Swivel Arm Calibration Target for Vehicle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration devices for vehicles require frequent adjustments when the distance in front of the vehicle changes, making the alignment process time-consuming and inefficient, especially on uneven contact areas.
Innovation Solution
A calibration panel aligned at right angles to the vehicle's longitudinal axis is attached to a swivel arm that can rotate 180° on a vertical axis, allowing the distance to be doubled without repositioning the panel, and equipped with measuring light sources and pivotable reflector units fixed in the wheel hub center to maintain accurate alignment on inclined contact areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a calibration device uses a fixed support structure with reference laser sources mounted on the rear axle, then alignment can be achieved, but readjustment is required every time the vehicle is moved to a different distance position
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is mounted on a swivel arm that can rotate about a vertical axis, allowing the target to be dynamically repositioned between two fixed locations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual readjustment when the vehicle moves to different distance positions, as the swivel arm automatically compensates by rotating to the appropriate angular position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular position parameter of the calibration target through rotation of the swivel arm. By altering the angular orientation rather than the linear distance, the system maintains alignment precision while adapting to different vehicle positions without requiring physical readjustment of the support structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a calibration device uses a vertical column with height-adjustable crossbar and horizontal guide rail, then the target can be positioned at different heights, but the frame must be repositioned repeatedly to achieve alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is mounted on a swivel arm that can rotate about a vertical axis, allowing the target to be dynamically repositioned between two fixed locations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual readjustment when the vehicle moves to different distance positions, as the swivel arm automatically compensates by rotating to the appropriate angular position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment adjustment function from the entire support structure and concentrates it in the swivel arm mechanism. Instead of requiring the whole frame to be repositioned, only the swivel arm needs to rotate, significantly simplifying the operation and improving ease of use.
3Measurement precision
If measuring light sources are mounted on the support arm with beam direction parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, then the beam direction converges on pivoting reflector units at the rear axle, but the contact surface must be exactly horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector units are designed to automatically compensate for contact surface inclination. The pivoting mechanism allows the reflector to self-adjust its orientation relative to the incoming laser beam, maintaining accurate alignment without requiring the contact surface to be perfectly horizontal. This self-service capability eliminates the need for precise leveling of the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the reflector units through pivoting motion. By allowing the reflector to rotate and adjust its angular position, the system maintains beam alignment precision while adapting to different contact surface orientations, thereby eliminating the requirement for an exactly horizontal contact surface.
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 quick and precise alignment of the calibration panel across varying distances without repositioning, ensuring accurate calibration and reducing the need for repeated adjustments, even on uneven surfaces, by using passive reflector units and active laser measuring light sources.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light sources, preferably laser measuring light sources, are mounted at the ends of the support arm
Implementation Method 2
the beam direction converges on pivoting reflector units at the rear axle, which are designed as mirrors on one side
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning a calibration target (24) that is adjustable in front of a distance sensor (58) of a vehicle (10) on a support (18) having an arm (40) extending transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis (42), at both ends of which a measuring sensor (44) is attached, corresponding to a counter sensor (50) on the rear axle (30). According to the invention, the calibration target (24), aligned perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis (42), is mounted on a pivot arm (36) which is rotatably mounted on the support (18) on a vertical axis (38) through 180°.