Angle Measurement System For Automotive Collision Avoidance Sensors

Abstract

A system for measuring the orientation angle of automotive collision avoidance sensors. An adaptive spacer is supported to conformably interengage the collision avoidance sensor module of a vehicle being repaired. The adaptive spacer extends outwardly from the sensor module and the orientation angle of the sensor module is transposed by the adaptive spacer to form an angular guideline on an underlying calibration board, mat or other surface. The angle between the angular guideline and a base guideline parallel to the center line of the vehicle and the angular guideline is measured to provide the orientation angle of the vehicle's sensor module.

Claims

1. A system for measuring the angular orientation of an automotive collision avoidance sensor module mounted to a motor vehicle, said system comprising: a spacer component having an inner end configured for generally flushly and conformably engaging an outer face of the sensor module such that said spacer component extends outwardly from the sensor module; means attached to a distal end of said spacer component for forming an angular guideline, which extends, across a generally horizontal underlying surface below the sensor module and has an angular orientation corresponding to the angular orientation of the sensor module, said angular guideline intersecting a base guideline formed on said underlying surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the motor vehicle; and an angle measuring guide for determining the angle between said base guideline and said angular guideline, which determined angle corresponds to the angular orientation of the sensor module.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a frame assembly that includes a lower frame for mounting of said underlying surface and an upper frame adjustably mounted on said lower frame and being selectively movable thereon in opposing directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the motor vehicle.

3. The system of claim ,2 in which said underlying surface includes a calibration board supported by said upper frame and movable therewith in opposing directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the motor vehicle and a longitudinal axis of travel of said upper frame on said lower frame.

4. The system of claim 3 in which said calibration board includes a longitudinal side edge that defines said base guideline.

5. The system of claim 2 in which said means for forming the angular guideline includes a generally vertical support post that engages and extends upwardly from, said calibration board.

6. The system of claim 5 in which said support post includes generally planar opposing forward and rearward sides, said spacer component being secured at said distal end to said forward side of said post at a selected height for corresponding to the height at which the sensor module is mounted, said rearward side of said support post forming said angular guideline at a lower end of said support post on said calibration board.

7. The system of claim 4 in which said longitudinal side edge includes an elongate lip that defines said base guideline.

8. The system of claim 4 further including a tire-engaging box component interconnected to said lower frame and holding said lower frame in place such that said base guideline remains parallel to the centerline of the motor vehicle.

9. The system of claim 8 in which said box component includes a plurality of tabs for engaging a respective wheel trim.

10. The system of claim 1 in which said means for forming an angular guideline includes a laser line projector that generates a later line marking to represent said angular guideline on said underlying surface.

11. The system of claim 4 in which said means for framing an angular guideline includes a laser line projector that generates a laser line marking to represent said angular guideline on said calibration board.

12. The system of claim 1 in which said underlying surface includes a calibration mat, extending across a surface on which the motor vehicle is supported, said mat including a plurality of calibration lines that are parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the motor vehicle, a selected said calibration line defining said base guideline.

13. The system of claim 12 in which said means for forming the angular guideline includes a generally vertical support post that engages and extends upwardly from said mat.

14. The system of claim 13 in which said support post includes generally planar opposing forward and rearward sides, said spacer component being secured at said distal end to said forward side of said post at a selected height for corresponding to the height at which the sensor module is mounted, said rearward side of said support post forming said angular guideline at a lower end of said support post on said calibration board.

15. The system of claim 1 in which said base guideline is defined by and co-extensive with a centerline of the motor vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components employed in a preferred measurement system according to this invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 as operatively engaged with a sensor module in the rear bumper or quarter panel of a vehicle being repaired;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view depicting the tire engaging box of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an alternative perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 operatively interengaged with the collision avoidance sensor of a vehicle;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an alternative version of this invention wherein the angular guideline is generated by a laser line projector;

[0026] FIG. 6 is an alternative top perspective view of the version of FIG. 5;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a third preferred version of the measurement system employing a calibration mat;

[0028] FIG. 8A is a rear perspective view of the calibration mat version of this invention, with the individual components assembled for use in measuring a vehicle's collision avoidance sensor angle;

