Laser Alignment Stand With Pivoting Crossbeam for Vehicle Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning movable fixtures relative to vehicles are cumbersome and require significant space for storage, particularly with target mounting systems, and often require manual effort, making them inefficient for solo operation.
Innovation Solution
A focused light beam alignment system using a generator and receptor, combined with a collapsible target mounting system, allows for precise alignment of fixtures relative to a vehicle's centerline, enabling efficient storage and solo operation by utilizing a movable alignment stand aligned with the focused light beam, and a pivoting crossbeam mechanism that reduces storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plumb bob is used to align a movable stand with a vehicle centerline, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but the process requires two persons and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plumb bob system with an optical alignment system using a laser beam generator and alignment targets. The laser beam provides a visible reference line that can be easily observed and adjusted, eliminating the need for multiple persons to handle and observe a plumb bob while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment targets that display the vehicle centerline markings (such as the yellow centerline) as a visual copy or representation. This allows the operator to directly align with the copied centerline image rather than using indirect mechanical reference methods, simplifying the operation while preserving precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a target mounting system with a crossbeam is used for alignment, then alignment functionality is provided, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic crossbeam that can extend in the horizontal dimension when needed for alignment operations and retract into the vertical dimension for storage. This dimensional transformation allows the system to provide full alignment functionality during use while minimizing storage volume by collapsing the crossbeam structure vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbeam is designed as a dynamic, telescopic structure that can change its configuration between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between providing maximum alignment functionality and minimizing storage space requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and compactness.
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
The system enables precise alignment of vehicle-mounted devices with reduced manual effort and storage space, improving efficiency and convenience in alignment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The focused light beam generator is placed such that the focused light beam receptor is positioned between the focused light beam generator and the vehicle. 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 the vertical beam and a second portion attached to the crossbeam, the first portion attached to 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, and wherein the crossbeam is rotatable about the pivot bolt to move into a first non-horizontal position.