Headlamp Calibration Alignment Using Laser Wheel Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headlamp calibration methods are cumbersome, prone to positioning errors, and require complex systems and tools, making them inefficient and unreliable for modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Innovation Solution

An ADAS calibration system with a horizontally slidable headlamp beam setter and integrated detection means, including a camera and lens system, allows for quick and reliable calibration by projecting alignment patterns onto a screen, using laser meters for positioning, and a control unit for automated adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable trolley with height-adjustable optical group and mirror alignment system is used for headlamp calibration, then the calibration can be performed with traditional equipment, but the operation becomes lengthy and prone to positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated laser-based alignment system. The laser alignment device automatically projects reference lines and detects headlamp positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of optical groups and mirrors. This substitution of mechanical operations with optical-electronic automation resolves the contradiction by providing both high precision and rapid calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system performs self-alignment through automated laser projection and detection mechanisms. The system automatically positions itself relative to the vehicle and headlamps using laser reference lines, eliminating dependence on operator skill and manual intervention. This self-service capability enables both high accuracy and fast operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If laser beams or pointers are used for identification of target points on vehicle bodywork, then alignment target identification is improved, but additional tools and system complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget identificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alignment reference system directly into the headlamp calibration apparatus. The laser alignment device is integrated with the headlamp positioning system, combining target identification and measurement functions into a single unified system. This integration provides ease of operation through clear laser visual cues while avoiding the complexity of separate additional tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser alignment device serves multiple functions: it projects reference lines for target identification, measures distances to headlamps, and provides positioning feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment tools, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation through a single versatile device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 rapid, precise, and operator-friendly headlamp calibration, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of ADAS systems by simplifying the process and reducing human error.

Implementation Method 1

the detection means (3) comprise two laser meters (3) slidably mounted on the horizontal bar (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

detecting the distances of two front or rear wheels of the vehicle (100) from the support (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the headlamp beam setter (10) comprises a screen (12) and a camera (13)... a lens (14) or a series of lenses in order to focus the light beam coming from the corresponding headlamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 4

Each headlamp beam setter (10) comprises a screen (12) and a camera (13)... the camera (13) is oriented in such a way as to acquire an image of the pattern displayed on the screen (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3945300B1ADAS calibration system for calibrating at least one headlamp of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP3945300B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945300B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An ADAS calibration system (1) for calibrating at least one headlamp (HL) of a vehicle (100), comprising: - a support (2); - laser meters (3) mounted on the support (2) for detecting the distances of two front or rear wheels of the vehicle (100) from the support (2); - a projection surface (4) mounted on the support (2); - at least one headlamp beam setter (10) comprising a screen (12) configured to show a pattern created by the two-dimensional projection of the light beam emitted by the headlamp (HL), and a camera (13) configured to acquire images of the pattern shown on the screen (12); - a control unit (5) configured to receive from the laser meters (3) the distances detected and from the camera (13) the images of the pattern and, in response to them, to compute an alignment angle for the headlamp (HL).