Steering Wheel Alignment Device Using Projected Light Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the parallelism of vehicle wheels in a workshop are hindered by the difficulty in accessing the steering wheel's neutral position without parallax errors, especially when the vehicle is on a lift, leading to potential misalignment and safety issues with sensor systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with a light source projecting a pattern inside the steering wheel's circle, allowing alignment from outside the vehicle, using a self-tightening telescopic bar with movable fingers for secure fixation to the vehicle body, ensuring accurate neutral position placement without human error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator sits in the driving position to check the steering wheel neutral position, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the accessibility to the vehicle is worsened and the operation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidaccessibility to vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary device that projects a light pattern onto the steering wheel. This allows the operator to check the neutral position from outside the vehicle by observing the light pattern alignment, eliminating the need to sit in the driving position while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical action of sitting in the driving position and visually checking the steering wheel with an optical system. The light source projects patterns that can be observed from a distance, substituting the need for physical presence in the driver's seat with an optical measurement method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the operator sits in the driving position to check the steering wheel neutral position, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the operation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The light source acts as an intermediary that provides continuous visual feedback on the steering wheel position without requiring the operator to repeatedly enter and exit the driving position. The projected light pattern remains visible throughout the adjustment process, reducing the time needed for multiple checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source provides continuous alignment indication throughout the adjustment process, allowing the operator to monitor the steering wheel position continuously from outside the vehicle. This eliminates the intermittent nature of checking by entering and exiting the driving position, thereby reducing total operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a light source projects a light pattern inside the steering wheel circle, then the accessibility and operation time are improved, but the risk of parallax errors is worsened unless the operator is perfectly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light pattern is segmented into multiple distinct elements (such as radial lines or segmented circular patterns) that create multiple reference points for alignment verification. This segmentation allows the operator to check alignment from various angles and positions, reducing the impact of parallax errors by providing redundant reference features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 precise alignment of the steering wheel in the neutral position from outside the vehicle, eliminating parallax errors and facilitating adjustments, thus ensuring correct operation and safety of vehicle systems.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to project at least one light pattern defining at least one alignment direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20230331300A1Device for assisting with positioning a steering wheel of a vehicle in the neutral straight-running position

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 AE LINE

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for assisting placement of the steering wheel of a vehicle in a neutral position of a trajectory and in a rectilinear position, device including a light source configured to project at least one light pattern defining at least one alignment direction and fixing unit adapted to allow temporary fixing of the device on the vehicle so that the light pattern is projected inside the circle delimited by the steering wheel.