Optical Vehicle Diagnostic System Using Laser and Photodiodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnosis and measurement systems are cumbersome, require skilled operators, and lack accuracy and repeatability, often necessitating leveling and being inflexible, which can lead to measurement errors due to human mistakes and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An optical system using a computing device, photodiodes, and a measuring head with a laser and encoders to automatically measure distances and orientations, secured to the vehicle via a rigid structure, allowing for quick and accurate data acquisition without leveling, and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional measurement systems (tram gauges, mechanical systems) are used, then portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (tram gauges, rulers) with an optical measurement system using laser beams and photodiodes. The laser emits light that reflects off targets on the vehicle, and photodiodes detect the reflected light to calculate distances and orientations automatically, eliminating manual mechanical measurement while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photodiodes and laser beams as intermediaries between the measurement device and the vehicle structure. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the optical field serves as the mediator to transfer measurement information, enabling non-contact, automated, and highly precise measurements.
2Measurement precision
If skilled operators use farrow arms for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs measurements automatically without requiring skilled operators. The laser automatically emits beams, photodiodes automatically detect reflected light, and the computing device automatically calculates positions and orientations. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for human intervention in the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical farrow arms with a simplified optical system. Instead of mechanical probes that require manual positioning and triggering, the system uses laser beams and photodiodes for automated detection, significantly reducing device complexity and operation difficulty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotating laser systems with multiple targets are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to gravity-dependent target positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical target positioning with an optical system. Instead of relying on gravity to keep targets vertical, the system uses laser beams and photodiodes to detect positions and orientations independently of gravitational effects, eliminating the source of measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from gravity-dependent mechanical positioning to optical field-based detection. By using laser light reflection and photodiode detection, the system measures positions and orientations through optical parameters rather than gravitational alignment, achieving reliability independent of environmental factors.
4Measurement precision
If manual leveling procedures are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines vehicle orientation and positions without requiring manual leveling procedures. The laser and photodiodes detect the actual geometric conditions of the vehicle, and the computing device calculates measurements based on detected parameters, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating time-consuming setup steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from active leveling (manually adjusting the device to be horizontal) to passive adaptation (detecting and calculating based on actual vehicle orientation). The system measures in the vehicle's natural coordinate system, eliminating the need for leveling while maintaining accuracy.
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 high accuracy and speed in vehicle state assessment, enabling operators to quickly and reliably determine the geometric conditions of a vehicle, reducing setup time and costs, and allowing for portable and efficient measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring head detachably mounted at a desired location via a linking structure. The measuring head comprises a laser configured to emit laser beam towards the photodiodes
Implementation Method 2
The beam of the laser rotates at 360° and has to reach targets that are set on the required point of the structure of the vehicle. When the beam of the laser reaches a target, the distance is known
Implementation Method 3
The target needs to be set approximately normal to the laser beam but a small change of angles for example, would not affect the accuracy of the measure. Moreover, the use of photodiodes makes it possible to have an automatic triggering, by focusing the laser beam on the photodiodes
Implementation Method 4
The at least two encoders of the measuring head, disposed in vertical axis and horizontal axis, respectively, collects data including distance between the point of emission of the laser and the photodiodes, angle between the direction of laser and horizontal axis, and orientation of the laser regarding the vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measurement system for measuring one or more portions of an object such as a vehicle and solving the issues relating to attitude of vehicle while measuring the one or more portions of the vehicle, is disclosed. The optical measurement system comprising a diagnostic, measurement and repair equipment arranged on the object for example a vehicle via a rigid linking structure. The system comprises a measuring head and one or more targets comprising one or more set of photodiodes. The measuring head is mounted under or on the vehicle. The system is configured to measure parameters representative of the vehicle. The device further comprises a computing device in communication with the equipment, comprising set of instructions to determine a position of the target regarding to a reference point. The location of the point is then compared to an original location of the point to determine the damage in the vehicle.