Vehicle Sensor Calibration Tool With Angular Laser Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration tools for vehicle sensors are bulky and stationary, requiring vehicles with faulty sensors to be towed to service centers for calibration, which is inconvenient and may pose safety risks as vehicles become more autonomous.
Innovation Solution
A portable set-up tool with a cross member, contact members, protractor structure, and laser carrying structure that allows for on-site calibration of vehicle sensors by centering and aligning the tool with the vehicle's center line and projecting laser lines at various angles to test sensor alignment and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current calibration tools are used, then sensor calibration can be performed, but the tools are bulky and stationary requiring vehicle towing to service centers
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is divided into separate modular components: a portable set-up tool with contact members and protractor structure, a separate laser device, and a target. This segmentation allows the calibration function to be performed with lightweight, transportable equipment rather than requiring bulky stationary tools, enabling technicians to bring calibration equipment to the vehicle location.
Solution Approach 2:
A laser is introduced as an intermediary element to establish reference lines and planes for sensor calibration. The laser creates visible reference markings in the environment that serve as mediators between the portable set-up tool and the sensor being calibrated, eliminating the need for complex direct measurement mechanisms and enabling simple visual alignment procedures.
2Reliability
If vehicle is towed to service center for calibration, then calibration can be performed with proper equipment, but safety risks increase and convenience decreases for autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing calibration services to be brought to the vehicle rather than requiring the vehicle to be moved to a service center. The contact members engage with the vehicle body to establish reference points, and the protractor structure with laser provides all necessary calibration references, enabling complete calibration functionality in a portable package that eliminates towing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If portable calibration tool is used, then on-site calibration is enabled, but precise angular measurement and alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protractor structure is integrated directly into the portable set-up tool assembly, combining the angular measurement function with the physical reference framework. The protractor's center point aligns with the contact members' engagement points on the vehicle, creating a unified reference system that maintains measurement precision while enabling portability. This merging ensures that angular measurements are taken from the correct reference point without requiring separate alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical alignment tools and complex gauge systems are replaced with an optical laser system projected through the protractor structure. The laser provides precise visual reference lines and planes that are easier to align and measure than mechanical indicators, improving both the precision of angular measurements and the ease of on-site operation. The laser's ability to create extended reference markings in the environment allows for more accurate measurements over distance compared to contact-based mechanical systems.
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 safe and convenient on-site calibration of vehicle sensors, improving safety and reducing the need for towing by allowing calibration at any location, such as a parking lot or garage, ensuring proper sensor functionality and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
The protractor structure has a laser emitting component configured to project a substantially vertical flat blade laser in a direction extending outwardly on the field-facing side of the set-up tool along one of the angular delineations of the protractor
Data Source
AI summary
A set-up tool for aiding vehicle sensor calibrations having a structure with a first and second vehicle contact points configured to contact a vehicle and establish a calibration axis. A substantially vertically projected flat blade laser may be placed in a position perpendicular to the calibration axis and used to align the set-up tool with a center of the vehicle. Once centered, the laser ma be transitioned to project a laser line, in coordination with a protractor having a base-line parallel to the calibration axis (which is now substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle), at a discreet angle away from the center of the vehicle. A target may then be placed along the laser line to aid in the calibration of vehicle sensors.