and a position sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the centering of an automatic positioning and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0036] Figure 4 A flow chart of an automatic positioning and centering method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0037] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:
[0038] Automatic positioning and centering device 100
[0039] Laser Crosshair 101
[0040] Position sensor 102
[0041] Drag device 103
[0042] Photodiode array 104
[0043] Light intensity sensor 105
[0044] Main controller 106
[0045] Base 107
[0046] Transmitter 108
[0047] Circuit board 109
[0048] Housing 110
[0049] Back cover 111
[0050] Wireless module 112
[0051] Power module 113
[0052] Indicator light 114
[0053] Switch 115
[0054] Alignment scale 116
[0055] Magnet 117
[0056] Actuator 118
[0057] Drag board 119
[0058] Sliding plate 120
[0059] Laser beam 121
[0060] Test vehicle 200 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] It should be noted that, unless there is any conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0062] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, rather than all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0063] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.
[0064] Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the application. Meanwhile, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. Technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments can have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.
[0065] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0066] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is solely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, while the terms used in this application are selected from commonly known and commonly used terms, some terms mentioned in this specification may have been selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Furthermore, this application should be understood not only by the actual terms used, but also by the meaning implied by each term.
[0067] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a position sensor of an automatic positioning and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the alignment of a laser crosshair and a position sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A schematic diagram of an automatic positioning and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the present invention provides an automatic positioning and centering device 100 suitable for use in crash tests. The crash test includes a test track and a test vehicle 200 arranged along the track. The automatic positioning and centering device 100 primarily comprises a laser crosshair 101, a position sensor 102, and a towing device 103.
[0068] A laser crosshair 101 is positioned on the test track to emit a laser beam 121. The length of the emitted laser beam 121 aligns with the length of the test track. This design allows laser beam 121 to serve as a reference marker for the test track's centerline, providing a reliable reference for subsequent positioning and alignment.
[0069] The position sensor 102 is used to be installed at a target position on the test vehicle 200. It should be noted that the target position of the test vehicle 200 refers to a key position preset in the collision test that needs to be accurately aligned with the test track, and the specific position needs to be determined in combination with the test type. For example, for a full frontal collision test, the longitudinal center axis position of the vehicle, that is, the middle symmetry line position of the front end of the vehicle or the body of the vehicle, needs to be aligned with the center line of the test track to ensure that the vehicle can be aligned with the collision target head-on during a collision; in the American standard rear-end collision test, it may be a specific impact point position preset on the test vehicle 200 that meets the test standards. This position needs to form a specific relative position relationship with the test track according to the standard.
[0070] refer to Figure 1 , the position sensor 102 includes a photodiode array 104, a light intensity sensor 105 and a main controller 106. The photodiode array 104 and the light intensity sensor 105 jointly sense the laser beam 121. After sensing the laser beam 121, the photodiode array 104 generates a switching signal, and the light intensity sensor 105 generates a light intensity signal. The main controller 106, as the processing unit of the position sensor 102, can analyze and determine the deviation information between the test vehicle 200 and the test track, including the direction and degree of the deviation, based on the switching signal generated by the photodiode array 104. At the same time, the main controller 106 will also determine whether the test vehicle 200 is aligned with the test track based on the light intensity signal of the light intensity sensor 105. When the light intensity signal reaches the maximum value, it indicates that the two are accurately aligned.
[0071] like Figure 1As shown, the photodiode array 104 is arranged horizontally and regularly within the position sensor 102. When the laser beam emitted by the laser crosshair 101 strikes the vehicle's target alignment position, a portion of the light is projected onto the photodiode array 104. Each photodiode acts as a light-to-electricity conversion switch. When laser light strikes a photodiode, the diode conducts and outputs a low-level switching signal; when laser light is not striking a photodiode, the diode turns off and outputs a high-level switching signal. By reading the switching signal states of each diode in the photodiode array 104, the main controller 106 can determine the position of the laser beam 121 within the array. In this example, the photodiode array 104 is arranged horizontally and numbered from left to right. When the left portion of the photodiodes outputs a low-level signal and the right portion outputs a high-level signal, it indicates that the laser beam 121 is located in the left region of the array. This indicates that the vehicle's current position is deviated in a certain direction from the centerline of the test track. In other words, the vehicle's current position can be determined by the combination of switching signals from each diode in the photodiode array 104.
[0072] When laser beam 121 is directly aligned with light intensity sensor 105, the light intensity output signal from light intensity sensor 105 reaches its highest value, indicating the alignment between test vehicle 200 and the test track. Main controller 106 can record the light intensity signals (data) continuously obtained by light intensity sensor 105 during the alignment process and compare the preceding and subsequent data to determine the position of maximum light intensity, i.e., the alignment position.
