Caster Angle Measurement via Tire Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring caster angle in vehicle wheel alignment are operator-dependent, time-consuming, and require mechanical moving parts, limiting their efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing imagers, such as cameras, to image and process vehicle tire and wheel assemblies, identifying key features and determining the steering axis to calculate the caster angle independently of operator performance and mechanical moving parts, employing machine vision and potentially stereo cameras or LIDAR for three-dimensional positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional operator-dependent methods are used for measuring caster angle, then mechanical moving parts can be employed, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts and operator-dependent manual measurement methods with an optical imaging system using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system captures images of the wheel assembly and suspension components, then uses image processing to automatically identify pivot features, circular features, and calculate the steering axis and caster angle, eliminating the need for mechanical devices and manual operations.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used, then mechanical moving parts are required, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by substituting them with an optical system consisting of imagers (cameras) and a control unit for image processing. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement reliability through automated feature identification and calculation algorithms that objectively determine the caster angle without mechanical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If operator-dependent methods are used, then manual operation is required, but the ease of operation decreases and operator skill becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying features, calculating the steering axis, and determining the caster angle without requiring operator intervention or skill. The control unit processes the images and computes the alignment characteristics autonomously, making the measurement process independent of operator performance and significantly improving ease of operation.
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
Enables fast, accurate, and operator-independent measurement of caster angle, improving efficiency and reducing the need for mechanical complexity, while providing precise alignment data.
Implementation Method 1
imaging at least a portion of a tire and wheel assembly mounted to a vehicle and at least a portion of suspension components of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of determining tire and wheel assembly alignment orientation for determining at least caster angle includes imaging a tire and wheel assembly mounted to a vehicle and suspension components of the vehicle associated with the tire and wheel assembly. Images are processed, including identifying a pivot feature for a steering component of the vehicle and identifying a circular feature of the tire and wheel assembly, with a rotational axis of the tire and wheel assembly being determined based on the identified circular feature, and a contrived line extending from the pivot feature and intersecting the rotational axis of the tire and wheel assembly is determined that represents the steering axis. Caster angle is then calculated from the angle the steering axis makes with the vertical direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle. An alignment sensor may be used to image the tire and wheel assembly and determine the rotational axis.