Wheel Aligner Drive Direction Calculation for No-Stop Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle alignment systems require time-consuming positioning and caster swing procedures, necessitate rigid camera mounts, and are less effective for large vehicles, while advanced driver assistance systems need a simpler and cost-effective calibration method.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alignment system using image sensors and gravity sensors to calculate drive direction and alignment parameters without direct left-to-right measurements, allowing for fast and accurate wheel alignment and ADAS calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera based aligners use rigid beams to connect cameras, then the relative position and orientation of cameras can be determined, but the structure becomes complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid beam structure entirely and replaces it with a separate calibration system using a target and camera. This extracts the problematic mechanical connection while preserving the functional need for camera calibration through a different, less intrusive approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calibration target as an intermediary element between the cameras. Instead of directly measuring camera-to-camera geometry through rigid beams, the system uses the target as a mediator that both cameras can observe, allowing indirect determination of relative positions through calibration patterns.
2Measurement precision
If positioning and caster swing procedures are performed with stops, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the procedure becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous rotation of the wheel during measurement without requiring stops at specific positions. The system captures images continuously throughout the rotation and processes them to determine alignment parameters, maintaining measurement quality while eliminating interruptions in the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration using a target before the actual alignment measurement. This preliminary setup establishes the coordinate system and camera geometry in advance, allowing the subsequent measurement to proceed continuously without iterative stopping and adjustment during the critical measurement phase.
3Reliability
If conventional aligners use additional cameras to calibrate relative positions, then camera-to-camera position can be determined, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a calibration target with known geometric patterns that serves as a reference copy of the spatial relationships. Instead of adding more cameras to directly measure positions, the system uses the target as a reproducible geometric reference that cameras can observe and use to calculate their relative positions through image processing.
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 rapid, precise wheel alignment and ADAS calibration without the need for rigid camera mounts or additional hardware, suitable for various vehicle sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
Each camera is coupled to a gravity sensor, such as an inclinometer, for measuring an orientation of the camera relative to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle alignment systems and methods are disclosed which operate based on a calculation of “drive direction,” or the direction in which a vehicle is moving. Since a vehicle can be assumed to be a rigid body, each wheel has the same drive direction. Consequently, an alignment parameter of one wheel can be compared to the same parameter of another wheel by equating their drive direction, eliminating the need for the aligner to “see” both sides of the vehicle at the same time. Embodiments include a system having one or more cameras on a fixture carrying a calibration element for an ADAS system, and one or more targets placed on the vehicle to measure the drive direction of the vehicle. The drive direction is assumed to be parallel to the vehicle thrust line and can be used as the line for orientation of the fixture to the vehicle.