Retro-reflective Target Wafer Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retro-reflective targets in wheel alignment systems are fragile, prone to breakage, and susceptible to distortion from humidity and chemical contamination, leading to accuracy issues and short lifespan due to loose glue bonds and rough handling.
Innovation Solution
A composite target design featuring a thermally stable board with adhered retro-reflective material and a scratch-resistant transparent outer layer, sealed with epoxy glue to the supporting structure, eliminating glass layers and enhancing structural integrity and protection against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If glass layers are used to protect the retro-reflective sheet, then protection from humidity and chemical contamination is improved, but the target becomes fragile and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass layers from the target structure entirely, extracting the harmful element (fragile glass) while maintaining the protective function through alternative means (sealed housing). This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the source of breakage while preserving protection against environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a rigid backing board, retro-reflective sheet, and sealed housing made from durable materials. This composite construction provides both structural strength and environmental protection without requiring fragile glass layers.
2Reliability
If hard epoxy glue is used to seal the edges, then permanent attachment and sealing are improved, but stress concentration and breakage risk increase under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the perimeter epoxy glue sealing method entirely, removing the source of stress concentration and breakage risk. The sealing function is achieved through alternative means (integrated sealed housing) that do not create brittle stress points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing approach from chemical bonding (epoxy glue) to mechanical sealing (integrated housing structure), altering the physical parameters of the sealing mechanism to reduce stress concentration and improve impact resistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retro-reflective sheet is positioned between glass layers, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but distortion from humidity and rough handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass layers that trap humidity against the retro-reflective sheet, eliminating the source of distortion while maintaining environmental protection through the sealed housing design that prevents humidity ingress without creating internal stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible or rigid sealed housing (depending on embodiment) that protects the retro-reflective sheet from environmental factors without creating the rigid confinement that causes distortion. The housing allows for thermal expansion and contraction without distorting the target pattern.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If glass coverings are used, then protection from chemical contamination is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to breakage risk during positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass coverings that create breakage risk during handling, eliminating the hazard while maintaining chemical contamination protection through the sealed housing structure that is inherently more resistant to impact during positioning operations.
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 target that maintains accuracy over wide temperature ranges, resists humidity and chemical contamination, and is less prone to breakage, improving the reliability and longevity of wheel alignment systems.
Implementation Method 1
Retro-reflective target wafer for a visual position determination system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
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 (10) includes a substrate board (12) , an retro-reflective layer (14) formed on the substrate board (12) , a transparent sheet (16) overlaying the retro-reflective layer (14) , and an opaque patterned layer (16) between the retro-reflective layer and the transparent sheet . The layered target structure may be secured a support assembly.