Steering Wheel Zero Adjustment via Multi-Angle Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing leveler devices used for zero adjustment of a vehicle's steering wheel suffer from non-uniformity in adjustment quality due to varying rotation angles based on fixing positions, leading to inconsistent wheel alignment and potential vehicle lopsidedness.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that capture images of the steering wheel from multiple angles, process this information to measure errors in column tilting and zero adjustment, and control a drive motor to rotate the steering wheel accurately, using an image capturing unit, analysis unit, and control unit to create leveling information and perform precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a leveler device is used for zero adjustment of the steering wheel, then the rotation angle can be adjusted, but the adjustment quality becomes non-uniform due to varying fixing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical leveler device with an automated image processing system. The image capturing unit captures images of the steering wheel, and the analysis unit processes these images to calculate the rotation angle, eliminating the need for manual fixing and measurement. This substitution ensures consistent measurement quality regardless of operator skill or fixing position variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the steering wheel's current state. By analyzing the image data rather than relying on physical contact with the leveler device, the system can accurately determine the rotation angle without the inconsistencies introduced by manual fixing positions. The image serves as a reproducible reference that can be analyzed consistently.
2Ease of operation
If manual leveler adjustment is performed, then zero adjustment can be achieved, but the number of work processes increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement and self-correction by capturing images of the steering wheel, automatically analyzing the rotation angle through image processing, and calculating the required adjustment without external intervention. This automated self-service approach eliminates multiple manual work steps and improves processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system provides immediate feedback on the steering wheel's current rotation state by analyzing captured images and calculating the deviation from the correct zero position. This feedback loop enables rapid identification and correction of alignment issues, reducing the overall work process time compared to manual methods.
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is manually leveled using a leveler device, then rotation angle adjustment is possible, but measurement precision varies due to fixing position differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical leveler measurement system with an optical image processing system. The image capturing unit captures the steering wheel's position, and the analysis unit processes the image data to calculate the rotation angle with high precision. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by manual fixing positions and enhances measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for adjusting a steering wheel, the apparatus including an image capturing unit configured to capture images of a current state of a steering wheel at multiple angles, an analysis unit configured to create leveling information on zero adjustment of the steering wheel by processing the image acquired by the image capturing unit, and a control unit configured to calculate an error from preset reference leveling information depending on the leveling information created by the analysis unit and performing the zero adjustment on the steering wheel by controlling a drive unit for operating the steering wheel depending on the calculated error.