Vehicle Wheel Alignment Detection Device with Rotating Imaging Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel alignment systems face challenges in simultaneously measuring the orientation of both front and rear wheels of vehicles with varying dimensions, often requiring manual adjustment and risking damage to detection devices due to complex setup and stereo image processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system with laterally positioned detection devices equipped with image-acquisition elements that can automatically rotate to frame three-dimensional targets on wheels, using calibration parameters to adapt to different vehicle positions and dimensions, eliminating the need for manual calibration and ensuring accurate alignment measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detection devices are manually adjusted to frame targets on wheels, then measurement coverage for vehicles with varying dimensions is improved, but device complexity and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device incorporates a rotation mechanism that enables automatic dynamic adjustment of the imaging element's orientation. The imaging element can rotate around an axis to automatically frame targets on wheels, eliminating manual adjustment while adapting to different vehicle dimensions. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain measurement coverage across various vehicle types without increasing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If stereo image processing is used to measure wheel orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex stereo image processing requirement by using a single imaging element that captures images from an optimized angle. The rotation mechanism positions the imaging element to directly frame the target on the wheel, allowing accurate measurement of wheel orientation through simple single-image processing rather than complex stereo processing, thereby maintaining precision while reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detection devices are positioned laterally on hydraulic ramp, then adaptability to different vehicle positions is improved, but deformations of the ramp must be compensated dynamically increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device uses its own rotation capability to automatically adapt to different vehicle positions and orientations. Instead of requiring external compensation for hydraulic ramp deformations, the imaging element rotates to maintain proper framing of the wheel targets regardless of ramp position or vehicle alignment, making the system self-adapting and eliminating the need for complex deformation compensation mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
A detection device (7a) for determining the orientation of a first and a second wheel (2) of a vehicle (3), the wheels being arranged on a first side of the vehicle (3) with respect to a longitudinal axis thereof (A). The device is set laterally with respect to the vehicle (3) on the first side, between the first and second wheels, and has a first (8) and a second image - acquisition elements (81) located on a base support (16) having a respective viewing area (V) for acquiring images of a first and a second target (5) coupled to the first and second wheels, respectively. A displacement unit (10) is operatively coupled to the first (8) and second (81) image - acquisition elements for rotating them simultaneously through one and the same angle of rotation so as to adapt their viewing area to the position of the first and second targets (5). The detection device (7a) further comprises additional alignment sensors (27a, 27b, 28a, 28b) also located on the base support (16) for measuring calibration parameters of the base support (16).