[0073] The towing device 103 is an actuator that adjusts the position of the test vehicle 200. The test vehicle 200 is placed on the towing device 103. The towing device 103 receives deviation information from the position sensor 102 and adjusts the position of the test vehicle 200 based on this deviation information. By driving relevant components, the vehicle moves until the test vehicle 200 is aligned with the test track, thus completing the entire positioning and centering process.
[0074] In some examples, reference Figure 2 The laser crosshair 101 consists of a base 107 and a transmitter 108. The base 107 is designed to fit the structure of the test track and can form a secure engagement with the track. This design ensures that the laser crosshair 101 is accurately and stably installed on the track, providing a reliable reference support for the subsequent emission of the laser beam 121. The transmitter 108 is mounted on the base 107 and is used to emit the laser beam 121. Due to the precise engagement between the base 107 and the test track, the laser beam 121 emitted by the transmitter 108 can accurately represent the centerline of the test track, providing a clear reference for the positioning and alignment of the test vehicle 200 with the test track.
[0075] In some examples, the position sensor 102 also includes a circuit board 109, a housing 110 and a back cover 111. The housing 110 and the back cover 111 cooperate with each other to enclose a semi-enclosed space, which is used to accommodate the circuit board 109 and can provide effective protection for the circuit board 109 and the components thereon. At the same time, an opening is provided on one side of the housing 110, through which the photodiode array 104 and the light intensity sensor 105 are exposed to the outside, thereby ensuring that they can smoothly receive the laser beam 121 emitted by the laser cross 101 and ensure the normal implementation of the position detection function. The main controller 106, the photodiode array 104 and the light intensity sensor 105 are all integrated on the circuit board 109. This integrated layout is not only conducive to the efficient transmission of signals between the various components, but also makes the overall structure of the position sensor 102 more compact.
[0076] In some examples, position sensor 102 is further equipped with a wireless module 112, integrated on circuit board 109, for signal transmission between main controller 106 and traction device 103. Main controller 106 accurately transmits processed deviation information to traction device 103 via wireless module 112, enabling wireless communication between the two and increasing device layout flexibility.
[0077] In some examples, the position sensor 102 further includes a power module 113, an indicator light 114, and a switch 115. The power module 113 provides stable power support to the circuit board 109 and the components thereon to ensure that they can operate normally. The switch 115 is used to control the power supply status of the power module 113, making it convenient for the operator to start and stop the position sensor 102. The indicator light 114 can intuitively display the working status of the position sensor 102, such as whether it is in operation (for example, it displays red), whether alignment is completed (for example, it displays green), etc., so that the operator can quickly understand the status of the equipment.
[0078] In some examples, position sensor 102 is further provided with an alignment scale 116 and a magnet 117. Alignment scale 116 provides a clear reference for aligning position sensor 102 with a target location on test vehicle 200, ensuring the accuracy of position sensor 102 installation. Magnet 117 allows position sensor 102 to be easily attached to a target location on test vehicle 200, simplifying the installation process and improving the efficiency and stability of position sensor 102 installation.
[0079] In some examples, reference Figure 3The dragging device 103 is composed of an actuator 118, a drag plate 119, and a sliding plate 120, which cooperate with each other to adjust the position of the test vehicle 200. The sliding plate 120 is laid on the drag plate 119 to provide a bearing platform for the test vehicle 200. The test vehicle 200 is directly placed on the sliding plate 120. This structural design can reduce the friction resistance when the vehicle moves. The actuator 118 can receive the deviation information from the position sensor 102, and then drive the drag plate 119 to move based on this information. The movement of the drag plate 119 will drive the sliding plate 120 and the test vehicle 200 above to move synchronously, thereby adjusting the position of the test vehicle 200 and finally achieving positioning and alignment with the test track.
[0080] Figure 4 A flowchart of an automatic positioning and centering method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in the figure, the present invention also provides an automatic positioning and centering method, which uses two sets of the aforementioned automatic positioning and centering devices 100. The automatic positioning and centering method includes the following steps:
[0081] S1. Mark target locations symmetrically located on the test track at the front and rear of the test vehicle 200. This step sets the benchmark for the entire alignment process. By clearly marking the specific points where the front and rear of the vehicle need to be aligned with the track, it provides a clear reference for subsequent installation of the position sensor 102 and vehicle adjustments, ensuring that all operations are carried out around the preset alignment target.
[0082] S2: Align and secure the position sensor 102 of each set of automatic positioning and centering devices 100 to the target position based on the markings. This step precisely aligns the position detection "sensing point" with the vehicle's centering target point. In some examples, alignment marks 116 on the position sensor 102 can be aligned with the markings and secured with magnets 117. This ensures that the position sensor 102 accurately captures the relative position between the vehicle's target position and the track, laying the foundation for subsequent deviation detection.
