Abstract:
A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition.
Abstract:
A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.
Abstract:
A deflection resistant combination slip plate and turn plate assembly for support the steered wheels of a vehicle on a precision planar surface resistant to deflection and distortion. The slip plate and the turn plate are supported on an underlying surface by bearing assemblies, and establish a upper planar surface with the turn plate disposed in a cutout region of the slip plate. Each plate is configured for limited translational movement relative to the base plate surface on which it is supported, while the turn plate is further configured for rotational movement about a central axis. Translational movement of the plates is synchronized. Spacing between the slip plate and turn plate is minimized, and supporting means are provided to maintain the slip plate and turn plate in vertical alignment under load.
Abstract:
A method for providing performance tracking, operator guidance, and feedback by monitoring operator interactions with a vehicle service system. The operator's interactions with the service equipment during a vehicle service procedure which produce detectable effects are monitored. If an operator completes a vehicle service procedure correctly, a visual or audible announcement is provided, and an entry recorded in a system log. If an operator mistake is detected during the vehicle service procedure, a different visual or audible announcement is provided, and a suitable entry recorded in the system log. The system log is subsequently utilized to generate a performance score, either based on overall system usage, or upon the usage by a specific operator if operator-identifying information is available during each service procedure.
Abstract:
A method by which a vehicle wheel service system, having at least one load roller for applying a generally radial load to a wheel assembly mounted on a driven spindle shaft during rotation thereof, provides a measurement which is representative of the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly undergoing testing. In order to rotationally drive the spindle shaft with the vehicle wheel assembly mounted there on, energy is supplied to a drive motor operatively coupled to rotationally drive the spindle shaft. By monitoring the amount of energy or drive torque required to rotationally drive the spindle shaft and achieve and maintain a desired rotational speed for the wheel assembly when engaged with the load roller, a measurement which is related to the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly is obtained by the vehicle wheel balancing system.