Non-Contact Optical Sensors for Moving Vehicle Wheel Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle inspection systems cannot effectively measure wheel assembly dimensions and identify tire sizes of moving vehicles, limiting their ability to provide accurate quick checks or audit inspections, especially when vehicles are in motion.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle inspection system utilizing non-contact optical sensors, including laser displacement sensors and optical imaging sensors, to capture images and measurement data from moving vehicles, allowing for the determination of wheel rim diameters, bead seat diameters, and tire sizes by analyzing changes in optical properties and projected laser patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-contact optical sensors are used to measure stationary vehicle wheel assemblies, then measurement precision is improved, but the system cannot effectively measure moving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring stationary wheel assemblies to measuring moving wheel assemblies by implementing dynamic measurement capabilities. The sensor system captures images and data from vehicles in motion, and the processing system compensates for motion effects through algorithms that account for vehicle speed, suspension movement, and steering changes during the measurement window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with non-contact optical sensing systems. Instead of physically touching the wheel assembly with measurement devices, the system uses optical sensors to capture images and laser displacement sensors to measure dimensions without mechanical contact, enabling measurement of moving vehicles.
2Productivity
If laser displacement sensors are used to measure moving vehicles, then productivity is improved through quick checks, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vehicle motion influences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images and measurement data points during the brief window when the vehicle passes through the sensor field. The processing system then synthesizes these preliminary measurements into accurate wheel assembly dimensions, compensating for motion effects that occur during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle position, speed, and orientation during measurement. The processing system uses this feedback information to adjust measurements in real-time, compensating for suspension movement, steering changes, and other motion-related variables that affect measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure wheel assemblies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by using the same sensor array to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The optical sensors capture both images for visual inspection and measurement data for dimensional analysis, while the laser displacement sensors measure multiple wheel assembly parameters (rim diameter, tire width, offset) through a single measurement pass, reducing the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement type.
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 accurate measurement of wheel assembly dimensions and tire sizes from moving vehicles, aiding in vehicle identification and recommending suitable tire replacements, while minimizing operator interaction and improving inspection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilize non-contact optical sensors to acquire images and measurement data associated with a vehicle wheel assembly
Implementation Method 2
laser displacement sensors can be used to measure a distance between a fixed sensor and various points on vehicle wheel assemblies
Implementation Method 3
evaluate the acquired image and/or measurement data to determine at least one dimension associated with an observed vehicle wheel assembly
Implementation Method 4
analyzeing changes in optical properties and projected laser patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle inspection or measurement method and system configured to utilize non-contact optical sensors to acquire images and measurement data associated with at least one vehicle wheel assembly as a vehicle moves through a field of view, and to evaluate the acquired image and/or measurement data to determine at least one dimension associated with an observed feature of the vehicle wheel assembly.