Chassis Geometry Measurement Apparatus Using Integrated Laser and Bubble Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for measuring and adjusting chassis geometry parameters of wheeled vehicles are complex, bulky, and require multiple tools, limiting their precision and usability, especially for vehicles with non-standard wheel diameters and requiring wheel removal.
Innovation Solution
A single-tool apparatus installed in the interwheel space, featuring a removable support with a tubular bubble level and an adjustment tool with two hinge pairs, a light line laser emitter, and an inclinometer, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment of toe-in/toe-out, camber, and caster angles without the need for external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external optical instruments are used for measurement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (toe-in/toe-out, camber, caster angle measurements) into a single integrated apparatus that mounts on the wheel hub. The support structure integrates the bubble level, laser emitter, and mirror components into one unified device, eliminating the need for separate external optical instruments while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously using a single device. The support structure with adjustable orientation allows the same apparatus to measure toe-in/toe-out angles, camber angles, and caster angles by changing the orientation of the bubble level and laser emitter, rather than requiring separate specialized tools for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tools are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement capabilities into a single apparatus that can measure toe-in/toe-out, camber, and caster angles. The support structure with its adjustable orientation and integrated bubble level allows one operator to perform all measurements using one tool, eliminating the need to switch between multiple specialized tools while maintaining precision through the consistent reference frame provided by the support structure.
3Measurement precision
If wheel removal is required for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be mounted on the wheel hub itself, making the wheel assembly the measurement platform rather than requiring wheel removal. The support structure attaches to the hub and positions the measurement components (bubble level, laser emitter) in precise orientations relative to the wheel, allowing accurate measurements to be taken with the wheel installed on the vehicle, thereby eliminating the time-consuming wheel removal and reinstallation process.
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 reliable, precise, and user-friendly measurement and adjustment of vehicle chassis geometry parameters, reducing complexity and size, and allowing semi-skilled personnel to perform adjustments, including drivers, without the need for specialized test equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular bubble level, firmly mounted on the support
Implementation Method 2
a light line laser emitter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus used during testing of the steering characteristics of a wheeled motor vehicle and can be used for measuring and adjusting the chassis geometry parameters including toe-in/toe-out, camber, caster, steering angles and plays, and the like. The apparatus designed to be mounted within the interwheel space on the wheel disk and comprising a removable support designed to be mounted on the inner side of the wheel disk.