Wheel Camber Detection via Comparative Tire Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining wheel camber or toe in vehicles often confuse cornering with inclined positions, leading to inaccurate measurements due to similar transverse accelerations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recording and comparing acceleration values from tires on a common axle, with sensors detecting accelerations parallel to the axis of rotation, to distinguish between cornering and camber or toe, using an evaluation device to generate result information based on these comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transverse acceleration is detected by a sensor on the wheel to determine slip angle, then the measurement can be performed during vehicle operation, but cornering cannot be distinguished from actual wheel camber or toe, leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the acceleration measurement by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations (inner and outer wheel sensors) to capture different acceleration components. By comparing the acceleration values from these segmented measurement points, the system can distinguish between cornering-induced accelerations and actual wheel misalignment, thereby maintaining measurement capability during operation while improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from single-point transverse acceleration to comparative acceleration values between multiple sensors. By measuring and comparing acceleration parameters at different wheel positions and orientations, the system can identify patterns that distinguish cornering from actual camber/toe conditions, resolving the measurement accuracy issue while maintaining operational measurement capability
2Device complexity
If acceleration sensors are used to determine wheel camber or toe, then the device complexity is reduced compared to optical systems, but the reliability of the measurement is compromised due to inability to distinguish cornering from actual alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple acceleration sensors into a coordinated measurement system where the combined data from inner and outer wheel sensors is evaluated together. This merging approach maintains the simplicity of acceleration-based measurement while improving reliability through comparative analysis that can distinguish cornering from actual alignment problems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing acceleration measurements from multiple sensors and using this comparative information to distinguish between cornering conditions and actual wheel misalignment. The evaluation device uses the feedback from differential acceleration patterns to reliably determine true camber and toe values, maintaining simplicity while enhancing measurement reliability
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
This approach allows for accurate and reliable differentiation between cornering and camber or toe, enabling precise determination of wheel alignment and providing more reliable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first sensor device and the at least one second sensor device are provided for detecting accelerations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a wheel camber (27, 28) or a track width (37, 38). In this case, the acceleration of a first tire (12) is measured by means of a first sensor (9) and the acceleration of a second tire (13) is measured by means of a second sensor (10). Both acceleration values are compared in an evaluation unit (11) and the comparison value is compared with a reference value.