Vehicle Frame Mounting Plate for Stable Portable CMM Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle frame measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring complex vehicle frames due to their varied designs and potential bending, requiring recalibration when the frame moves relative to the measuring device.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle mount system that secures to existing seat mounts on the vehicle frame, supporting a movable arm with adjustable guide rails and a locking mounting plate, allowing precise measurement without recalibration by maintaining a fixed position relative to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the measuring device is mounted outside the vehicle frame on the ground, then the measuring device can access the vehicle frame through door openings, but the vehicle frame can move relative to the measuring device requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting system as an intermediary between the measuring device and the vehicle frame. This mounting system includes a base plate that attaches to the vehicle frame and a vertical rail that supports the measuring device, creating a stable intermediary structure that eliminates relative movement between the frame and measuring device while maintaining access to the frame for measurement purposes
2Reliability
If the measuring device is mounted inside the vehicle frame, then the frame cannot move relative to the device eliminating recalibration needs, but the device cannot access certain areas of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system where the base plate can be positioned at different locations on the vehicle frame and the vertical rail can be adjusted to different heights. This dynamic positioning capability allows the measuring device to be mounted inside the frame for stability while still accessing various areas of the frame through adjustable positioning, resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility
3Measurement precision
If a fixed mounting system is used for the measuring device, then measurement precision is maintained without recalibration, but the system cannot adapt to different vehicle frame configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting system that can be adapted to different vehicle frame configurations. The base plate includes multiple attachment points and the vertical rail can be positioned at various locations, allowing the same mounting system to accommodate different frame types and configurations while maintaining measurement precision through consistent attachment to the frame structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mount for a portable apparatus for measuring a vehicle frame is configured to be mounted to existing seat mounts (e.g., seat bolt holes) of the vehicle frame. The vehicle mount includes one or more support rails including at least one attachment feature for mounting the vehicle mount to the vehicle frame. The vehicle mount further includes one or more guide rails supported by the support rail(s). The vehicle mount further includes a mounting plate supported by the guide rail(s) and configured to receive a measuring apparatus. The mounting plate can be configurable between an unlocked state, wherein the mounting plate is moveable with respect to the first guide rail and the second guide rail, and a locked state, wherein the mounting plate is locked in position with respect to the first guide rail and the second guide rail.