Vehicle Wheel Alignment Gripping Device with Controllable Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adjusting wheel alignment parameters in vehicles are cumbersome, requiring specialized tools and increasing production time and costs, with limited alignment attempts due to wear between eccentric screws and axle supports, and necessitate complex systems for positioning tools relative to adjusting screws, especially when screws are poorly accessible.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using controllable drive means to move gripping devices that grip the vehicle axle near the wheel flanges, allowing adjustment of wheel alignment parameters by orienting the gripping devices to achieve specified toe and camber angles, eliminating the need for specialized tools and reducing wear by releasing securing means for easier movement and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If specialized adjusting tools with positioning systems are used to adjust wheel alignment parameters, then the alignment work can be performed, but the device complexity increases and production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment adjustmentVSAvoidadjusting tools and positioning systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the adjustment function from complex specialized tools and positioning systems, and transfers it to the gripping device itself. The gripping device is equipped with controllable drive means that enable it to perform alignment adjustments directly, eliminating the need for separate adjusting tools and fine positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only grips the vehicle axle securely but also performs wheel alignment adjustments through its controllable drive means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized adjusting tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If eccentric adjusting screws are used for wheel alignment, then adjustment can be performed, but wear occurs between the screw and axle support limiting the number of alignment attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of alignment attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical eccentric adjusting screw system with a controllable drive means system. The controllable drive means can be actuated in a controlled manner without the same wear mechanisms as eccentric screws, thereby extending the number of possible alignment attempts while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If gripping devices are moved by controllable drive means for adjustment, then the adjustment process is simplified and cycle time is reduced, but the gripping device must handle both gripping and adjustment functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle timeVSAvoidgripping device with integrated drive means

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the gripping function and the adjustment function into a single integrated gripping device. The controllable drive means are built into the gripping device, allowing it to perform both secure gripping of the axle and precise alignment adjustments without requiring separate tools or operations, thereby reducing cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines secure gripping capability with wheel alignment adjustment capability through its integrated controllable drive means. This universality eliminates the need for tool changes or additional positioning systems, streamlining the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If securing means are released for adjustment, then easier movement and adjustment are achieved, but the axle may move or shift during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping device movementVSAvoidaxle position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs dynamic control where the securing means can be released and re-engaged as needed during the adjustment process. The controllable drive means provide active control to maintain axle position stability even when securing means are temporarily released, allowing easy movement when needed while preventing unwanted shifts during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10139213B2Process and apparatus for setting the parameters of the suspension geometry of the wheels of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 DURR ASSEMBLY PROD GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting the wheel alignment parameters of the wheels of a vehicle, wherein at least one vehicle axle is gripped by one gripping device per wheel axle, near the wheel flanges of the corresponding axle. According to the present invention, the gripping devices are moved by means of controllable drive means in such a way that the wheel alignment parameters of the wheels are adjusted via the orientation of the gripping devices.