Vehicle Centerline Measurement for Frame-Free Wheel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining wheel alignment parameters are inadequate for vehicles without a conventional vehicle frame, such as buses, as they rely on a preset plane formed by the frame, which is not present in all vehicles, leading to potential inaccuracies in wheel alignment measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a measuring arrangement that attaches to various positions on the vehicle body to determine lateral, longitudinal, and vertical coordinate positions, allowing for the calculation of a longitudinally extending centerline, which serves as a reference for wheel alignment, using optical markers and image capturing units to ensure accurate measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a preset plane formed by the vehicle frame is used for wheel alignment measurement, then the measurement process is simplified, but the method becomes inapplicable to vehicles without a conventional frame (e.g., buses)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to vehicles without frameVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a measuring arrangement as an intermediary device that can be attached to any position on the vehicle body. This measuring arrangement includes coordinate position determination means that can establish a reference plane without requiring a preset vehicle frame, thereby enabling wheel alignment measurement on vehicles without conventional frames while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the reference plane by using the measuring arrangement to determine coordinate positions and calculate a reference plane mathematically. This virtual reference plane serves the same function as the physical preset plane in conventional methods, but can be applied to any vehicle body type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring arrangement attaches to fixed positions on the vehicle frame, then the reference plane is stable, but the method cannot be applied to vehicles without a frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to various vehicle typesVSAvoidwheel alignment measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static reference plane concept into a dynamic solution where the measuring arrangement can be attached to any position on the vehicle body. The coordinate position determination means dynamically establishes the reference plane based on the actual attachment position, ensuring both adaptability to different vehicle types and measurement precision through mathematical calculation of the reference plane from measured coordinates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple fixed measurement positions are required on the vehicle frame, then the reference system is accurate, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenterline determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by having the measuring arrangement determine coordinate positions at multiple positions and calculate the reference plane in advance. This pre-established reference plane serves as the basis for all subsequent wheel alignment measurements, eliminating the need to repeatedly establish the reference system during actual measurements, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method enables precise determination of wheel alignment parameters relative to the actual centerline of the vehicle, reducing wheel wear and simplifying the measurement process by allowing the measuring arrangement to be attached to any position on the vehicle body, thus improving measurement accuracy and applicability to vehicles without a conventional frame.

Implementation Method 1

determining a lateral, longitudinal and vertical coordinate position of the first position at the first longitudinal side portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotogrammetry: Photogrammetry

Data Source

PatentEP3935344B1A method and a system for determining wheel alignment parameter of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 CAR O LINER AB

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method determining wheel alignment parameter of a vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle body (104). In particular, the method is performed by attaching a measuring arrangement (200) to positions at a first (106) and second (108) longitudinally extending side portions of the vehicle body (104), respectively. A first (220) and a second (230) lateral center position are determined whereby a wheel alignment parameter in the form of a longitudinally extending centerline (240) of the vehicle(100) is determined.