Vehicle Fixture Alignment Targets for Frame Repair Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle repair systems lack verification of fixture positioning and accuracy in straightening or replacing vehicle frames, leading to potential faulty repairs due to inexact coordinates and limited measurement ranges of laser scanners.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle fixturing system with alignment targets and securing mechanisms that verify proper fixture placement and repair accuracy, using locating members, fixture bases, and alignment targets to ensure correct positioning and measurement verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanners are used to measure vehicle frame dimensions, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy decreases with distance squared limiting range to a few meters
Solution Approach 1:
Retro-reflective targets are introduced as intermediary objects between the laser scanner and the vehicle frame. These targets are positioned at specific locations on the frame and reflect laser beams back to the scanner, enabling accurate measurement of distant points without the accuracy degradation that would occur with direct scanning at those distances
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses retro-reflective targets that create optical copies of the laser beam path. By measuring the position of these targets rather than directly scanning the frame at a distance, the system achieves accurate dimensional data while extending the effective measurement range beyond the scanner's direct line-of-sight limitations
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixtures are used to secure the vehicle during repair, then vehicle stabilization is achieved, but there is no verification that the fixtures are in the proper positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates retro-reflective targets positioned on or near the fixtures that provide feedback to the laser scanner about fixture positions. By continuously monitoring the spatial coordinates of these targets, the system verifies that fixtures are correctly positioned according to manufacturer specifications, enabling real-time validation of fixture placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual verification process for fixture positioning is replaced with an optical measurement system. Instead of relying on mechanical alignment tools or visual inspection, the laser scanner optically measures the positions of retro-reflective targets associated with the fixtures, providing automated, precise verification of fixture placement
3Device complexity
If frame straightening or replacement is performed without verification systems, then repair process is simpler, but repair accuracy cannot be verified against manufacturer specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system provides continuous feedback during the repair process by measuring the positions of retro-reflective targets on the vehicle frame. This feedback allows technicians to monitor frame alignment in real-time and make adjustments to achieve manufacturer specification tolerances, ensuring repair accuracy without requiring complex manual measurement procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A fixturing system (10) for use with a frame-straightening repair bench (30) that assists in properly positioning fixture bases and providing verification of repairs. The fixturing system includes fixture bases, support assemblies (14), locating members (16), designed to couple with specific control points, and securing mechanisms to secure the vehicle during repair. The alignment targets and verification system provide proof that the fixturing system and replacement parts are properly positioned. If a repair cannot be made by pulling, the damaged areas of the vehicle can be removed and the fixturing system can help position and hold replacement parts until the repair is made substantially permanent, and the alignment targets and verification system provide proof that the repair is accurately made.