Three-Wheeled Vehicle Wheel Alignment Using Laser Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel alignment systems for three-wheeled vehicles lack precision and are prone to user error due to the difficulty in aligning the front wheels with respect to the single rear wheel, as existing sensor-based systems are expensive and require manual placement of targets with low precision.
Innovation Solution
A wheel alignment system featuring a reflecting assembly with mirrors and laser emitting assemblies that emit laser light parallel to the front wheel vertical planes, allowing for precise alignment without manual target placement, using a wheel hub adapter to support the laser emitting assembly and indicia marked on a plate for accurate toe angle determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based systems are used for wheel alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor-based systems with a simpler optical system using laser emiters and mirrors. The laser emiters project laser lines onto mirrors mounted on the rear wheel, and the reflected lines are observed to determine toe angle, eliminating the need for expensive electronic sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies of the rear wheel position through laser lines reflected by mirrors. Instead of directly measuring the rear wheel position with sensors, the system projects laser lines onto mirrors that reflect the wheel's position information back to the observer, providing a visual copy of the alignment data.
2Ease of operation
If manual target placement is used for alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual target placement by using laser emiters that automatically project laser lines and mirrors that automatically reflect these lines. The alignment targets are generated and positioned by the system itself rather than requiring manual placement by the operator, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser lines are projected and mirrors are positioned in advance to establish precise reference lines before the alignment measurement begins. This preliminary setup of optical references eliminates the need for manual target placement during the measurement process, ensuring both precision and operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the rear wheel is obscured from view, then ease of operation is improved by allowing the vehicle to remain on the ground, but measurement precision deteriorates as the wheel position cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements that capture the laser lines reflected from the rear wheel area and redirect them to the observer. This allows the rear wheel position to be measured indirectly through the reflected laser lines, maintaining measurement precision even when the rear wheel itself is obscured from direct view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct line-of-sight measurement to indirect optical measurement using reflected laser lines. By using mirrors to reflect the laser lines back to the observer, the system measures the rear wheel position in a different dimensional path (through reflection) rather than requiring direct visual access, thus maintaining precision while allowing the vehicle to remain on the ground.
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 and repeatable alignment of toe angles with reduced user error, as the system directly reflects laser light onto marked indicia, eliminating the need for manual target placement and ensuring accurate wheel alignment without obscuring the rear wheel.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror reflects the first laser light toward the first indicia
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel alignment system for a three-wheeled vehicle comprises a reflecting assembly and a first laser emitting assembly. The reflecting assembly includes a first mirror having a first reflective surface arranged in a first mirror plane that is perpendicular to a rear wheel vertical plane, which is defined centrally through a rear wheel along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The first laser emitting assembly includes a first laser emitter configured to emit a first laser light at the reflective surface along a laser line parallel to a first front wheel vertical plane, which is defined centrally through a first front wheel, and first indicia corresponding to a toe angle of the first front wheel. The first the mirror reflects the first laser light toward the first indicia.