Integrated ADAS Calibration Fixture for Vehicle Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety system sensor calibration and alignment processes require multiple fixtures and often result in spatial conflicts due to varying sensor types and configurations, necessitating a positionable fixture that can support both camera systems and sensor alignment targets while guiding proper placement.
Innovation Solution
A movable fixture with a vertical element supporting cameras and adjustable target structures, including sliding tracks and gimbals, allows for precise positioning and alignment of vehicle safety system sensors, reducing the number of required fixtures and eliminating spatial conflicts by enabling manual or automatic movement and adjustment based on image data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate fixtures are used for camera systems and sensor alignment targets, then each fixture can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of fixtures increases and spatial conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera support structure and sensor alignment target support structure into a single integrated fixture. The camera crossbeam is mounted to a vertical support column, and the sensor alignment targets are mounted to the same vertical support column or horizontal crossbeam, eliminating the need for separate fixtures and reducing spatial conflicts in the vehicle service area.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports cameras for wheel alignment measurement, provides mounting structures for sensor alignment targets, and offers adjustable positioning capabilities for both camera and target components. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of fixtures needed while maintaining functional optimization.
2Measurement precision
If specialized structures are precisely positioned for sensor realignment, then calibration accuracy is improved, but spatial conflicts arise with camera fixture placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by mounting both cameras and sensor alignment targets to a vertical support column. The camera crossbeam extends horizontally from the vertical column at a height that allows cameras to view vehicle wheels, while sensor alignment targets are mounted at different vertical positions or angles on the same structure, eliminating ground-level spatial conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms including a vertically adjustable camera crossbeam and rotatable mounting for sensor alignment targets. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow precise positioning of both camera and target components to achieve accurate calibration while avoiding spatial conflicts with the vehicle and service area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed camera crossbeam is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle elevations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera crossbeam is designed with vertical adjustability while maintaining structural rigidity. The crossbeam can be positioned at different heights along the vertical support column to accommodate vehicles at different elevations on the lift rack, and locking mechanisms maintain structural stability once positioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.