Four-Wheel Aligner with Intermediary Calibration Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing four-wheel aligners often damage tires during measurement and have low accuracy due to difficult adjustment of measurement positions.
Innovation Solution
A four-wheel aligner with four alignment and measuring devices and two calibration devices, where the measuring devices obtain tire images for alignment analysis and the calibration devices adjust the positions of the measuring devices for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clamping measuring components onto the wheel hub is used, then measurement can be performed, but the wheel hub is easily damaged and measurement position adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration device as an intermediary between the measuring device and the tire. The calibration device includes a calibration component that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the measuring device to obtain calibration images without directly contacting or clamping the tire or wheel hub. This intermediary system enables indirect measurement, eliminating direct mechanical contact that causes damage while still providing reference points for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamping system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical clamps to attach measuring components to the wheel hub, the system uses cameras to capture images of calibration components and tires. This substitution of mechanical contact with optical field measurement eliminates the harmful mechanical forces that damage the wheel hub and tire while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If clamping measuring components onto the wheel hub is used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement position adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration component is designed with adjustable and movable characteristics. It can be dynamically positioned at different locations and orientations to provide appropriate calibration reference points for various measurement scenarios. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different tire sizes, positions, and measurement requirements without being constrained by fixed mounting locations, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device is segmented into separate adjustable components rather than being a fixed integrated unit. The calibration component can be independently positioned and adjusted relative to the measuring device, allowing flexible configuration of measurement positions. This segmentation enables easy adjustment of measurement parameters and positions without affecting the entire system, making the measurement process more adaptable and easier to operate.
3Measurement precision
If multiple calibration devices are used to calibrate each measuring device, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can calibrate multiple measuring devices. The calibration component can be positioned and configured to provide calibration reference points for different measuring devices in the four-wheel alignment system. This single universal calibration device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate calibration devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately calibrate all measuring devices through its adaptable positioning and multi-directional calibration capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A four-wheel aligner including four four-wheel alignment and measuring devices and two four-wheel alignment and calibration devices; one of the two four-wheel alignment and calibration devices is arranged between two of the four four-wheel alignment and measuring devices located at a side of the vehicle to be aligned, another one of the two four-wheel alignment and calibration devices is arranged between another two of the four four-wheel alignment and measuring devices located at another side of the vehicle to be aligned, and the two four-wheel alignment and calibration devices are configured to be oppositely arranged on two sides of the vehicle to be aligned; the four four-wheel alignment and measuring devices are configured to obtain images of the tires and to analyze alignment information of the tires.