Vehicle Wheel Alignment Sequencing for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheel alignment methods fail to accurately measure and adjust rear wheel alignment when front wheels are not in near correct specification, leading to inaccurate adjustments and potential tire wear and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures and compares alignment properties of front wheels to manufacturer-specified values, correcting them if necessary, before measuring and adjusting the rear wheels, using a computer-aided, three-dimensional machine vision apparatus with optical scanning devices and optically scannable targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rear wheel alignment is measured and adjusted without first ensuring front wheel alignment is correct, then the alignment process can be completed quickly, but the measurement and adjustment accuracy of rear wheels becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring that front wheel alignment be measured and adjusted to within specified tolerances before proceeding to measure and adjust rear wheel alignment. This ensures that the reference frame established by the front wheels is accurate, which is critical for obtaining reliable rear wheel alignment measurements. The system automatically sequences the alignment operations to maintain this dependency relationship.
2Device complexity
If front wheel misalignments are not corrected before measuring rear wheels, then the alignment process remains simple, but inaccurate rear wheel adjustments occur leading to tire wear and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing that front wheel alignment must be corrected before rear wheel alignment measurement. This sequential requirement ensures that the reference frame is stable and accurate, preventing inaccurate rear wheel adjustments that would cause tire wear and vehicle performance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by automatically measuring front wheel alignment parameters (camber, caster, toe, SAI) and using these measurements to determine whether the front wheels are within specified tolerances before allowing rear wheel alignment measurement to proceed. The system provides feedback control to ensure proper sequencing and maintain alignment accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional alignment process is used without sequential measurement requirements, then the procedure is straightforward, but tire wear and vehicle performance are adversely affected due to inaccurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by automatically measuring front wheel alignment parameters and using these results to determine whether to proceed with rear wheel alignment measurement. This feedback mechanism ensures that only accurate reference frames are used, preventing tire wear and vehicle performance degradation while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment procedures with an automated computer-aided vision system that automatically measures alignment parameters, compares them to specifications, and controls the sequencing of alignment operations. This substitution eliminates human error in sequencing and ensures consistent, accurate alignment results that prevent tire wear and performance issues.
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
Ensures accurate alignment of both front and rear wheels by addressing the impact of misaligned front wheels on rear wheel measurements, thereby improving tire wear and vehicle handling.
Implementation Method 1
a computer-aided, three-dimensional machine vision system with optical scanning devices and optically scannable targets
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring and aligning front and rear wheels of a four wheel vehicle, including measuring alignment properties of the front wheels, and correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels if all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels. If all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are not substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels, then the alignment properties of the front wheels are corrected prior to correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels. The measurements of the alignment properties can be made using a computer-aided, three-dimensional machine vision alignment apparatus.