Wheel Balancer Slippage Detection via Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle wheel balancer systems struggle to accurately detect and correct imbalances due to rotational slippage of the wheel assembly or spindle shaft, leading to incorrect application of imbalance correction weights and repeated measurement cycles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel balancer system with a processing system configured to evaluate remaining imbalances and detect deviations in the rotational position using software instructions and imaging sensors, providing warnings to operators to correct mounting issues before re-balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vehicle wheel assembly is rotationally driven on the spindle shaft for imbalance measurement, then the imbalance can be measured and correction weights can be identified, but rotational slippage may occur between the wheel assembly and spindle shaft leading to incorrect rotational position and failed balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of the wheel assembly at multiple rotational positions, processes these images to detect actual rotational position, and provides feedback to the operator when slippage is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to identify and alert operators to rotational position errors that would otherwise go undetected until balancing failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical rotational position sensing mechanisms with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or sensors that could themselves slip or fail, the system uses cameras to optically track the position of visual markers on the wheel assembly, providing a non-contact, more reliable method of position detection.
2Measurement precision
If additional instrumentation such as instrumented drums or load rollers is added to measure force variations, then spring rate variations can be identified, but the complexity of the measurement system increases and more points of failure are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it detects rotational position for slippage detection, captures wheel assembly features for identification, and can potentially track movement during measurement procedures. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized sensors with a single versatile imaging system, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the system directs the operator to apply correction weights based on measured imbalance, then balancing can be achieved, but if slippage occurred the weights will be applied at incorrect positions requiring repeated measurement cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of rotational slippage by capturing images and analyzing rotational position before the operator applies correction weights. By detecting slippage in advance and providing warnings to the operator, the system prevents incorrect weight placement and avoids the need for repeated measurement cycles, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
4Productivity
If the spindle shaft is rotationally driven at high speeds to complete balancing quickly, then productivity increases, but the risk of sudden acceleration or deceleration causing slippage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system continuously monitors rotational position during high-speed rotation, providing real-time feedback that detects any slippage events. This allows the system to maintain high rotational speeds for productivity while simultaneously detecting instability or slippage that would compromise accuracy, enabling the operator to correct issues before they affect balancing results.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel balancer system having a processing system and a spindle shaft upon which a vehicle wheel assembly is mounted for measurement of imbalance characteristics and forces. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the remaining imbalance present in a vehicle wheel assembly following the application of imbalance correction weights, and to determine if the remaining imbalance is the result of the vehicle wheel assembly having deviated from an expected rotational position during the time between the measurement of the imbalance and the application of the imbalance correction weights. In the event of such a deviation, the processing system is further configured to provide the operator with a suitable warning to evaluate and correct the mounting of the vehicle wheel assembly before proceeding to rebalance or re-measure the vehicle wheel assembly.