Method and apparatus for calibration of no-compensation and universal wheel adapters utilized in vehicle wheel alignment procedures
US6427346B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B21/26
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the calibration of vehicle wheel alignment sensors or optical targets and for the detection and correction of wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensors are attached during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for electronically storing separate calibration values associated with a vehicle wheel alignment sensor or optical target for a variety of types of vehicle wheel adapters. A second aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters by utilizing a known flat surface against which the contact points of the adapter are placed, any misalignment of the sensor mounting shaft axis from the plane is detected and corrected for, either by adjustment of the contact points or by adjustment of the sensor mounting shaft. An additional aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of more than three contact points on the wheel adapter to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensor is attached to facilitate detection of damage or wear to the wheel adapter by provid…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.