CN114087936A - Mechanical ADAS aligner and alignment thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment, a mechanical Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) aligner system includes a target fixture, a plurality of wheel holders, and at least one ADAS target configured to be mounted to the target fixture. The ADAS calibrator system further includes a plumb bob and a tape measure extendable between the target fixture and the plumb bob when at least one of the plurality of wheel mounts is mounted to at least one wheel of the vehicle.

Description

Mechanical ADAS aligner and alignment thereof

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to power tools, and more particularly to power tools having exposed forming devices.

Background

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a set of safety functions designed to improve driver safety and reduce the severity and number of traffic accidents. Nowadays, more and more new vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It has been estimated that more than half of all cars first registered in 2017 include at least one driver assistance system. The number of vehicles with ADAS and the number of components in ADAS is expected to continue to rise dramatically by 2020 and beyond. The influx of ADAS in vehicles has a significant impact on automotive shops.

In particular, any repair task associated with the drive train or having any effect on the vehicle axle or height may affect ADAS operation. This effect often renders the previous sensor arrangement useless. Even minor misalignments can lead to false messages and to failure of the affected auxiliary systems.

Thus, tasks including maintenance and repair, post-accident crash repair or windshield replacement, and even tasks associated with other minor repairs, may affect radar and ultrasonic sensors and camera systems. Thus, ADAS recalibration may be required when changing shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, etc. Indeed, ADAS recalibration may be required even when the only services provided are tire replacement and wheel alignment.

Thus, even a store that typically provides services limited to non-electrical systems may need to provide a level of ADAS recalibration. Since the ADAS system becomes a standard for motor vehicles, continued operation of the facility may be put at risk if no correct equipment is available to perform the ADAS recalibration.

However, current calibration tools are typically bulky and stationary and require the vehicle to be brought to an automotive service center dedicated to ADAS calibration. These units include a variety of electronic systems that make the operation of the units simple and accurate. For example, the calibration unit must be correctly spaced from and aligned with the vehicle. Electronic measurement and alignment systems including electronics/lasers in a calibration device and targets mounted to vehicle tires provide an efficient means of achieving spacing and alignment requirements. However, such electronic systems increase the cost of the unit. Therefore, it is not economical to maintain these units for smaller repair shops, tire shops or enthusiasts.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide an inexpensive ADAS calibrator system. It would be further beneficial to provide an ADAS calibrator system that does not include an electronic system in the unit itself to ensure that spacing and alignment requirements are met.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, a mechanical ADAS calibrator system includes a target fixture, a wheel carriage, at least one ADAS target configured to be mounted to the target fixture, a plumb bob, and a tape measure extendable between the target fixture and the plumb bob when at least one of the plurality of wheel carriages is mounted to at least one wheel of a vehicle. In some embodiments, two wheel mounts are provided in the system. In other embodiments, four wheel mounts are provided in the system.

In one or more embodiments, the mechanical ADAS calibrator system includes a tape hook mounted on the target fixture and configured to couple with the tape measure as the tape measure extends between the target fixture and the plumb bob.

In one or more embodiments, the mechanical ADAS calibrator system includes another tape measure hook mounted on the target fixture or wheel carriage. The tape measure is configured to couple with the tape measure hook and extends between the target fixture and the wheel mount when the wheel mount is mounted to the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments, a target fixture of a mechanical ADAS calibrator system includes a vertical rod and a horizontal rod movably mounted on the vertical rod. The horizontal bar includes a slide groove extending horizontally along the horizontal bar and the tape hook used with the wheel mount is mounted to the target fixture by movably mounting the tape hook in the slide groove.

In one or more embodiments, a wheel carriage of a mechanical ADAS aligner system includes a main body and two capture arms extending outwardly from a first side of the main body. One or more leveling screws are threadedly engaged with the body to assist in leveling the wheel mount. In some embodiments, a leveling instrument is mounted to the body to further assist in leveling the wheel support.

In one or more embodiments, a target fixture of a mechanical ADAS calibrator system includes a base platform and two or more lockable wheels supporting the base platform. Two or more target clamp leveling screws are threadably engaged with the base platform to assist in leveling the wheel mount.