[0083] S3, place the test vehicle 200 at the set position, place a towing device 103 on each of its front axle tires and rear axle tires, and push the test vehicle 200 onto the sliding plate 120 of the towing device 103. At the same time, set the laser cross 101 of each set of automatic positioning and centering devices 100 on the test track. This step completes the overall layout of the centering device. The towing device 103 provides an adjustable bearing platform for the vehicle. The laser cross 101 is fixed on the track, and the laser beam 121 it emits becomes a "visual benchmark" for the center line of the track, providing the position sensor 102 with a clear comparison reference. It is easy to understand that two sets of automatic positioning and centering devices 100 are used, corresponding to the front axle and rear axle of the test vehicle 200 respectively, and precise centering is achieved through the coordinated work of the two sets of devices.
[0084] S4, each group of automatic positioning and centering devices 100 performs the following specific operations:
[0085] The laser crosshair 101 is activated to emit laser beam 121. The main controller 106 determines the deviation of the test vehicle 200 based on the switching signal from the photodiode array 104. The traction device 103 receives this deviation information and adjusts the position of the test vehicle 200. The main controller 106 then determines whether the position sensor 102 and the laser beam 121 are aligned based on the light intensity signal from the light intensity sensor 105. This step is the core execution stage of the alignment process. After the laser beam 121, acting as a track reference, is sensed by the position sensor 102, the photodiode array 104 provides feedback on the direction and approximate distance of the vehicle's deviation from the track via switching signals. The main controller 106 transmits this deviation information to the traction device 103, driving the vehicle toward the aligned position. Simultaneously, the light intensity sensor 105 monitors the intensity of the laser beam 121 in real time. When the intensity reaches its maximum, indicating that the vehicle's target position is precisely aligned with the track centerline, the indicator light 114 turns green, completing the alignment operation.
[0086] In some examples, step S4 achieves precise alignment through gradual feedback and adjustment, specifically including:
[0087] In step S41, the main controller 106 determines whether the position sensor 102 and the laser beam 121 are aligned based on the light intensity signal transmitted by the light intensity sensor 105. If not, the position of the test vehicle 200 still needs to be adjusted, and the process proceeds to step S42. If aligned, the process proceeds directly to step S44 and ends.
[0088] S42, when further adjustment is required, the main controller 106 analyzes and determines the deviation information between the current position of the test vehicle 200 and the test track based on the switching signal of the photodiode array 104, including the direction and degree of the deviation, to provide specific data basis for subsequent adjustments;
[0089] S43, after receiving the deviation information from the main controller 106, the traction device 103 drives the relevant components according to the information to move the test vehicle 200 in the direction of reducing the deviation, completing one position adjustment, and returning to step S41;
[0090] S44, end.
[0091] In some examples, in step S4, the centering judgment adopts a dual-group collaborative logic to ensure that the test vehicle 200 as a whole is accurately aligned with the test track. When the light intensity signals detected by the light intensity sensors 105 of the two groups of automatic positioning and centering devices 100 reach the maximum value, it means that the target positions before and after the test vehicle 200 have accurately coincided with the laser beam 121 (i.e., the center line of the track). At this time, the main controller 106 of each group of position sensors 102 will make judgments separately to confirm that the test vehicle 200 is aligned with the test track. This design of determining the alignment only when the two points meet the standards at the same time avoids the problem of vehicle deflection that may occur when judging only by a single group of devices, and ensures that the test vehicle 200 is parallel and aligned with the track in the entire length direction.
[0092] In some examples, the adjustment process of step S4 adopts a hierarchical control logic, and switches the adjustment accuracy according to the signal status of the light intensity sensor 105. When the light intensity sensor 105 does not receive a signal, it means that the target position of the test vehicle 200 deviates greatly from the center line of the track. At this time, the towing device 103 runs at a high speed, driving the test vehicle 200 to move quickly in the direction of the laser beam 121, achieving rough adjustment and effectively reducing the deviation range. When the light intensity sensor 105 receives a signal, it indicates that the test vehicle 200 is close to the centering position. The towing device 103 is then switched to a low speed operation, and fine adjustments are made by slowly moving to ensure that the test vehicle 200 can accurately align with the center line of the test track. This method of dynamically adjusting the rotation speed according to the signal status not only improves the centering efficiency, but also ensures the final positioning accuracy, making the entire adjustment process more efficient and accurate.
