Wheel Alignment Detection Using Sensor Data Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting wheel alignment conditions in vehicles are inefficient, relying on manual measurements and lacking real-time, accurate diagnostics for various alignment issues such as camber, toe, and caster angles.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize vehicle sensor data, including steering wheel angle, speed, lateral acceleration, and torque parameters, to normalize and analyze datasets through a classification model, determining whether the wheel alignment is within a predetermined range, and outputting results on a display or server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual measurement methods are used for wheel alignment detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidwheel alignment measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated detection system that uses vehicle sensors (steering angle sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, torque sensor) to collect data and a machine learning classification model to analyze the data and determine wheel alignment conditions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a classification model as an intermediary between raw sensor data and wheel alignment determination. The model processes normalized sensor data through training and validation to accurately classify wheel alignment conditions, serving as a mediator that translates complex sensor readings into meaningful alignment diagnostics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If real-time sensor data analysis is implemented, then detection speed and productivity are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddata processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and normalizing sensor data continuously during vehicle operation, preparing the data in advance for analysis. The system normalizes multiple sensor parameters (steering angle, speed, acceleration, torque) before feeding them into the classification model, enabling real-time detection without last-minute processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms raw sensor parameters into normalized parameters through data normalization processes. By changing the parameter representation from raw sensor values to normalized values, the system enables the classification model to process data efficiently in real-time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor parameters are collected and analyzed, then measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a classification model that serves multiple functions: it processes various sensor parameters (steering angle, speed, acceleration, torque), handles data normalization, performs classification, and determines different wheel alignment conditions (camber, toe, caster). This multi-functional approach improves diagnostic accuracy while managing system complexity through a unified processing framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple sensor data streams (steering angle sensor, speed sensor, acceleration sensor, torque sensor) into a unified dataset that is normalized and processed together by the classification model. By combining these parameters into a single analysis pipeline, the system achieves comprehensive alignment detection without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10685506B2Apparatus and method that detect wheel alignment condition
Publication Date: 2020.06.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10685506B2 patent drawing
  • US10685506B2 patent drawing
  • US10685506B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method that detect a wheel alignment condition are provided. The method includes receiving a dataset comprising one or more from among a steering wheel angle parameter, a speed parameter, a lateral acceleration parameter, a self-aligning torque parameter and a power steering torque parameter, normalizing the received dataset, analyzing the normalized dataset according to a model for determining a wheel alignment condition, and outputting a value indicating whether the wheel alignment is within a predetermined value based on the model.