Portable Optical Wheel Alignment Device for Motor Vehicle Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chassis measurement devices for motor vehicles are inflexible, expensive, and require a large number of components, making them complicated and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device with only two portable measuring units that use optical and image recording technology to determine the alignment of front and rear wheels by capturing images of targets on the wheels and reference targets, allowing for flexible and reliable measurement with a reduced number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple measuring units are used to determine wheel positions, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single measuring unit. The measuring unit integrates image recording devices, distance measurement devices, and angle measurement devices that work together to capture comprehensive wheel position data. By merging these functions into one unit rather than using separate measuring units for each function, the patent achieves reliable wheel position determination while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various measurement tasks. It includes image recording for visual documentation, distance measurement for spatial positioning, and angle measurement for wheel alignment. This universal measuring unit can determine positions of multiple wheels and provide comprehensive chassis measurement capabilities, reducing the need for multiple specialized measuring units.
2Manufacturing precision
If measuring units are mounted on a fixed frame, then position relationship is known, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static frame-mounted measuring units to dynamic, portable measuring units that can be freely positioned. The measuring units are no longer fixed to a rigid frame but can be placed at various locations around the vehicle. The system dynamically determines position relationships through measurements (image analysis, distance measurement, angle measurement) rather than relying on fixed mechanical mounting, thereby achieving both accuracy and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical frame structure with an optical and electronic measurement system. Instead of using a physical frame to define fixed positions, the system uses image recording devices, distance measurement, and angle measurement to determine spatial relationships. This substitution of mechanical structures with optical-electronic systems eliminates the rigidity of fixed mounting while maintaining precise position determination.
3Measurement precision
If a reference system with multiple measuring heads is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement functions from a multi-headed reference system and consolidates them into a single portable measuring unit. Instead of requiring multiple fixed measuring heads distributed around the vehicle, the invention extracts the core capabilities (image recording, distance measurement, angle measurement) into one unit that can sequentially measure all wheels. This extraction reduces the number of components from multiple fixed heads to a single mobile unit while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single measuring unit to perform measurements that would traditionally require multiple units. By positioning the single unit at strategic locations and taking multiple measurements from different angles and positions, the system achieves complete wheel position determination. The single unit performs excessive or repeated measurements from various positions to compensate for not having multiple simultaneous measuring heads, thereby maintaining accuracy with fewer components.
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 and error-free measurement of the motor vehicle chassis with a simplified setup, reducing costs and complexity by using fewer components and allowing for easy positioning of the measuring units.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the four measuring heads of EP 1 184 640 A2 has at least one camera, which is aligned with a measuring target arranged in the field of view of the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A device according to the invention for measuring the running gear of a motor vehicle comprises a left measuring unit (22) to be positioned on a left side of the motor vehicle such that a measurement target (12) on a left front wheel (4) and a measurement target (14) on a left rear wheel (6) of the motor vehicle can be detected from the measuring unit (22), and a right measuring unit (24) to be positioned on a right side of the vehicle such that a measurement target (16) on a right front wheel (8) and a measurement target (18) on a right rear wheel (10) of the motor vehicle can be detected from the measuring unit (24). The device furthermore comprises an evaluation apparatus (58), which is designed to establish the vehicle geometry data from images of the measurement targets (12, 16) of the front wheels (4, 8) and of the measurement targets (14, 18) of the rear wheels (6, 10) by comparison with reference images of the measurement targets (12, 14, 16, 18). Each of the two measuring units (22, 24) comprises the following: a reference target (57, 59) that is visible from the respective other measuring unit (22, 24); an image recording unit (46, 48) for capturing an image of the measurement target (12, 16) on the front wheel (4, 8), for capturing an image of the measurement target (14, 18) on the rear wheel (6, 10) and for capturing an image of the reference target (57, 59); and an optical apparatus (26, 36), which is arranged and designed to direct the images of the measurement targets (12, 16) on the front wheel (4, 8), the images of the measurement targets (14, 18) on the rear wheel (6, 10) and the image of the reference target (57, 59) to the image recording unit (46, 48), and wherein the evaluation apparatus (58) is furthermore designed to establish the relative position of the reference targets (52, 59).