[0093] The automatic positioning and centering device and the automatic positioning and centering method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:
[0094] 1. By combining a photodiode array and a light intensity sensor, the deviation between the test vehicle and the test track can be accurately determined, and alignment can be determined based on the light intensity signal, eliminating errors caused by traditional methods such as plumb bobs, rulers, and human judgment.
[0095] 2. The efficiency of positioning and centering has been improved. Two sets of automatic positioning and centering devices are used to position and center the front and rear axles of the test vehicle respectively, realizing simultaneous adjustment of the front and rear axles, greatly shortening the centering time and improving work efficiency.
[0096] 3. Easy to operate. The position sensor can be quickly fixed to the target position of the test vehicle by magnets. The installation is completed by snapping the base of the laser crosshair into the test track. The layout and operation of the entire device are relatively simple.
[0097] 4. Reasonable structure and low cost. Compared with the integral adjustment trolley using Mecanum wheels, the structure of the present invention is simpler, the cost is lower, and the problem of deviation during the vehicle removal process is avoided.
[0098] 5. The operation is stable and reliable. Deviation information is transmitted through the wireless module. The actuator accurately drives the drag plate to move based on the deviation information, making the position adjustment of the test vehicle smooth and reliable, and reducing the impact on the positioning of the dummy in the vehicle.
[0099] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the above exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of the present invention that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalent technical solutions.
Claims
1. An automatic positioning and centering device, suitable for use in a collision test, wherein the collision test includes a test track and a test vehicle arranged along the test track, the automatic positioning and centering device comprising: A laser cross, disposed on the test track, for emitting a laser beam, wherein the length direction of the laser beam is consistent with the length direction of the test track; a position sensor, configured to be set at a target position on the test vehicle, the position sensor comprising a photodiode array, a light intensity sensor, and a main controller, the photodiode array and the light intensity sensor being configured to sense the laser beam and generate a switch signal and a light intensity signal, respectively; the main controller determining deviation information between the test vehicle and the test track based on the switch signal; and determining whether the test vehicle and the test track are aligned based on the light intensity signal; A towing device is provided on which the test vehicle is arranged, and the towing device is used to receive the deviation information and adjust the position of the test vehicle based on the deviation information.
2. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser cross instrument includes a base and a transmitter arranged on the base, the base is engaged with the test track, and the transmitter is used to emit the laser beam.
3. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position sensor also includes a circuit board, a shell and a back cover. The shell and the back cover cooperate to form a space for accommodating the circuit board. One side of the shell is open to expose the photodiode array and the light intensity sensor. The main controller, photodiode array and light intensity sensor are arranged on the circuit board.
4. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position sensor further includes a wireless module, which is disposed on the circuit board. The main controller sends the deviation information to the dragging device via the wireless module.
5. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The position sensor further includes a power module, an indicator light and a switch. The power module is used to supply power to the circuit board. The switch is used to control the power supply of the power module. The indicator light is used to display the working status of the position sensor.
6. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position sensor further includes an alignment scale and a magnet. The alignment scale is used to align the position sensor with a target position on the test vehicle. The magnet facilitates setting the position sensor to the target position on the test vehicle.
7. The automatic positioning and centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dragging device includes an actuator, a drag plate and a sliding plate. The sliding plate is arranged on the drag plate, and the test vehicle is arranged on the sliding plate. The actuator is used to receive the deviation information and drive the drag plate to move based on the deviation information to adjust the position of the test vehicle.
8. An automatic positioning and centering method, using two sets of automatic positioning and centering devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1, marking target positions in front of and behind the test vehicle based on the test track; S2, aligning and fixing the position sensors of each group of the automatic positioning and centering devices to the target position based on the mark; S3, placing the test vehicle at a set position, placing one of the traction devices on each of the front and rear axle tires, and pushing the test vehicle onto the sliding plates of the traction devices; setting the laser crosshairs of each set of the automatic positioning and centering devices on the test track; S4, start the laser cross to emit a laser beam, the main controller determines the deviation information of the test vehicle based on the switching signal of the photodiode array, the towing device receives the deviation information and adjusts the position of the test vehicle, and the main controller determines whether the position sensor and the laser beam are aligned based on the light intensity signal.
9. The automatic positioning and centering method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Step S4 includes: S41, the main controller determines whether the position sensor and the laser beam are aligned based on the light intensity signal, if not, proceeds to step S42, if yes, proceeds to step S44; S42, the main controller determines the deviation information of the test vehicle based on the switching signal of the photodiode array; S43, the towing device receives the deviation information and adjusts the position of the test vehicle based on the deviation information, and returns to step S41; S44, end.
10. The automatic positioning and centering method according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S4, when the light intensity signals of the light intensity sensors of the two groups of the automatic positioning and centering devices reach a maximum value, each group of the main controllers determines whether the test vehicle and the test track are centered.