Laser Alignment Stand With Foldable Crossbeam for Vehicle Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning movable fixtures relative to vehicles, such as plumb bobs, are cumbersome and require two people, and traditional target mounting systems take up significant space and are difficult to store.
Innovation Solution
A focused light beam generator and receptor system that aligns a movable alignment stand with the vehicle's centerline, combined with a collapsible target mounting system that can be easily stored, using a pivoting crossbeam that rotates from a horizontal to a vertical position for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plumb bob is used to align the movable stand with the vehicle centerline, then alignment precision is achieved, but the operation requires two people and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plumb bob system with an optical laser beam system. The laser alignment apparatus projects a laser beam along the vehicle centerline, allowing a single operator to align the movable stand by visually tracking the laser line, thereby eliminating the need for two people while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the alignment operator and the vehicle centerline. The laser beam serves as a visible guide that mediates the alignment process, making it easier for a single person to achieve precise centerline alignment without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical setups
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional target mounting system with a crossbeam is used, then alignment functionality is provided, but the system takes up significant space and is cumbersome to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target mounting system into separate components: the vertical beam remains stationary while the crossbeam with targets becomes a detachable, movable assembly. This segmentation allows the crossbeam to be removed and stored separately, significantly reducing the storage space required while maintaining full alignment functionality during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the crossbeam dynamic by allowing it to be moved between an operational position (extended horizontally from the vertical beam) and a storage position (detached or collapsed). This dynamic configuration enables the system to transition between providing full alignment functionality and minimizing storage footprint
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
Enables single-person alignment of movable fixtures with precision and reduces storage space requirements by allowing the target mounting system to be quickly converted between operational and storage configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The focused light beam is directed along a centerline of the vehicle and onto a focused light beam receiving surface on the focused light beam receptor
Data Source
AI summary
A target stand having a base, a vertical beam extending upwardly from the base, a crossbeam, a locking and rotation assembly having a first portion engaged for vertical movement with respect to the vertical beam and a second portion attached to the crossbeam, the first portion attached to a first upwardly extending flange on the second portion with a pivot bolt, wherein the crossbeam is configured to be disposed in a first locked horizontal position using the locking and rotation assembly, wherein the crossbeam is rotatable about the pivot bolt to move into a first non-horizontal position, wherein a second upwardly extending flange on the second portion of the locking and rotation assembly includes a first locking pin which extends through the second upwardly extending vertical flange into a first aperture in the first portion of the locking and rotation assembly when the crossbeam is in the first locked horizontal position.