Vehicle Tracking Attachment for Rear Suspension Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring alignment characteristics of a vehicle's rear suspension, such as tracking, offset, toe-in, and toe-out, are cumbersome, inconvenient, and prone to inaccuracy.

Innovation Solution

A tracking attachment comprising an adjustment component, bar component, target components, alignment component, attachment components, centering component, and locking component, which facilitates accurate and efficient measurement of alignment characteristics using a laser scanning apparatus and retroreflective bar-coded targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional surveyor's string or laser plane methods are used to measure alignment characteristics, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is divided into separate functional components: the tracking attachment with adjustable bar and target components can be independently assembled and configured for different measurement scenarios, while the laser scanning apparatus handles the actual measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall measurement efficiency without requiring complex integrated equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Retroreflective bar-coded targets serve as intermediaries between the laser scanning apparatus and the vehicle suspension components being measured. These targets facilitate accurate measurement by providing precise reflection points for the laser, enabling efficient data collection without requiring direct contact or complex positioning between the scanner and the suspension parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional manual measurement methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidalignment measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical measurement methods (surveyor's string, visual alignment) with an automated laser scanning system. The laser scanning apparatus objectively measures the positions of retroreflective targets with high precision, eliminating human error in reading and interpretation while maintaining equipment simplicity through the use of standardized attachment components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Retroreflective bar-coded targets are used which utilize optical properties (reflectivity patterns) to encode positional information. The bar codes provide distinct optical signatures that can be automatically recognized and measured by the laser scanner, enhancing measurement precision through optical differentiation rather than relying on manual visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If complex alignment procedures are performed manually, then comprehensive measurements can be obtained, but the process becomes inconvenient and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of measurementVSAvoidconvenience of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking attachment is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning through its adjustable bar component and centering mechanism. Once attached to the vehicle, the system automatically establishes the proper measurement geometry, reducing the need for operator intervention and manual adjustments. The laser scanning apparatus then autonomously collects all necessary alignment data, minimizing human error and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking attachment is designed as a universal system that can measure multiple alignment characteristics (tracking, offset, toe-in, toe-out, and length) using the same basic apparatus. The adjustable bar and target components can be reconfigured for different measurement types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and procedures, thereby improving both completeness and convenience.

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

Enables convenient, efficient, and accurate measurement of alignment characteristics, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving precision compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

one or more target components; an alignment component... The target components facilitate making the desired measurements of the vehicle's suspension, and take the form of retroreflective bar-coded targets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Data Source

PatentUS7784191B2Tracking attachment

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 VEHICLE SERVICE GROUP LLC

AI summary

A tracking attachment (10) adapted and operable to facilitate measuring the alignment characteristics of the rear suspension of a vehicle, including tracking (thrust angle), offset, toe-in and toe-out, and length characteristics. The tracking attachment (10) broadly comprises an adjustment component (12); a bar component (14); one or more target components (16); an alignment component (18); one or more attachment components (20); a centering component (22); and a locking component (24).