Laser Scanner for Vehicle Frame Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle frame measuring systems face inaccuracies in determining the alignment of deformed frames due to measuring errors, which can lead to misalignment of components and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system that uses coded reflective targets and a rotating laser assembly with optical block assemblies and a rotational displacement measuring assembly to accurately map the vehicle frame's geometry, accounting for variations in rotational velocity and ambient temperature, and employing a multi-level detection system for reflected beams to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a frame measuring system maps selected portions of the vehicle frame, then the alignment of the frame can be determined, but measuring errors may prevent accurate mapping and lead to incorrect alignment indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coded reflective targets as intermediary objects attached to the vehicle frame. These targets serve as mediators between the laser scanner and the frame structure, providing known reference points that enable accurate spatial mapping. The targets reflect laser beams back to the scanner with encoded position information, allowing precise determination of frame geometry without direct contact with the frame itself, thereby eliminating measuring errors associated with direct frame measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an accurate digital copy or map of the vehicle frame by scanning multiple coded reflective targets at different positions. Instead of measuring the frame directly, the system captures the spatial relationships between targets and reconstructs the frame geometry through software processing. This copying approach allows for precise alignment verification by comparing the scanned target positions against the known intended frame geometry.
2Measurement precision
If multiple selected portions of the vehicle frame are mapped to determine alignment, then comprehensive frame assessment is achieved, but measuring errors accumulate and reduce system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame measurement task is segmented into multiple discrete target positions distributed throughout the frame structure. Rather than attempting to measure the entire frame as a single complex object, the system places coded reflective targets at specific key locations and measures each target independently. This segmentation allows for comprehensive frame assessment while minimizing error accumulation, as each target measurement is independent and can be processed separately through known geometric relationships.
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 ensures precise alignment of vehicle frames by reducing measuring errors, improving the accuracy of frame alignment and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A first outward beam reflects off the target and a reflected beam from the target reflects back into the optical block assembly through the first aperture
Implementation Method 2
a rotational displacement measuring assembly fixed to the flywheel base. The rotational displacement measuring assembly is configured to measure changes in rotational angle of the flywheel base about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
accounting for variations in rotational velocity and ambient temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner determines the direction and distance of one or more targets by emitting two substantially parallel beams and receiving respective return beams. Components for handling the received beams are affixed to a monolithic block to ensure fixed relative placement. The direction of the target is determined using an optical encoder to reduce the timing window for interpolation to a fraction of the time it takes for the scanner to make a full revolution. A PLL trained by recent segment timing further improves accuracy and precision. A detection algorithm adapts detection thresholds for the different signatures of return signals depending on the distance to the target. Distance calculations are also adjusted for thermal expansion of the scanner components by including a temperature-variant thermometer output signal in the distance calculation algorithm.