In one or more embodiments, the mechanical ADAS aligner system is aligned with the vehicle using vehicle specific aligner system data, which in some embodiments is obtained using a scanning tool. The method includes positioning a target fixture of the ADAS calibrator system in front of the vehicle and extending the plumb from a central location of the vehicle to a location on a surface below the vehicle. The distance between the plumb and the target jig is measured using a tape measure extending between the target jig and the plumb. By comparing the obtained measurements with the obtained vehicle specific aligner system data, any discrepancies are identified, and then the target fixture is repositioned as needed.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes coupling a tape measure to a tape measure support on the target jig, and measuring a distance between the plumb bob and the target jig using the tape measure coupled to the tape measure support.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes positioning a wheel carriage on a wheel of the vehicle and leveling the wheel carriage on the wheel of the vehicle. The tape measure is then coupled to another tape measure mount located on the wheel mount or the target fixture, and the distance between the wheel mount and the target fixture is measured. The target fixture is then repositioned as desired. In some embodiments, the appropriate distance between the wheel mount and the target fixture is provided in the vehicle specific aligner system data.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes positioning a tape holder for measuring a distance between a wheel holder and a target fixture on a horizontal beam of the ADAS calibrator system at a predetermined location using the obtained vehicle specific calibrator system data. The tape measure is then coupled to the tape measure mount positioned to obtain a measurement between the wheel mount and the target fixture.

In some embodiments, a single wheel mount is used, and when the method includes obtaining additional measurements, the wheel mount is moved between different wheels. In some embodiments, a plurality of wheel mounts are provided in the system, allowing the plurality of wheels to be coupled with the wheel mounts during the alignment process. When multiple wheel support measurements are used, in some embodiments, the repositioning of the target fixture is guided by comparing the obtained measurements.

Drawings

The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrator system;

figure 2 depicts a top plan view of a target fixture of the ADAS calibrator system of figure 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a side plan view of a wheel mount of the ADAS calibrator system of FIG. 1;

figure 4 depicts a side plan view of a wheel-facing side of a wheel mount of the ADAS aligner system of figure 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a side plan view of a camera target of the ADAS calibrator system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a side plan view of the ADAS calibrator system of FIG. 1 used with a vehicle;

figure 7 depicts a top plan view of the ADAS calibrator system of figure 1 for use with the vehicle of figure 6; and

fig. 8 depicts a method for aligning the ADAS calibrator system of fig. 1 with the vehicle of fig. 6 and 7.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

Detailed Description

While the system described herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the system to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all combinations of features, modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to fig. 1, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrator system 100 is depicted. The ADAS calibrator system 100 includes a target fixture 102, a wheel support 104, and an ADAS target, which in the embodiment of fig. 1 includes a camera target 106 and a LASER/LIDAR reflector 108. The ADAS calibrator system 100 also includes an adjustable tape measure hook (tape measure hook)110, a plumb bob (plumb bob)112, and a tape 114. The target holder 102, also shown in FIG. 2, includes a base portion 116, the base portion 116 including a base platform 118 mounted on wheels 120 (only two wheels 120 are shown in FIG. 1). The actual number of wheels 120 varies depending on the particular embodiment, with some embodiments having only two wheels, and in other embodiments, three or more wheels are provided. Some embodiments omit the wheels. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the wheels 120 are configured to pivot 360 °, and at least two of the wheels 120 are lockable.

Four leveling screws 122/124/126/128 are in threaded engagement with the base platform 118 and are long enough to lift the wheels 120 off of an underlying surface. In some embodiments, only three leveling screws are provided, while in other embodiments, more than four leveling screws are provided. In any case, the leveling screws are provided in sufficient size and/or number to provide a stable platform for the ADAS calibrator system 100 even if some of the wheels 120 are lifted off the underlying surface.

The base portion 116 also includes two orthogonally mounted levelers (levels) 130/132, which are centrally located on the base portion 116. A central tape hook 134 extends downwardly from the base platform 118.

The base portion 114 is rigidly connected to the vertical beam 140. In various embodiments, the vertical beams 140 are constructed of plastic, fiberglass, and/or carbon fiber. The vertical beams 140 are additionally or alternatively coated with a radiation absorbing material. The materials and/or coatings are selected to provide a reduced RADAR cross-section to reduce interference with RADAR/LIDAR calibration procedures. The upright beam 140 includes a measurement scale 142 positioned on any convenient face of the upright beam 140. A rack 144, which is part of a rack and pinion arrangement 146, is fixedly attached to the vertical beam 140.

