Deflection-Resistant Turn Plate Assembly for Wheel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle wheel alignment procedures are compromised by undesired reactions in the vehicle suspension system due to physical deflection of turn plates and gaps between the runway surface and turn/slip plates, leading to reduced measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A combination slip plate and turn plate assembly with a common base plate and synchronized translational and rotational movements, supported by bearing assemblies and cam bars, maintains a precision planar surface and minimizes deflection by using a recessed base plate and retractable roller wheels for positioning, ensuring accurate alignment measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If turn plates are used to permit vehicle wheel rotation without lifting, then ease of operation is improved, but physical deflection of the turn plate surface causes measurement precision to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wheel rotationVSAvoidalignment measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The turn plate is divided into multiple segments that can rotate independently, allowing the vehicle wheels to rotate without causing deflection of the entire turn plate surface. This segmentation maintains measurement precision while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mediator mechanism is introduced between the turn plate and the vehicle wheels, which transmits rotational motion while maintaining a stable, non-deflecting surface for measurement. This intermediary resolves the contradiction between ease of rotation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If gaps are left between runway surface and turn plates for movement, then ease of operation is improved, but undesired reactions in vehicle suspension increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of vehicle movementVSAvoidsuspension reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mediator structure is introduced to bridge the gap between the runway surface and turn plate, providing continuous support to the vehicle suspension while allowing necessary movement. This eliminates harmful suspension reactions while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible support structure is used to connect the runway surface and turn plate, allowing movement while maintaining structural integrity and eliminating gaps that cause suspension reactions. This flexible connection provides continuous support without restricting motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If turn plates are made larger to reduce deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment measurement accuracyVSAvoidturn plate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire turn plate larger, the structure is segmented into multiple smaller units that can rotate independently. This achieves the precision benefits of a larger surface without the complexity of supporting and controlling a single large rotating structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented turn plate structure serves multiple functions: it provides a large effective surface area for measurement precision while each segment remains simple in structure. The same segmentation approach enables both precision and simplicity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides a precision planar surface that reduces undesired reactions in the vehicle suspension system, enhancing the accuracy of wheel alignment measurements and maintaining structural integrity under vehicle loads.

Implementation Method 1

Disposed above the base plate, and supported on assemblies of ball bearings held in place by associated retainers, is a slip plate and a turn plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

at least one transverse cam bar disposed to selectively support the slip plate and turn plate against the base plate within a longitudinal region between adjacent bearing assemblies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

retractable roller wheels for positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRoller: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS9199831B2Deflection resistant combination turn plate and slip plate

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY

AI summary

A deflection resistant combination slip plate and turn plate assembly for support the steered wheels of a vehicle on a precision planar surface resistant to deflection and distortion. The slip plate and the turn plate are supported on an underlying surface by bearing assemblies, and establish a upper planar surface with the turn plate disposed in a cutout region of the slip plate. Each plate is configured for limited translational movement relative to the base plate surface on which it is supported, while the turn plate is further configured for rotational movement about a central axis. Translational movement of the plates is synchronized. Spacing between the slip plate and turn plate is minimized, and supporting means are provided to maintain the slip plate and turn plate in vertical alignment under load.