Patent classifications
G01M11/062
Laser alignment system for a lamp mounting bracket
A laser alignment system for adjusting a mounting bracket of a lamp is disclosed. The laser alignment system includes an alignment bracket including a body portion defining one or more target features and a plurality of index features. The one or more target features include a target that is configured to align with a laser beam and the plurality of index features that are configured to position the alignment bracket along a surface. The laser alignment system also includes a laser alignment tool including a base, a mount, and a laser device. The mount holds the laser device in place and the laser device is configured to emit the laser beam, and the base of the laser alignment tool is shaped to fit within the mounting bracket for the lamp and the laser device directs the laser beam towards a corresponding one of target features of the alignment bracket.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE HEADLAMP
An alignment checking apparatus holder to assist checking of the alignment of a motor vehicle headlamp installed in a body of a motor vehicle includes a base body, at least one reference marking on the base body, and a multiple of form-fit elements. The base body is visually perceptible from the outside in a checking position. The multiple of form-fit elements are rigidly connected to the base body and are intended to form form-fit connections with parts of the motor vehicle headlamp or of the body of the motor vehicle. The at least one reference marking has a predetermined position with respect to the multiple of form-fit elements.
HEADLAMP AIMING TOOL AND METHOD
A headlamp aiming tool includes a linear member and four legs, the first of which is connected with one end of the member and the second, third and fourth of which are adjustable relative to the linear member. The first and second legs of the tool are used to measure the distance between the headlamps of a vehicle and the height of the headlamps relative to the ground or floor. The tool may also be mounted on the vehicle via the first and second legs and a fastener connected with the third leg arranged between first and second legs. Lastly, the tool includes a laser device connected with the fourth leg which is also between the first and second legs. The laser device can be aligned with a centerline of the vehicle to direct a laser beam against a screen in front of the vehicle to indicate the vehicle centerline on the screen. The headlamp light and spacing measurements are used to provide headlamp center points on the screen and to determine the horizontal and vertical offset of the low beam light from each headlamp. The offset is used to adjust the headlamps so that they are properly aimed.
Apparatus and methods for aligning headlamp assemblies
Methods for aiming a headlamp assembly of a vehicle having an aiming bracket and a sensor coupled to the aiming bracket. The method includes adjusting the aiming bracket such that an optical axis of the optical assembly inside of the headlamp assembly is parallel to a predetermined axis). The method further includes storing an output of the sensor when the optical axis is parallel to the predetermined axis. The method further includes installing the headlamp assembly into the vehicle. The method further includes adjusting the aiming bracket such that the output of the sensor equals the stored output.
LASER ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR A LAMP MOUNTING BRACKET
A laser alignment system for adjusting a mounting bracket of a lamp is disclosed. The laser alignment system includes an alignment bracket including a body portion defining one or more target features and a plurality of index features. The one or more target features include a target that is configured to align with a laser beam and the plurality of index features that are configured to position the alignment bracket along a surface. The laser alignment system also includes a laser alignment tool including a base, a mount, and a laser device. The mount holds the laser device in place and the laser device is configured to emit the laser beam, and the base of the laser alignment tool is shaped to fit within the mounting bracket for the lamp and the laser device directs the laser beam towards a corresponding one of target features of the alignment bracket.
Vehicle headlamp with laser for alignment of projected beam pattern, and method
A vehicle headlamp includes a housing, at least one lamp located in the housing, at least one beam alignment light source positioned in the housing and configured to project an image to aid in alignment of the at least one lamp, and at least one beam alignment mechanism operably coupled to the housing and configured to adjust the direction of light from the at least one lamp based on an image projected by the beam alignment light source.
LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
A lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising several light sources and at least one means of radiation for electro-magnetic radiation. The light sources are designed to emit electromagnetic radiation which is visible to the human eye. The means of radiation is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation which is not visible to the human eye. The lighting device further comprises a means of detection for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the means of radiation and an adjusting means. The means of detection is designed to emit a signal to the adjusting means comprising an indication relating to a radiation direction of the non-visible electromagnetic radiation. The adjusting means is designed to influence a radiation direction of the non-visible electromagnetic radiation and a radiation direction of the visible electromagnetic radiation, depending on the signal.
LASER ALIGNMENT OF HEADLAMP BEAM PATTERN
A vehicle headlamp includes a housing. One or more lamps are located in the housing. A beam alignment light source is positioned in the housing and is configured to aid in alignment of the one or more lamps. A beam alignment mechanism is operably coupled to the housing and configured to adjust the direction of light from at least one of the one or more lamps. A method of aligning the vehicle headlamp includes the steps of: illuminating an alignment light source within the vehicle headlamp; projecting the illuminated alignment light source onto a surface; aligning the alignment light source to a pre-determined position on the surface; and adjusting one or more lamps to correspond with the pre-determined position of the alignment light source.
Headlamp aiming tool and method
A headlamp aiming tool includes a linear member and four legs. The first and second legs are used to measure the distance between the headlamps of a vehicle and the height of the headlamps relative to the ground or floor. The tool may also be mounted on the vehicle via the first and second legs and a fastener connected with the third leg arranged between first and second legs. A laser device is connected with the fourth leg and aligned with a centerline of the vehicle to direct a laser beam against a screen in front of the vehicle to indicate the vehicle centerline on the screen. The headlamp light and spacing measurements are used to provide headlamp center points on the screen and to determine the horizontal and vertical offset of the low beam light which is used to adjust the aim of the headlamps.
ATTITUDE DETERMINING DEVICE, VEHICLE LAMP SYSTEM, ATTITUDE DETERMINING METHOD, AND CALIBRATION METHOD
An attitude determining device outputs a notification signal if, in an image that an imaging device has captured of a predetermined attitude determining pattern formed by a light distribution variable lamp that illuminates a region ahead of a vehicle with light, a position of the attitude determining pattern in a direction about an optical axis of the imaging device deviates from a normal position by no less than a predetermined amount.