Car Body Centerline Calibration Using Dual Laser Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for demarcating the center line of an automobile body are prone to large errors due to imprecise marking and require inconvenient operations, often relying on human eye judgment and manual rope alignment, which reduces accuracy and necessitates cooperation between multiple individuals.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing two lasers installed on either side of the automobile, with a holder apparatus, reflecting mirror, and diaphragm to emit and reflect laser beams for precise alignment, allowing for accurate demarcation of the center line by adjusting the holder and mirror positions to ensure the laser beam passes through a diaphragm groove and returns to its original path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two points are marked on the ground through plumb line extension using central reference points of the automobile body, then the center line can be demarcated, but large errors occur due to imprecise demarcation and human eye vision variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemarcation accuracyVSAvoiddemarcation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plumb line extension method with an optical laser system. The laser emits a collimated beam that creates a precise reference line on the ground, eliminating the need for manual plumb line operations and reducing errors associated with human eye vision and mechanical extension inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a laser to create an optical copy or projection of the reference line directly onto the ground surface. This optical copying method provides a more accurate and reliable reference than mechanical extension, as the laser beam maintains its directional precision over the measurement distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If a rope is used to pass through the bottom of the automobile for alignment, then the center line can be demarcated, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires cooperation of at least two persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemarcation operation convenienceVSAvoiddemarcation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rope alignment system with an optical laser system. The laser automatically provides a straight reference line without requiring physical manipulation of ropes through the vehicle undercarriage, significantly simplifying the operation to a single-person task and eliminating the need for complex coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If manual rope alignment is used as a reference, then the center line can be demarcated, but accuracy is reduced due to the introduction of a reference variable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemarcation precisionVSAvoiddemarcation operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rope reference with an optical laser reference. The laser beam provides a rigid, non-deformable reference line that does not sag or shift like a rope, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity through the automated nature of the laser system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach significantly reduces errors and simplifies the demarcation process, enabling precise and efficient alignment of the center line without the need for manual rope alignment, improving accuracy and reducing the complexity of the operation.

Implementation Method 1

a laser configured to emit a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a reflecting mirror configured to reflect, to the laser, the laser beam that passes through the diaphragm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3699042B1Car body center line calibration device and method
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 AUTEL INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CORP LTD
  • EP3699042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3699042B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3699042B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile maintenance and device demarcation, and discloses a device and a method for demarcating a center line of an automobile body, the demarcation device including a holder apparatus and a laser. The holder apparatus includes a horizontal scale, and the laser is installed on the automobile body and is configured to emit a laser beam to the horizontal scale. According to the device for demarcating a center line of an automobile body, the lasers may be installed on wheels on both sides of an automobile, two laser beams equidistantly emitted using the wheels as reference points irradiate at the horizontal scale, and the holder apparatus may be moved to an appropriate position according to a graduation of the horizontal scale, thereby facilitating demarcation of the center line of the automobile.