Blind Spot Sensor Calibration Using Wheel-Mounted Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles equipped with various sensors for environmental monitoring face challenges in ensuring proper alignment of these sensors, which is crucial for accurate data acquisition and preventing collisions, as misalignment can lead to incorrect object detection and warnings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a laser emitter or optical projector secured to a steerable wheel assembly to align an observable target or calibration fixture relative to a vehicle onboard sensor, with a machine vision alignment system to guide the placement and ensure correct orientation and distance according to manufacturer specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a calibration target is placed at a precise location relative to the vehicle to enable proper sensor alignment, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of positioning the calibration target increases
Solution Approach 1:
A laser emitter is introduced as an intermediary tool to project a visible beam along the desired alignment path. The laser beam serves as a visual guide that simplifies the complex task of positioning the calibration target at the precise location, allowing technicians to easily align the target with the sensor by following the laser projection rather than performing complex measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement and positioning methods with an optical system. Instead of using complex mechanical tools to measure and mark the calibration target location, a laser emitter projects a light beam that visually indicates the correct position, making the positioning process simpler and more intuitive
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration methods are used without visual guidance, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the visual property of light by projecting a laser beam that creates a visible optical path. The laser light provides a clear visual indicator (a bright line of light) that guides the positioning of the calibration target, allowing technicians to see exactly where the target should be placed without adding complex mechanical measurement equipment
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
Facilitates precise alignment of vehicle onboard sensors, ensuring accurate data acquisition and preventing collisions by simplifying the calibration process for technicians, thereby enhancing the reliability of systems like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warnings.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter secured to a steerable front wheel assembly of the vehicle, on the same lateral side as the vehicle onboard sensor to be aligned. A beam projection axis of the laser emitter is aligned to a known orientation relative to a geometric aspect of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A procedure for calibrating a vehicle onboard sensor 202 by facilitating the placement of a calibration fixture 110 on a floor relative to a stationary vehicle 100 using a laser emitter 102 secured to a front steerable wheel 104 of the vehicle on the same lateral side as the vehicle onboard sensor. A beam projection axis X of the laser projector is aligned at a known orientation relative to a geometric characteristic of the vehicle 100, such that the beam projection axis X is directed over a placement location P of the calibration fixture on the floor, either inherently or by guided steering of the supporting steerable wheel. A distance between the calibration fixture 110 and a reference point associated with the vehicle 100 is measured, and a current position of the calibration fixture on the floor along the beam projection axis X is adjusted as required to position the calibration fixture for calibration of the vehicle sensor 202 at a selected distance from the reference point along the beam projection axis X.