Self-Leveling Laser Wheel Alignment Tool for Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wheel alignment tools for heavy trucks and truck trailers are bulky, complicated, time-consuming, and expensive, making them inefficient and costly for regular maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A compact, inexpensive alignment tool using self-leveling lasers, a fifth wheel adapter, and measuring tape to provide quick and accurate wheel alignment measurements, ensuring proper alignment according to manufacturer specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment tools are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is divided into separate modular components: a laser level unit, a measuring tape, and reference markers. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while collectively providing accurate alignment measurements when used together as a system.
2Measurement precision
If traditional alignment tools are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the tool becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inexpensive, readily available components such as a standard laser level, measuring tape, and simple reference markers instead of expensive specialized alignment equipment. These basic tools can be easily manufactured or obtained, making the alignment process cost-effective while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional alignment tools are used, then alignment checking is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The laser level is set up in advance to project reference lines onto the ground before the vehicle is positioned. This preliminary setup creates ready-to-use alignment references that speed up the measurement process, allowing quick visual comparison of wheel positions against the pre-established laser lines without complex real-time calculations.
4Measurement precision
If traditional alignment tools are used, then alignment measurements can be taken, but the tool becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The laser level automatically provides vertical and horizontal reference lines without requiring operator intervention to establish these references. The measuring tape and reference markers are designed to be self-explanatory and easy to position, allowing even inexperienced users to perform accurate alignment measurements with minimal training.
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 quick, accurate, and cost-effective wheel alignment of heavy trucks and trailers, reducing tire wear and maintenance costs, while being easy to use and adaptable to different surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The SL Laser comprises a body portion, a self-leveling attachment means for attaching the Laser to the vehicle and a laser light. The self-leveling function of the Laser ensures that the Laser is substantially vertical to the ground when attached to the vehicle to provide accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 2
The self-leveling function of the Laser ensures that the Laser is substantially vertical to the ground when attached to the vehicle to provide accurate measurements. The Laser light preferably provides a '+' laser marking on the ground
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment tool and method is disclosed for use in aligning wheels of trucks and truck trailers. The tool includes at least one self-leveling laser for checking wheel alignment. The self-leveling laser includes a body, an attachment member and a laser. The attachment member secures the alignment tool to the vehicle or trailer and the alignment tool provides for self-leveling to enable a user to make various predetermined measurements from the laser marking “+” when aligning the wheels of the vehicle or trailer. The alignment tool also may include a fifth wheel adapter for attaching the alignment tool to a fifth wheel pin of a truck trailer when checking the alignment of a truck trailer.