Multi-Axle Vehicle Alignment Using Frame Reference Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision vehicle wheel alignment systems face challenges in efficiently measuring and aligning multiple axles of heavy-duty vehicles, requiring repeated repositioning of sensors and optical targets, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system with imaging sensors positioned in proximity to the vehicle to view optical targets on multiple axles and the vehicle frame, allowing for real-time measurement and alignment without the need for repeated sensor repositioning or runout compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional machine vision alignment systems use single-axle measurement methods, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated sensor repositioning for multi-axle vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple imaging sensors, each assigned to observe specific axles. The vehicle is segmented into multiple axles with individual optical targets, allowing parallel measurement of all axles simultaneously rather than sequential measurement, thereby eliminating repeated repositioning and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single configuration of multiple imaging sensors can measure multiple axles of heavy-duty vehicles. The system uses a common reference axis (vehicle frame centerline) for all axles, making the system adaptable to different multi-axle vehicle configurations without requiring repeated repositioning or reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If optical targets are mounted on each axle for multi-axle measurement, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity worsens due to multiple target mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement targets by assigning individual optical targets to each axle and the vehicle frame. This segmentation allows each target to be independently observed by dedicated imaging sensors, ensuring complete measurement data for all axles while maintaining organized, manageable target placement throughout the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the vehicle frame centerline as an intermediary reference axis that mediates the relationship between multiple axles. By mounting optical targets on the frame and using the frame centerline as the reference, the system simplifies the coordination between multiple axle measurements and provides a stable, unified reference for all alignment measurements.
3Measurement precision
If repeated runout compensation procedures are performed for each axle, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but loss of time increases due to repetitive compensation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs runout compensation preliminarily by having the vehicle roll forward a predetermined distance before measurement, which automatically compensates for wheel runout effects. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated runout compensation procedures for each axle during the measurement process, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous measurement capability by positioning imaging sensors to observe multiple axles simultaneously and using a unified reference axis. The system continuously captures alignment data from all axles in a single measurement session without interrupting for repeated compensation procedures, maintaining precision while eliminating time losses associated with repetitive steps.
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 efficient, real-time acquisition of wheel alignment angle measurements across multiple axles, reducing the time and effort required for alignment procedures and ensuring accurate alignment according to manufacturer specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with a set of imaging sensors disposed in spaced-apart proximity to a heavy-duty motor vehicle to observe targets individually mounted to each axle of the vehicle and to the vehicle frame
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel service system including a plurality of sensors positioned in proximity to a heavy-duty multi-axle vehicle, to measure angles associated with three or more axles of the vehicle without repositioning the mounting of the sensors after initiating a measurement procedure. Additional sensors, associated with a vehicle reference, such as the vehicle frame axis, are disposed to provide vehicle reference measurement data which is communicated to a processing system. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the measurement data and to determine various vehicle wheel alignment angle measurements and/or necessary vehicle adjustments for each axle relative to the vehicle reference or to a fixed axle having a determined relationship to the vehicle reference.