Single contact point distance measuring for plane determination
US4856199A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B7/315
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method are provided for use in determining information relating to the plane of rotation of an object, particularly a vehicle wheel. The apparatus includes a probe that is maintained at the same contact point relative to the wheel during the rotation of the wheel. The position of the probe is monitored and position-related data is analyzed by a processing system. The processing system implements a least squares method for defining the plane of rotation utilizing a number of the position-related data points, which were obtained during rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, the probe is connected to a pivotable wobble plate for use in maintaining a predetermined position of the probe relative to the wheel during rotation thereof. A carriage assembly also acts to maintain the predetermined position of the probe. In another embodiment, instead of a carriage assembly, rotatable arms and counter-weight are employed so that the probe moves as a direct result of rotation of the wheel. The apparatus relies solely on information received from the single wheel to determine the plane of rotation of the wheel and does not require translational movement of the wheel in making th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.