Vehicle Wheel Alignment Using Body-Derived Centerline Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles without a conventional vehicle frame, such as buses, pose challenges in determining wheel alignment parameters effectively, as existing methods rely on a preset plane formed by the frame, which is not available in these vehicles, leading to potential misalignment and increased tire wear.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a measuring arrangement that attaches to various positions on the vehicle body's side portions, determining lateral, longitudinal, and vertical coordinate positions to establish a longitudinally extending centerline, allowing for accurate wheel alignment parameter determination without relying on a vehicle frame, using an image capturing unit with gyro or accelerometer for precise positioning.

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 vehicles without a conventional frame (such as buses) cannot be properly measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to vehicles without frameVSAvoidmeasurement arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a measuring arrangement as an intermediary device that attaches to the vehicle body at multiple positions to establish reference planes and centerlines. This mediator enables wheel alignment measurement on vehicles without conventional frames by creating artificial reference systems through coordinate position measurements at multiple body locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the vehicle frame reference system by measuring coordinate positions at multiple locations on the vehicle body and calculating derived reference elements (reference planes and centerlines). This copied reference system enables alignment measurement without requiring the actual physical frame to be present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple coordinate positions are measured on the vehicle body to establish accurate centerline, then wheel alignment accuracy is improved, but the measurement time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment parameter accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of multiple coordinate positions on the vehicle body before conducting the actual wheel alignment measurement. By pre-establishing the reference planes and centerlines through initial coordinate measurements, the subsequent alignment measurement can proceed efficiently without repeated positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment measurement systems with optical/electronic coordinate measurement. By using a measuring arrangement that captures coordinate positions and calculates reference elements through computation rather than mechanical alignment, the system achieves high precision while reducing manual intervention time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate determination of wheel alignment parameters relative to the vehicle's true centerline, reducing tire wear and simplifying the measurement process, while being applicable to vehicles without a conventional frame, ensuring proper wheel alignment and vehicle straightness during operation.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capturing: Photography

Implementation Method 2

using an image capturing unit with gyro or accelerometer for precise positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

using an image capturing unit with gyro or accelerometer for precise positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20220178683A1A method and a system for determining wheel alignment parameter of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.06.09 CAR O LINER AB

AI summary

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