Vehicle Emblem Alignment Tool with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing vehicle emblems on vehicle surfaces, such as trunk doors, lack reliability and repeatability, making it difficult to achieve precise alignment and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle emblem alignment and installation tool featuring multiple sensor assemblies and a feedback mechanism that ensures accurate alignment and secure attachment by using an alignment ridge to engage a datum surface on the vehicle panel, activating a feedback mechanism to indicate alignment and apply force for proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning mechanisms are used for emblem installation, then the installation process is simple, but the alignment precision and repeatability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated alignment system that uses optical sensors (laser line projector, line laser receivers) to detect and measure emblem position automatically. The system substitutes human judgment and manual adjustment with optical measurement and electronic feedback, achieving precise alignment without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the measurement sensors and the positioning actuation system. The computer processes data from the line laser receivers, calculates alignment deviations, and generates control signals for the positioning system, enabling precise and repeatable emblem installation through intelligent control rather than direct mechanical coupling.
2Reliability
If conventional installation methods are used, then the installation process is quick, but the reliability and repeatability of alignment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment measurement and calculation before final emblem installation. The system projects laser lines, detects their positions relative to the emblem, calculates alignment deviations, and determines required adjustment amounts in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the emblem is positioned, it is already pre-calibrated for accurate placement, improving both reliability and reducing actual installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where line laser receivers continuously monitor the position of laser lines relative to the emblem, and the computer adjusts positioning commands based on measured deviations. This feedback mechanism ensures the emblem is aligned with high precision and repeatability, and the automated feedback loop eliminates manual measurement and adjustment time, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for installation and alignment of a vehicle emblem on a body panel assembly include a tool including an outer handling side facing an operator and an inner alignment side facing the body panel assembly. The inner alignment side includes an inner facing surface and an emblem holding volume that is sized and shaped to receive the vehicle emblem therein, the inner alignment side further includes an alignment ridge extending outwardly therefrom that together with the inner facing surface defines a panel receiving volume. A first and second sensor assembly may include vehicle panel detectors respectively aligned with perpendicular first and second axes. The first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly are arranged to concurrently provide an indication of alignment with the body panel assembly of the vehicle with a datum surface of the body panel assembly engaged by the alignment ridge in a predetermined orientation.