Vehicle Alignment Sensor Slip Detection via Invariant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wheel alignment systems face inaccuracies due to slip or movement of angle sensors or optical targets during alignment measurement, caused by forces and vibrations, leading to incorrect alignment adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method to detect relative movement or slip between angle sensors or optical targets and wheel assemblies by monitoring invariant characteristics such as total toe and camber angles, alerting operators and allowing for corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mounting adapters are secured to vehicle wheels using clamping or gripping methods, then the alignment measurement system can be installed, but the adapters may slip or move relative to the wheel assembly due to forces and vibrations during adjustment and rolling movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors alignment measurements (toe angle, camber angle) during the adjustment process and provides feedback to detect changes that indicate adapter slip or movement, allowing operators to take corrective action before measurements become significantly inaccurate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that monitors the relationship between the mounting adapter and wheel assembly by measuring alignment angles, serving as an indicator of potential slip without directly interfering with the mounting connection
2Ease of operation
If significant forces are exerted on axles and axle components during alignment adjustment (using impact wrenches, hammers, pry bars), then alignment angles can be adjusted, but these forces induce vibrations that cause improperly secured mounting adapters to slip or move
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system provides real-time feedback during alignment adjustment operations, alerting operators when adapter movement is detected, enabling them to secure the adapter properly before continuing with forceful adjustment operations
3Productivity
If the vehicle is rolled short distances during alignment measurement or inspection procedures, then wheel rotation can occur for measurement purposes, but this rotation causes mounting adapters to slip or move relative to the wheel assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors alignment measurements during vehicle rolling and provides immediate feedback when slip is detected, allowing operators to pause, correct the mounting, and resume measurements, thereby maintaining accuracy while preserving measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes baseline measurements before vehicle rolling begins, enabling comparison with subsequent measurements to detect slip that occurs during the rolling operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting, for wheel assemblies on opposite ends of an axle during an alignment angle measurement or inspection process, relative movement or slip between the alignment angle sensor or optical target and the wheel assembly upon which it is mounted. Changes in measurements of invariant characteristics of the solid axle or an associated wheel assembly are observed by an alignment measurement or inspection system as indications of movement or slip between at least one of the alignment angle sensors or optical targets and the associated wheel assembly. Upon detection of a change a measurement of an invariant characteristic, an operator is alerted by the alignment measurement or inspection system to the presence of movement or slip of one or both of the alignment angle sensors or optical targets associated with the wheel assemblies of the axle.