Wheel Alignment Apparatus with Embedded TPMS Calibration Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire pressure monitoring systems require a separate magnet for calibration, which can be lost, rendering the system inoperable during assembly and maintenance, and are inefficient in providing tire pressure information to technicians.
Innovation Solution
A wheel alignment apparatus that automatically displays tire pressure information using a camera, computer, and sensor activation system, which captures images of the vehicle's wheels and communicates with tire pressure sensors to provide real-time data within a predetermined proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate magnet device is used for calibration, then the tire pressure monitoring system can be calibrated, but the device is subject to loss and renders the system inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration magnet function into the wheel alignment apparatus itself, eliminating the need for a separate magnet device. The alignment apparatus contains embedded magnets that automatically activate the TPMS calibration mode when a vehicle is positioned on the alignment ramps, merging the calibration function with the existing alignment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration automatically when the vehicle is positioned on the alignment apparatus. The embedded magnets in the alignment apparatus automatically trigger the TPMS calibration sequence without requiring a technician to manually handle a separate magnet, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the risk of magnet loss.
2Productivity
If manual calibration with magnet is used, then tire pressure information can be obtained, but it requires significant time and effort during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment apparatus is pre-equipped with embedded magnets in specific positions that correspond to each wheel location. When a vehicle is driven onto the alignment ramps, the magnets are already in position to automatically trigger calibration of the corresponding TPMS sensors, eliminating the need for technicians to manually move a magnet to each wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of holding and moving a magnet to each wheel with an automated system where the alignment apparatus's embedded magnets automatically activate calibration. The computer system coordinates the calibration sequence based on the vehicle's position, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate magnet device is required for calibration, then TPMS can be calibrated, but it adds complexity and potential for loss to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel alignment apparatus serves multiple functions: it performs wheel alignment and simultaneously provides TPMS calibration capabilities through its embedded magnets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate dedicated calibration magnet device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining calibration capability.
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 convenient and efficient display of tire pressure information during maintenance, reducing the time and risk of system inoperability by eliminating the need for a separate magnet and providing accurate, real-time data to technicians.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system located at an end of the alignment bay and configured to provide an image of wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel alignment apparatus is capable of automatically obtaining tire pressure information from a plurality of tire pressure monitor systems. The wheel alignment apparatus may include an alignment bay configured to receive a vehicle and an optical system located at an end of the alignment bay and configured to provide an image of wheels of the vehicle. The wheel alignment apparatus may also include a camera configured to receive the image of the wheels of the vehicle and a computer configured to display the image of the wheels of the vehicle and automatically display tire pressure information of the wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is located within a predetermined proximity of the wheel alignment apparatus.