Rolling Master Fixture with Kingpin Axis for Wheel Alignment Calibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rolling master fixtures cannot accurately calibrate caster and king pin angle measurements in wheel alignment stations due to unacceptable play in wheel suspension connections and variations in vertical position, limiting the accuracy of these critical vehicle parameters.

Innovation Solution

A rolling master fixture with a steering arrangement and a physical king pin axis, allowing the front wheels to be steered and enabling precise measurement and calibration of caster and king pin angles, utilizing an aluminum support frame for realistic vehicle behavior and incorporating a control panel for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wheel suspensions are included in the rolling master fixture, then caster angle and king pin angle measurements become possible, but unacceptable play in connection points and vertical position variations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture separates the wheel suspension system into independent modular units, each wheel assembly being independently mounted to the frame. This segmentation eliminates connection play between suspension components while maintaining the ability to measure all four wheel angles (toe, camber, caster, and king pin angles) through individual wheel measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical wheel suspension systems with a simplified direct mounting system where wheels are rigidly attached to the frame. This mechanical substitution eliminates the play and variability inherent in traditional suspension connections, providing stable and repeatable measurement conditions for all wheel alignment parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional rolling master fixtures are used, then toe angle and camber angle calibration is possible, but caster angle and king pin angle calibration cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling master fixture is designed with universal measurement capability that can simultaneously measure all four wheel alignment parameters (toe angle, camber angle, caster angle, and king pin angle) using a single integrated system. This multi-functional design allows one fixture to perform all calibration tasks that previously required multiple different fixtures or measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture incorporates steerable front wheels that can be dynamically positioned to simulate actual vehicle steering conditions. This dynamic capability enables the measurement of caster angle and king pin angle by allowing the front wheels to turn, creating the geometric conditions necessary for measuring these parameters that were previously impossible with fixed-wheel fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed wheel mounting is used, then structural stability is maintained, but steering capability and realistic vehicle behavior are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsteering capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The front wheels are mounted on steerable pivots that allow them to turn while maintaining a stable connection to the frame. This dynamic mounting enables the wheels to change orientation for steering simulations while the pivot connection maintains structural stability, eliminating the need to choose between fixed rigid mounting and movable steerable mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A steering mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed frame structure and the movable front wheels. This intermediary component (the steering pivot and linkage system) allows the wheels to be steered while maintaining a stable, repeatable connection to the frame, enabling both structural stability and steering capability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240035813A1Rolling master with kingpin axis and steering to calibrate wheel alignment stations

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

A rolling master fixture for calibration of a wheel alignment station and/or measurement devices thereof is provided. The rolling master fixture includes a support frame, two rear wheels mounted to the support frame, two front wheels mounted to the support frame through a front wheel mounting arrangement, and a steering arrangement for steering the front wheels. The rolling master fixture enables calibration of king pin angle and caster angle, through the turnably mounted front wheels.