Headlamp Alignment Rod with Cross-Line Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning headlight adjustment devices are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors, requiring expensive and precise hardware due to unfavorable dimensioning and iterative adjustments of both the headlight aiming device and laser.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device with a laser-equipped alignment rod that can be temporarily attached to the headlight aiming device's lens and adjusted to set parallelism or angles, using an inclination measuring device like a smartphone or spirit level to align the rod perpendicularly to the lens, simplifying the alignment process and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods using a tripod-mounted laser and iterative adjustments are used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tripod-mounted laser system with a smartphone-based alignment system. The smartphone's built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) and camera substitute for mechanical alignment tools, enabling alignment through software-based image processing and sensor data rather than mechanical adjustments. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical setup while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device utilizes the smartphone's own built-in sensors and camera to perform alignment without requiring external specialized equipment. The smartphone's accelerometer and gyroscope provide self-contained inclination measurement capabilities, and the camera captures images for automated analysis, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate alignment tools.
2Measurement precision
If expensive and precise hardware is used for alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a smartphone, which is a common consumer device rather than specialized expensive equipment. The system uses the smartphone's existing sensors and camera, treating it as a readily available tool that eliminates the need for costly dedicated alignment hardware. This approach significantly reduces equipment cost while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a camera for capturing alignment images, an inclinometer through its accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, and a processing unit for analyzing alignment data. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized devices with a single universal tool, reducing both cost and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple components and iterative adjustments are used, then alignment precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual iterative adjustment procedures with automated image processing and sensor-based measurement. The smartphone camera captures the alignment target, software automatically analyzes the image to determine alignment status, and sensor data provides real-time inclination information, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through the smartphone's display, showing alignment status based on image analysis and sensor data. The real-time inclination measurements from the accelerometer and gyroscope give continuous feedback on the device's orientation, allowing operators to make single adjustments rather than iterative ones, 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
Facilitates a time-efficient and precise alignment of headlight adjustment devices with fewer manipulations, reducing production costs and minimizing errors through a simple and intuitive method.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment rod (14) with a laser (20) arranged at a first end (16) of the alignment rod (14), with a beam path (22) of the laser (20) running parallel or at an adjustable angle to a longitudinal axis (24) of the alignment rod (14)
Implementation Method 2
An inclination measuring device (34) is arranged or fastened in particular on the surface of the alignment rod (14). An inclination of the alignment rod (14) relative to the earth's surface (12) can be measured with the aid of the inclination measuring device (34)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for aligning a headlight aiming device (30) to the ground surface (12), comprising an alignment rod (14) with a cross-line laser (20) arranged at a first end (16) of the alignment rod (14), wherein a beam path (22) of the cross-line laser (20) runs parallel to a longitudinal axis (24) of the alignment rod (14), a holding arrangement (26) that can be temporarily attached to a surface (28) of a lens (29) of the headlight aiming device (30), and a height-adjustable counter-support surface (32) on which the alignment rod (14) can be at least temporarily attached in the region of the second end (18) opposite the first end (16), wherein the first end (16) of the alignment rod (14) is temporarily attached to the surface (28) of the lens. (29) of the headlight aiming device (30) and is adjustable by placing the alignment rod (14) on the counter-support surface (32),that the alignment rod (14) is aligned perpendicular to the lens (29) of the headlight aiming device (30) by means of the cross-line laser (20), and the optics of the headlight aiming device (30) are inclined at a predefined angle to the ground surface (12). In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to an alignment method for adjusting the parallelism of a headlight aiming device (30) to the ground surface (12) by means of a aforementioned alignment device (10).