Millimeter-Wave Wheel Geometry Scanning for Fast Runout Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining wheel geometrical dimensions are slow, inaccurate, and prone to errors due to environmental conditions and sensor limitations, particularly when using mechanical, ultrasonic, and optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a millimeter-wave radar system operating between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, preferably 76-81 GHz, for contactless scanning of wheel measurement points to determine geometrical dimensions, including runout, centering defects, and wobble, by measuring distances and angular positions relative to a reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical sensors are used to determine wheel geometrical dimensions, then the sensor can physically contact the wheel for measurement, but the measurement process becomes extremely slow and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with optical sensors that measure wheel geometrical dimensions contactlessly using light. This substitution eliminates physical contact between the sensor and wheel, enabling faster scanning speeds while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy through optical detection methods.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to determine wheel geometrical dimensions, then the sensor can measure distances, but the scanning speed is limited by the speed of sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ultrasonic sensors with optical sensors that use light waves instead of sound waves for distance measurement. Since light travels significantly faster than sound, this substitution enables much higher scanning speeds while maintaining the capability to accurately measure wheel geometrical dimensions.
3Productivity
If optical sensors are used to determine wheel geometrical dimensions, then the sensor can scan quickly, but the sensor is sensitive to environmental conditions and requires exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple optical sensors positioned at different locations and angles around the wheel, and uses advanced signal processing algorithms to compensate for environmental factors such as lighting conditions, dust, and vibrations. This multi-sensor approach with environmental compensation maintains measurement reliability while preserving high scanning speeds.
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
Enables fast, accurate, and reliable scanning of wheel geometries with a high number of samples per revolution, reducing processing time and eliminating sensor exposure errors.
Implementation Method 1
The step of contactless scanning involves the use of at least one millimeter-wave radar system operating at frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and related apparatus for determining the geometrical dimensions of a wheel, or at least one part of a wheel, with particular reference to vehicle wheels, in the context of a wheel maintenance process. This method uses contactless sensors which comprise a scanning radar system, preferably a millimeter-wave radar system, to scan the wheel, or at least one part of the wheel, quickly and accurately.