Modular Laser Wheel Alignment System for Compact Service Bays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheel alignment systems are limited in accuracy, efficiency, and practicality, particularly in measuring caster and camber, and require significant space and budget for full alignment racks.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle wheel alignment system comprising four alignment heads with lasers, targets, and transmitters/receivers, rim clamps, and turn plates, which allows for precise measurement and recording of camber, caster, and thrust angle, and is compact and cost-effective, enabling use in various service environments without the need for a full alignment rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full alignment rack is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into separate modular components: alignment heads with lasers and targets mounted on the vehicle, wireless transmitters, and receivers. This segmentation allows the system to achieve full alignment rack functionality without requiring a single complex physical structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical alignment rack system with an optical-mechanical system using lasers, targets, and wireless communications. This substitution eliminates the need for physical alignment racks while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical alignment principles, thus reducing both device complexity and space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a full alignment rack is used, then measurement precision is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment functionality is extracted from the large physical alignment rack structure and implemented through compact, mobile components that can be mounted on the vehicle itself. The alignment heads, lasers, and wireless devices can be positioned and removed as needed, dramatically reducing the permanent space occupation while maintaining full alignment measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a three-dimensional space-consuming mechanical rack structure to a more efficient configuration where alignment components are mounted on the vehicle's existing structure. This dimensional reorganization allows the system to achieve full functionality without requiring the extensive floor space of traditional alignment racks.
3Measurement precision
If traditional alignment systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is designed to be self-sufficient by mounting alignment heads and lasers directly on the vehicle, with wireless communication enabling automatic data transmission. The system performs alignment measurements autonomously without requiring complex manual setup or intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment heads are designed as multi-functional units that can perform various alignment measurements (caster, camber, toe) using the same basic laser and target configuration. This universality simplifies operation by eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices or complex procedure changes, while maintaining full measurement capability across different alignment parameters.
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 provides accurate and efficient wheel alignment measurements, reducing space and budget requirements while maintaining industrial-grade precision, making it suitable for automotive service users who want to offer alignment services without the need for a full alignment rack.
Implementation Method 1
each alignment head having a laser, a target, and a transmitter/receiver
Implementation Method 2
each alignment head having a laser, a target, and a transmitter/receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment system for aligning the wheels of a vehicle. The alignment system measures caster and camber of the front wheels of the vehicle. The system includes four alignment heads, each alignment head having a laser, a target, and a transmitter/receiver. A rim clamp communicatively couples each alignment head to the wheel of the vehicle. A turn plates is positioned below each front wheel of the vehicle.