Ground Slope Measurement for Accurate Vehicle Headlight Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle inspection centers face challenges in accurately measuring and adjusting headlight alignment due to the need for a flat and level surface, which is not always available in non-dedicated facilities, leading to inaccurate results and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two units that emit and receive a light beam, using an accelerometer to measure the slope of the ground between two points, allowing precise headlight adjustment regardless of surface unevenness, and integrating with a central unit for data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional headlight alignment tools are used on non-level surfaces, then the device can be operated in various locations, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to ground slope variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a light beam emitter, target plate, and accelerometer. This intermediary system measures the ground slope between the emitter and target, allowing the headlight alignment tool to compensate for non-level surfaces. The accelerometer acts as a mediator that detects inclination and provides correction data, enabling accurate measurements even when the ground is not perfectly level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by introducing slope angle measurements as an additional variable. Instead of assuming a level surface, the system measures the actual ground inclination using accelerometers and light beam geometry, then uses this parameter to correct the headlight alignment readings. This transforms the measurement approach from absolute (assuming level ground) to relative (compensating for ground slope).
2Measurement precision
If dedicated inspection centers with leveled floors are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the level detection function from the fixed infrastructure and incorporates it into a portable measurement device. Instead of requiring the entire inspection facility to be leveled, the system extracts only the necessary measurement points (under the vehicle and under the alignment tool) and uses accelerometers to detect slope at these specific locations. This removes the burden of complex infrastructure preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical leveling infrastructure (such as precision floor leveling mechanisms or fixed level tables) with an electronic/inertial measurement system. Accelerometers and light beam geometry substitute for mechanical leveling devices, allowing slope measurement without requiring physically leveled surfaces. This substitution dramatically reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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
Provides accurate and reliable headlight alignment measurements in various locations, meeting regulatory standards and ensuring vehicle safety by compensating for ground slope variations.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer suitable for generating an electrical signal proportional to its own inclination with respect to a reference position
Implementation Method 2
means for emitting a light beam of axis A through an orifice provided in the front wall of said box
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device for measuring the slope of a surface, consisting of two units (100, 200) that can be placed at a distance from each other. The first unit supports a measuring box (30) containing a light beam source and an accelerometer (35). The second unit includes a target (22) at a known height. Since the measuring box (30) is mounted in an adjustable position on the first unit (100), the accelerometer (35) is able to provide a quantitative measurement of the surface slope based on the inclination of the light beam pointing at the target (22). The device can operate in conjunction with a vehicle's headlight control system, taking into account the slope of the surface on which the vehicle is resting when diagnosing and adjusting the headlight alignment.