The horizontal beam 150 is movably connected to the vertical beam 140 by a rack and pinion arrangement 146. Two measurement scales 152 and 154 extend along the horizontal beam. In some embodiments, there is no measurement scale on the horizontal beam. In other embodiments, only the measurement scale 152 is provided. Each measurement scale 152/154 is associated with a respective slide slot 156/158. In some embodiments, the runners 156 and 158 are identically sized and shaped. A RADAR/LIDAR target in the form of a RADAR/LIDAR reflector 160 is mounted to the horizontal beam 150, and a crank 162 operatively connected to the gear of the rack and pinion arrangement 146 is rotatably supported by the horizontal beam 150.

Each of the wheel mounts 104 of fig. 1 is identically formed, one of which is also shown in fig. 3 and 4. The wheel carriage 104 includes a base 170 that supports two wheel capture arms 172/174. The leveler 176 is centrally located on the base 170, and the tape hook 178 extends from the base 170 on a side opposite the side from which the wheel capture arm 172/174 extends. Two leveling screws 180/182 are threadedly engaged with the base 170. Although the system of fig. 1 includes four wheel supports 104, in some embodiments more wheel supports are provided. In some systems, only two wheel mounts are provided.

Each of the camera targets 106 (shown in fig. 1 and 5) includes a body 184 and a sled mount 186 sized to fit within the chute 156. In some embodiments, the sled mount 186 is elongated along the axis of the chute 156 to provide a fixed orientation of the camera target 106 relative to the chute 156. The sled mount 186 is preferably configured to lock at a desired position within the runner 156. The vehicle facing side 188 of the camera target 106 is provided with a pattern for use in calibrating the camera of the vehicle.

Returning to FIG. 1, each LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 includes a body 190 and a sled mount 192 sized to fit within the runner 158. In some embodiments, the sled mount 192 is elongated along the axis of the runner 158 to provide a fixed orientation of the LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 relative to the runner 158. The sled mount 192 is preferably configured to lock in a desired position within the runner 158. The vehicle-facing side 194 of the LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 is provided with a LASER/LIDAR reflective surface. In some embodiments, the body 190 is adjustably connected to the skid mount 192 by a rod 196. This allows the distance between the sled mount 192 and the body 190 to be adjusted by the user.

Continuing with FIG. 1, each adjustable tape hook 110 includes a body 198 and a sled mount 200 sized to fit within the slide channels 156 and/or 158. In some embodiments, the sled mount 200 is elongated along the axis of the runner 156/158 to provide a fixed orientation of the adjustable tape measure hook 110 relative to the runner 156/158. The ski support 200 is preferably configured to lock in a desired position within the runner 156. The body 198 is configured to removably couple with an end portion of the tape 114. In some embodiments, the coupling is achieved by providing a lip.

The tape 114 may be any desired type of tape. The tape measure 114 includes an end portion 202 configured to removably couple with the main body 198 of the adjustable tape hook 110 and with the central tape hook 134 of the target holder 102.

Figures 6 and 7 show the ADAS calibrator system 100 aligned with the vehicle 204. In one embodiment, the ADAS calibrator system 100 is aligned using the method 210 shown in fig. 8 described with reference to fig. 6 and 7. Initially, at block 212, vehicle-specific data for the vehicle 204 is obtained. Typically, specific details of the vehicle are obtained using a scanning tool, such as the scanning tool disclosed in U.S. patent No. 8,886,391, issued 11/2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The vehicle specific data includes a desired tire pressure, a desired distance between the vehicle and the target holder 102, a height of the horizontal beam 150, and a position of the camera target 106/LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 along the horizontal beam 150. For embodiments of the ADAS calibrator system 100 that include an adjustable tape hook 110, the position of the adjustable tape hook 110 along the horizontal beam 150 is also provided.

Once the vehicle specific data is obtained, the vehicle is prepared and located according to the vehicle specific data at block 214. Thus, in some embodiments, preparation of the vehicle 204 includes inflating the tires to the correct pressure. Preferably, the vehicle 204 is positioned on a horizontal surface.

At block 216, the wheel carriage 104 is positioned on the wheel of the vehicle. The wheel capture arms 172/174 are spaced apart to engage the wheels at a predetermined height for a particular wheel inflation pressure. In some embodiments, one or more of the wheel capture arms 172/174 may be adjustable based on a particular vehicle/tire combination. For an adjustable wheel capture arm, the required spacing of the wheel capture arms is provided in the vehicle specific data. The leveling screw 180/182 is used to level the wheel carriage using the leveler 176 with the wheel capture arm 172/174 engaged with the wheel.

