Retro-reflective Target Wafer Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retro-reflective target wafers used in wheel alignment systems are fragile, prone to breakage, and suffer from accuracy issues due to humidity and chemical contamination, as well as temperature extremes, leading to distortion and reduced system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A composite target structure featuring a thermally stable board with adhered retro-reflective material and a scratch-resistant outer layer, secured with a sealed periphery, replaces the fragile glass layers, enhancing structural stability and protection against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass layers are used to protect retro-reflective material, then protection from humidity and contamination is achieved, but the structure becomes fragile and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid substrate (PCB or metal plate) with retro-reflective material and a protective clear coating. This composite approach provides both protection from environmental factors and structural strength, eliminating the need for fragile glass layers while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If glass cover layers are used, then protection against environmental factors is provided, but the target becomes susceptible to distortion from temperature extremes and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using a rigid substrate with high thermal stability (PCB or metal plate) instead of glass cover layers. This material substitution maintains protection against environmental factors while eliminating distortion from temperature extremes and humidity, thereby preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If epoxy glue is used to attach retro-reflective sheets to glass layers, then sealing and attachment are achieved, but the structure becomes vulnerable to impact and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where the retro-reflective material is adhered directly to a rigid substrate using durable adhesive, eliminating the fragile glass layer that required epoxy glue sealing. This composite approach maintains ease of manufacture through sealing and attachment while significantly improving resistance to impact and stress.
4Device complexity
If thin retro-reflective sheets are used, then the target remains lightweight and simple, but the material becomes fragile and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where thin retro-reflective material is adhered to a rigid substrate (PCB or metal plate). This combination maintains the simplicity and lightweight characteristics of thin sheets while the rigid substrate provides structural support and durability, protecting the retro-reflective material from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin retro-reflective sheet as a flexible element adhered to a rigid substrate. The thin film maintains simplicity and lightweight properties, while the rigid substrate provides the structural strength and protection against damage, achieving both simplicity and durability through this hybrid approach.
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 solution provides a structurally stable and durable retro-reflective target that maintains accuracy over wide temperature ranges, resists humidity and chemical contamination, and is less prone to breakage, thereby improving the reliability of wheel alignment systems.
Implementation Method 1
retro-reflective target wafer for a position determination system
Data Source
AI summary
A target that is usable in a position determination system such as, for example, a wheel alignment system, is structurally stable over wide temperature ranges, protected from humidity and chemical contamination, and not subject to breakage. A layered target structure includes a substrate board, a retro-reflective layer formed on the substrate board, a transparent sheet overlaying the retro-reflective layer, and an opaque patterned layer between the a retro-reflective layer and the transparent sheet. The layered target structure may be secured a support assembly.