Automotive Radar Alignment Fixture Using Wheel-Mounted Laser Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing automobile radar assemblies lack precision in angular measurements, leading to potential safety issues due to improper angle and direction fixation.
Innovation Solution
A positioning assist device comprising fixators on the automobile's wheels, connecting rods, and a laser device to ensure precise angular alignment of the radar assembly, using adjustable and lockable components for accurate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual angle ruler and measuring instruments are used to measure and fix the installation angle, then the operation is simple, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into multiple functional modules: fixators for wheel mounting, connecting rods for spatial positioning, and a laser device for angle measurement. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through modular construction rather than a single complex instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser device acts as an intermediary between the mechanical positioning structure (fixators and connecting rods) and the radar assembly. It provides precise angular measurement and visualization through laser lines, enabling accurate alignment without direct manual measurement of the radar assembly itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the installation angle precision and safety performance cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical angle measurement tools (angle rulers, protractors) with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser device projects reference lines that provide visual guidance for achieving precise installation angles, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement instruments while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct angular measurement with physical tools to optical line projection. By using laser lines to define reference planes and angles, the system transforms the measurement approach from contact-based mechanical measurement to non-contact optical measurement, achieving higher precision.
3Reliability
If simple manual fixation is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of angle and direction fixation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fixators are pre-installed on the wheels before the radar assembly installation. The connecting rods are assembled to establish the reference plane before the actual angle measurement and fixation. This preliminary setup creates a stable, pre-positioned reference system that ensures reliable angle fixation during the subsequent radar assembly installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser device provides real-time visual feedback through projected laser lines that indicate whether the radar assembly is aligned with the correct installation angle. The operator can adjust the assembly position and immediately see the alignment status through the laser reference lines, enabling self-correcting alignment without complex measurement procedures.
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
Enhances the precision of radar assembly installation, thereby improving the safety performance of automobiles by ensuring accurate angular alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device movably installed on the horizontal reference rod, the laser device being used for emitting laser light downwards to form a laser line on an object located below the laser device
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning assist device includes a first fixator installed on a front wheel on one side of an automobile; a second fixator installed on a rear wheel on the same side of the automobile; a first connecting rod connected between the first fixator and the second fixator, wherein the vertical plane, where a center line in a lengthwise direction of the first connecting rod is located, is parallel to the center axis plane of the automobile; a second connecting rod arranged to be perpendicular to the first connecting rod; a horizontal reference rod which is installed on the second connecting rod and can rotate around the second connecting rod; and a laser device movably installed on the horizontal reference rod, wherein the horizontal angle, relative to the horizontal reference rod, of the laser device can be adjusted to be the angle, relative to the central axis surface of the automobile, of the energy receiving and transmitting surface for installing a radar assembly when the radar assembly to be installed is installed on one side of the automobile.