Next, at block 218, plumb 112 is positioned over a center feature of vehicle 204. For example, vehicles often include a central hump on the hood, or a centralized vehicle applique, or the like. By positioning the strings of plumb 112 on the centering features and extending plumb 112 to the surface supporting the vehicle, the forward-most center point of vehicle 204 is identified by the plumb and transferred to a location on underlying surface 206.

The target fixture 102 is then positioned at a specified distance from the vehicle at block 220. An end portion 202 of the tape 114 is coupled to the central tape hook 134 and the tape is used to identify the distance from the target holder 102 to the plumb 112. In some embodiments, one or more wheels 120 of the target holder 102 are locked to prevent the target holder from being displaced by the tape 114. In embodiments having an adjustable tape hook 110, by pre-positioning the hook to reflect the vehicle width, the adjustable tape hook may be used as a targeting aid prior to and/or during positioning of the frame 220. In particular, when the vehicle is at a right angle to the target holder 102, the wheel tape hook 178 and the adjustable tape hook 110 will be in line.

In any event, once the target fixture 102 is positioned at the appropriate distance from the vehicle 204, orthogonally mounted leveling instruments 130/132 and leveling screws 122/124/126/128 are used to level the base platform 118. (block 222). If not previously locked, the wheels, particularly any wheels that remain in contact with the underlying surface 206, are typically locked at this time.

The tape 114 is then used to measure the distance from the tape hook 178 of each wheel support 104 to the adjustable tape hook 110 on the target holder 102. (block 224). In some embodiments, the target holder 102 comprises a fixed tape measure hook. Although in the embodiment of FIG. 1, tape hooks are provided on both the target holder 102 and the wheel support 104, in some embodiments, the tape hook is provided only on the target holder, while in other embodiments, the tape hook is provided only on the wheel support. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the tape 114 is preferably coupled to a tape hook on the target jig or wheel carriage, and a measurement of the distance between the tape hook and a predetermined location on the other of the target jig and wheel carriage is obtained.

In either case, by comparing measurements taken on the left side of the vehicle 204 with measurements taken on the right side of the vehicle, it can be identified whether the target jig 102 is properly aligned with the vehicle 204. If the measurements match, the target fixture is correctly positioned and angled. If there is a difference in the measurements, the target fixture 102 is adjusted until the measurements match. After modifying the position of target holder 102, the distance between plumb 112 and target holder 102 is verified.

Once the target fixtures 102 are properly spaced and aligned, the target fixtures 102 are configured to perform ADAS calibration according to the vehicle-specific data. (block 226). To this end, the level of the horizontal beam 150 is established using the crank 162. The height is established by reference to the measurement scale 142 and/or using the tape 114.

In addition, the camera target 106 and the LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 are positioned based on the vehicle specific data. The position is established using the measurement scale 152/154 or the tape 114. In embodiments using an adjustable tape hook 110, the camera target 106 and the LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 may be positioned prior to alignment with the target holder 102. Alternatively, after the target holder 102 is aligned, the adjustable tape hook 110 is removed to allow the camera target 106 and the LASER/LIDAR reflector 108 to be positioned using the sled mount 186/192 and, in embodiments with locking capabilities, the sled mount 186/192 is locked at a desired position.

The above alignment method can be modified in various ways. For example, in an embodiment in which only two wheel mounts are provided, one side of the vehicle is measured when the target fixture is adjusted, and then the wheel mounts are repositioned on the opposite side of the vehicle to obtain a second measurement. Alternatively, a desired distance between the wheel mount and the target fixture is provided in some embodiments. Thus, the target fixture will generally be correctly aligned as long as the distance to the plumb and the distance to one of the wheel mounts is reached. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wheel carriage is not positioned until after the target fixture has been initially positioned. Further, steps or portions of steps in different embodiments are performed in different orders.

Thus, the ADAS calibrator system 100 is a fully mechanical system with mechanical measurement and adjustment processes that allow the ADAS calibrator system 100 to be inexpensively manufactured and easily used by a user. Once ADAS calibrator system 100 is properly configured, positioned, and aligned, ADAS calibration may be performed in any desired manner. In some embodiments, the scan tool is used to initiate a calibration sequence.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such drawings and description are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications, and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims (15)

1. A mechanical Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrator system, comprising:

a target fixture;

a plurality of wheel supports;

at least one ADAS target configured to be mounted to the target fixture;

a plumb bob; and

a tape measure extendable between the target fixture and the plumb when at least one of the plurality of wheel mounts is mounted to at least one wheel of a vehicle.

2. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first tape hook mounted on the target jig and configured to couple with the tape measure when the tape measure is extendable between the target jig and the plumb bob.

3. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 2, further comprising:

at least one second tape hook mounted on at least one of the target fixture and the plurality of wheel mounts, the at least one second tape hook configured to couple with the tape measure, wherein,

the tape measure is configured to couple with the at least one second tape measure hook and extend between the target fixture and a first one of the plurality of wheel mounts when the first one of the plurality of wheel mounts is mounted to the vehicle.

4. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 3, wherein;

the target fixture comprises a vertical rod and a horizontal rod movably arranged on the vertical rod;

the horizontal bar comprises a chute extending horizontally along the horizontal bar; and

the at least one second tape hook is mounted to the target fixture by movably mounting the at least one second tape hook in the chute.

5. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of wheel mounts comprises:

a main body;

a first capture arm extending outwardly from a first side of the body;

a second capture arm spaced apart from the first capture arm and extending outwardly from the first side of the body;

at least one wheel mount leveling screw threadedly engaged with the body; and

a leveler mounted to the main body.

6. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system of claim 5, wherein the target fixture comprises:

a base platform;

a plurality of lockable wheels supporting the base platform; and

a plurality of target clamp leveling screws in threaded engagement with the base platform.

7. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wheel mounts comprises:

a main body;

a first capture arm extending outwardly from a first side of the body;

a second capture arm spaced apart from the first capture arm and extending outwardly from the first side of the body;

at least one wheel mount leveling screw threadedly engaged with the body; and

a leveler mounted to the body.

8. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 7, further comprising:

a first tape hook mounted on the target jig and configured to couple with the tape measure as the tape measure extends between the target jig and the plumb bob.

9. The mechanical ADAS calibrator system according to claim 8, further comprising:

at least one second tape hook mounted on at least one of the target fixture and the plurality of wheel mounts, the at least one second tape hook configured to couple with the tape measure, wherein

The tape measure is configured to couple with the at least one second tape hook and to extend between the target fixture and a first one of the plurality of wheel mounts when the first one of the plurality of wheel mounts is mounted to the vehicle.

10. A method of aligning a mechanical Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrator system, comprising:

obtaining vehicle specific calibrator system data;

positioning a target fixture in front of a vehicle;

extending a plumb from a central location of the vehicle to a location on a surface below the vehicle;

measuring a first distance between the plumb and the target jig using a tape measure extending between the target jig and the plumb; and

repositioning the target fixture when the measured first distance does not match a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance based on the obtained vehicle specific calibrator system data.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

a first tape holder coupling a tape measure to the target fixture, wherein:

measuring a first distance between the plumb bob and the target jig includes measuring the first distance using the tape coupled to the first tape support.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

positioning a first wheel carriage on a first wheel of the vehicle;

leveling the first wheel mount on the first wheel of the vehicle;

coupling the tape measure to a second tape measure mount on one of the first wheel mount and the target fixture;

measuring a second distance between the first wheel support and the target fixture using the tape coupled to the second tape support; and

repositioning the target fixture when the measured second distance does not match a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance based on the obtained vehicle specific calibrator system data.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising;

positioning the second tape holder on a horizontal beam of the ADAS calibrator system at a predetermined position using the obtained vehicle specific calibrator system data, wherein:

coupling the tape measure to the second tape measure support comprises coupling the tape measure to a second tape measure support positioned.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

positioning a first wheel carriage on a first wheel of the vehicle;

leveling the first wheel mount on the first wheel of the vehicle;

coupling the tape measure to a second tape measure mount on one of the first wheel mount and the target fixture;

measuring a second distance between the first wheel support and the target fixture using the tape coupled to the second tape support;

positioning a second wheel mount on a second wheel of the vehicle;

leveling the second wheel mount on a second wheel of the vehicle;

coupling the tape measure to a third tape measure mount on one of the second wheel mount and the target fixture;

measuring a third distance between the second wheel support and the target fixture using the tape coupled to the third tape support; and

repositioning the target fixture when the measured second distance does not match the measured third distance.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising;

positioning the second tape holder on a horizontal beam of the ADAS calibrator system at a predetermined position using the obtained vehicle specific calibrator system data, wherein:

coupling the tape measure to the second tape measure support comprises coupling the tape measure to a second tape measure support positioned.

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