Mobile Measurement Trolley with Auxiliary Coupling for Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement systems for vehicles and vehicle parts face challenges in repeatably accurate positioning and automated measurement, limiting their effectiveness and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile measurement system comprising a measurement auxiliary device and a mobile measurement trolley with an adjustable coupling device, enabling precise and automated positioning of a robot-mounted sensor relative to the measurement object, allowing for flexible deployment and operation across different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile measurement stand is used instead of a stationary system, then the system becomes portable and can be deployed at different locations, but the positioning accuracy and repeatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement auxiliary device as an intermediary element that couples the mobile measurement trolley to the vehicle or vehicle part. This auxiliary device includes coupling elements that mechanically connect to the trolley and provide reference surfaces for accurate positioning. The intermediary device enables the mobile system to achieve positioning accuracy comparable to stationary systems by providing physical coupling points and alignment references.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement auxiliary device is attached to the vehicle or vehicle part before the measurement process begins. This preliminary attachment establishes fixed reference points and coupling interfaces that guide the mobile measurement trolley to the correct position and orientation. By preparing the auxiliary device in advance, the system ensures repeatable positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile measurement system is used, then the system can be repositioned for multiple measurement tasks, but the setup time and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate modular components: a mobile measurement trolley containing the measurement device, and a measurement auxiliary device that attaches to the vehicle or vehicle part. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and then quickly coupled together. The auxiliary device can be pre-attached to different vehicles or parts, enabling rapid deployment of the measurement trolley to multiple locations without extensive setup at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement auxiliary device is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can interface with different vehicles and vehicle parts. The coupling mechanism and reference surfaces are standardized to work across multiple measurement tasks and locations. This universality allows the same auxiliary device design to be used repeatedly for different measurement campaigns, reducing setup time and eliminating the need for location-specific customization.
3Productivity
If automated measurement is implemented, then measurement efficiency improves, but the system complexity and device requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement auxiliary device is designed to automatically guide the mobile measurement trolley into the correct position through mechanical coupling elements and reference surfaces. The physical interface between the auxiliary device and trolley provides self-aligning features that eliminate the need for complex electronic positioning systems or manual adjustment mechanisms. This self-service approach enables automated measurement while keeping the system relatively simple by relying on passive mechanical guidance rather than active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile measurement system for three-dimensional optical measurement of vehicles and vehicle parts, includes a measurement auxiliary device which can be arranged on the vehicle or vehicle part with repeat accuracy, and a mobile measurement trolley on which a robot is arranged, which carries at least one measurement sensor, and which further has a coupling apparatus for mechanically coupling to the measurement auxiliary device, enabling positioning of the measurement trolley relative to the measurement auxiliary device, and thus relative to the vehicle or vehicle part, with repeat accuracy.