3D Optical Readers for Vehicle Wheel Alignment Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel alignment measurement devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to variations in the relative position of 3D scanners, which complicates calibration and increases production costs, limiting their commercial success.
Innovation Solution
A device using multiple 3D optical readers with wide viewing angles and cameras that frame fixed targets for calibration, allowing for accurate positioning without additional cameras, and enabling the use of lenses with shorter focal lengths for improved depth of field and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional video cameras are used to frame fixed targets for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the 3D scanner perform multiple functions: it both measures the vehicle characteristics and frames the fixed targets for calibration. By integrating the target framing capability into the existing 3D scanner system, the patent eliminates the need for separate video cameras while maintaining calibration accuracy, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the calibration function and measurement function into a single integrated system. The 3D scanner is configured to both capture vehicle data and acquire images of fixed targets for positioning calibration, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified device, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If lenses with high focal length are used to frame wheels with sufficient pixel resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focal length parameter of the lenses from high (≥5mm) to low (<5mm). This parameter change enables wide viewing angles (>60°) and increased depth of field (greater than 0.5 meters) while maintaining adequate measurement precision through the high-resolution digital optical sensors and optimized image processing algorithms
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to frame multiple wheels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures each 3D scanner to serve multiple measurement points simultaneously. The scanners are positioned and oriented to frame fixed targets on multiple turrets and capture images of multiple wheels, making each scanner a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for dedicated cameras for each wheel or turret
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the calibration function and measurement function into a single integrated system. The 3D scanners are configured to both acquire images of fixed targets for positioning calibration and capture wheel images for measurement, combining what were previously separate functions into one unified device
4Measurement precision
If the image of the wheel covers the entire sensor area, then measurement precision is improved, but the viewing angle is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focal length parameter to low values (<5mm), which increases the viewing angle to >60°. This allows the scanner to frame wheels and fixed targets more flexibly while the high-resolution sensors ensure adequate pixel coverage for precise measurements even when the wheel image covers only a limited portion of the sensor area
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables accurate, simple, and fast measurement of vehicle characteristics with reduced calibration complexity and costs, enhancing measurement robustness and economic competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of three-dimensional optical readers (2) which are functionally connected to a computer (3) and can frame at least one wheel (5) of a vehicle (4) for the three-dimensional acquisition of an image of the wheel (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) for measuring the characteristic angles and dimensions of wheels, steering system and chassis of vehicles in general, comprising a plurality of three-dimensional optical readers (2) which are functionally connected to a computer (3) and can be arranged peripherally to a vehicle (4) whose dimensions and characteristic angles of wheels, steering system and chassis are to be measured in such a manner that each one frames at least one wheel (5) of the vehicle (4) for the three-dimensional acquisition of an image of the wheel (5), each three-dimensional optical reader (2) being provided with at least one fixed target (6) for the setting and calibration of the measurement device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), at least one camera of each three-dimensional optical reader (2) being arranged in such a manner as to frame clearly and directly at least one fixed target (6) of another three-dimensional optical reader (2) for the setting and calibration of the measurement device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) by three-dimensional acquisitions of the fixed targets (6) performed starting from images of said at least one camera.