Sinusoidal Edge Optical Target Mounting for Vehicle Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional machine vision vehicle wheel alignment systems face challenges in designing universal wheel adaptors that are cost-effective, lightweight, and non-abrasive, as they require precise mounting and substantial clamping force, which can damage wheels, especially aftermarket ones with varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system with an optical target assembly featuring a sinusoidal edge base and pivoting arm assemblies for independent movement, allowing non-determined positioning on the wheel, with tire hooks for gripping and a clamping mechanism to secure the target without precision alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wheel adaptors use precise mounting and substantial clamping force, then the optical target can be securely attached to the wheel, but the wheel may be damaged or scratched
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly uses a sinusoidal (curved) contact surface instead of a flat mounting surface. This curved geometry allows the base to conform to the wheel's curvature and distribute clamping forces across multiple contact points, reducing stress concentration and preventing wheel damage while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arm assemblies enable dynamic adjustment of the tire hooks' position and angle. This allows the clamping mechanism to adapt to different wheel sizes and shapes, applying appropriate clamping force without excessive pressure that could damage the wheel, while still achieving reliable attachment
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal wheel adaptors are designed to accommodate various wheel sizes, then the device becomes more versatile, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly with its sinusoidal contact surface serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the optical target, adapts to different wheel curvatures, and distributes clamping forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized adaptors for different wheel types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arm assemblies can be independently adjusted to accommodate different wheel sizes and tire profiles. This dynamic adjustability allows a single adaptor design to work universally across various wheel configurations without requiring complex interchangeable components or multiple specialized adaptors
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical targets use high-contrast edges and large optical elements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the target size increases and more pixels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical target uses high-contrast color patterns (such as alternating light and dark segments) instead of relying solely on large physical dimensions. These high-contrast optical features can be detected accurately by the imaging system even when reduced in size, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the overall target area and pixel requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system optical target assembly which incorporates an adaptor for attachment of an optical target to a vehicle wheel assembly. The adaptor includes a circular sinusoidal edge for seating in a non-determined position against surfaces of a vehicle wheel assembly, and a pair of pivoting arm assemblies capable of independent movement which are configured to position tire hooks for gripping the tread surfaces of a tire mounted to the wheel rim. Forces exerted between the pivoting arms are transferred to the tire hooks to hold the optical target assembly in contact with the wheel assembly surface. The optical target is integrated into the adaptor, and maintained in a stationary relationship to the wheel assembly thereby during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure.