Synchronized Wheel Holder Clamping for Accurate Alignment Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of wheel holders for vehicle wheel alignment measurement is complex and prone to incorrect attachment, which can lead to inaccurate measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A wheel holder with a synchronization system comprising radially extending arms, compression springs, traction elements, and a coupling element that allows for easy and secure mounting and unmounting by varying the length of the arms and applying synchronized inward and outward forces, along with a clamping mechanism and locking mechanism for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wheel holders are used for wheel alignment measurement, then measurement functionality is provided, but the mounting and unmounting process is complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel holder employs dynamically adjustable arms with movable elements that can change length in the radial direction. The arms transition between extended and retracted states, enabling easy mounting and unmounting while maintaining secure attachment during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into an integrated system: compression springs provide automatic extension force, traction elements enable controlled retraction, and a coupling element synchronizes all arms simultaneously. This unified mechanism simplifies operation while ensuring proper attachment.
2Reliability
If conventional wheel holders are used, then wheel alignment measurement is possible, but the risk of incorrect and/or inaccurate attachment is high
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system provides mechanical feedback that ensures all arms extend and retract uniformly. The coupling element acts as a coordination mechanism that prevents asymmetric attachment, reducing the risk of incorrect mounting while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs are pre-loaded to automatically push the movable elements outward when the wheel holder is mounted. This preliminary action ensures proper engagement of the arms with the wheel before final securing, enhancing attachment reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arms are made adjustable in length, then the wheel holder can adapt to different wheel sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each arm incorporates a movable element that can slide relative to the base body, dynamically adjusting the arm length in the radial direction. This dynamic adjustment capability allows adaptation to different wheel sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard mechanical components.
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
Simplifies the mounting and unmounting process, reduces the risk of incorrect attachment, and ensures accurate wheel alignment measurements by providing a stable and reliable mechanism for attaching sensors and measurement marks.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure element, in particular a compression spring, which is arranged and designed to push the movable element outwards in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
a traction element that is mechanically coupled to the movable element and is arranged and designed to pull the movable element inwards in the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel holder (1) for clamping attachment to a wheel (9), in particular to a wheel (9) of a motor vehicle, and for attaching a target (5) for vehicle wheel alignment measurement, comprises a base body (10) having a central portion and at least two, in particular three, arms (22, 23, 24) extending radially outwards from the central portion of the base body (10). Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has a movable element (32a, 33a, 34a) which is movable relative to the base body (10) in the radial direction in order to vary the length of the arm (22, 23, 24) in the radial direction; a pressure element (52, 53, 54), in particular a compression spring, which is arranged and adapted to push the movable element (32a, 33a, 34a) outward in radial direction; and a traction element (62, 63, 63) mechanically coupled to the moveble element (32a, 33a, 34a) and arranged and adapted to pull the movable element (32a, 33a, 34a) inward in radial direction. The wheel holder (1) further comprises a coupling element (60) that mechanically couples the traction elements (62, 63, 63) of the at least two arms (22, 23, 24) to each other.