Self-Centering Laser Measuring System for Motorcycle Frame Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing motorcycle frames are inefficient and costly, requiring extensive disassembly and using outdated equipment, leading to prolonged repair times and inadequate documentation, which frustrates insurance companies and customers.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle frame rack with universal mounting brackets and a self-centering laser measuring device that allows for faster and more affordable frame straightening and adjustments, utilizing a central laser and side components with coupling mechanisms to measure and align the frame accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional frame repair methods are used, then frame damage can be repaired, but the process requires extensive disassembly and takes eight weeks, resulting in prolonged repair time
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into modular components: a laser measuring device with multiple independent measuring points, a computer for data processing, and a frame rack with universal mounting brackets. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple frame parameters without sequential disassembly steps, reducing repair time from eight weeks to a fraction of that time while maintaining comprehensive frame assessment capability.
2Reliability
If traditional frame repair equipment is used, then frame alignment can be achieved, but documentation is inadequate and cannot provide before and after specifications, frustrating insurance companies
Solution Approach 1:
The laser measuring device provides real-time feedback on frame alignment by continuously measuring distances between multiple points and comparing them against stored factory specifications. The computer processes this data and generates comprehensive before-and-after documentation that automatically records all measurement changes, providing insurance companies with detailed evidence of damage and repair quality without manual documentation efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of frame specifications through laser measurements, storing original factory specifications and captured damage states as digital data. This allows permanent preservation and comparison of frame geometry without physical documentation, enabling insurance companies to review detailed before-and-after specifications electronically.
3Productivity
If motorcycle frames are sent to specialized frame shops, then professional repair can be performed, but transportation costs and eight-week waiting periods increase overall repair cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The frame repair system is designed with universal mounting brackets that can accommodate any motorcycle frame type, making the equipment multi-functional. Dealerships can perform professional-grade frame repairs in-house using this single versatile system, eliminating the need to transport motorcycles to specialized frame shops and reducing the eight-week waiting period to local repair turnaround time.
4Ease of operation
If the Motojig bench system is used, then frame repair can be performed, but the equipment is cumbersome and requires hoisting the motorcycle, making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the cumbersome mechanical Motojig bench system with a laser-based optical measuring system mounted on a simple frame rack. Instead of requiring physical manipulation and hoisting of the motorcycle, the laser device non-contactlessly measures frame geometry, eliminating the need for complex mechanical benches and hoisting equipment while 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
Enables rapid and cost-effective motorcycle frame repairs without disassembly, providing detailed documentation and ensuring frames are restored to factory specifications, reducing repair time and costs for both customers and insurance companies.
Implementation Method 1
A self-centering laser measuring device for measuring a motorcycle frame comprises a central component with a laser
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.