[0029] FIG. 8B is an alternative perspective view of the version of FIG. 8A;

[0030] FIG. 9 a rear perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the measurement system employing a V-shaped guideline tracking tool; and

[0031] FIG. 10 is a top view of the pivotable guideline tracking tool employed in the version of FIG. 9 as interengaged with a digital angle gauge for measuring the angular orientation of the collision avoidance sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] There is shown in FIG. 1 an angle measurement system 10 for radar sensors of the type employed in automotive collision avoidance systems. These may include, but are not limited to, various types of collision avoidance sensors such as blind spot, cross traffic and backup sensors. The sensor technology involved with the measurement system of this invention typically comprises radar and analogous (laser) based sensor systems. The construction, installation and use of such technology and of automotive collision avoidance systems in general is conventional and will be understood to persons skilled in the art. System 10, as well as the alternative measurement systems disclosed herein may be employed on virtually all makes and models of vehicles employing collision avoidance sensor technology,

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, measurement system 10 includes a frame assembly 12 positioned on a floor or other underlying surface 14 that supports a motor vehicle 16. The vehicle has one or more collision avoidance sensors that require angular measurement and adjustment. Frame assembly 12 comprises a plurality of perpendicularly interconnected elements that are typically composed of extruded aluminum or other durable (i.e. metal or synthetic) materials. More particularly, frame assembly 12 includes an elongate rectangular lower frame portion 18 placed directly on surface 14 and having a central rail 20 formed longitudinally therethrough from a forward end 22 to a rearward end 24 of the lower frame portion. A rectangular tire-engaging box portion 26, shown by itself in FIG. 3, is unitarily connected to central rail 20 of lower frame portion 12. Tire-engaging box portion 26 is oriented such that rail 12 engages underlying surface 14 and an upper segment 28 of box portion 26 extends parallel to rail 12. Segment 28 carries a pair of tire-engaging tabs 30 that are respectively engageable with angularly spaced apart locations on a rear wheel and tire of the vehicle such that rail 12 and segment 28 of tire-engaging box portion 26 are substantially aligned with the center line of motor vehicle 16. The vehicle center line is not specifically shown in FIG, 1, but is shown in FIGS. 7-9.

[0034] As further shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, lower frame portion movably supports a rectangular upper frame portion 30. More particularly, upper frame portion 30 is oriented longitudinally transversely to lower frame portion 18 and is interconnected to the lower frame portion by slides, rollers or other structure, not depicted in detail, that allows the upper frame portion 30 to be moved longitudinally along lower frame portion 18 between the forward end 22 and the rearward end 24 of the lower frame portion, as indicated by double-headed arrow 32.

[0035] A rectangular calibration board 34 is adjustably mounted on upper frame portion 30. Calibration board 34 includes a generally planar panel 36 that is surrounded by a rectangular peripheral raised side edge or lip 38. Panel 36 and lip 38 may be composed of assorted materials including metals, synthetic or wood. Board 34 extends longitudinally transversely to upper frame portion 30 between the forward end 32 and rearward end 24 of lower base 18. Once again, slides, rollers or other means that will be known to persons skilled in the art may be utilized to movably interconnect board 34 to upper frame portion 30 such that the calibration board is capable of sliding longitudinally along rails 40 and 42 of upper frame portion 30 in the manner indicated by double headed arrow 44. As a result, calibration board 34 may be positionally adjusted both forwardly and rearwardly and laterally relative to supportive frame assembly 12. This allows the calibration board to be positioned relative to a vehicle and its radar sensors so that the angular orientation of the sensors may be properly measured and adjusted in the manner described below.

[0036] System 10 further includes a sensor module adaptive spacer 46 that is mounted to an elongate vertical support post 48. The support post preferably has a rectangular cross-. sectional shape featuring a flat inner or forward longitudinal side 50 and a flat outer or rearward longitudinal side 52. Adaptive spacer 46 is supported on an adjustable bracket 54 that may comprise an L-bracket. Post 48 may have a plurality of positioning holes formed in inner surface 50 that allow the bracket 54 and adaptive spacer 46 to be positioned vertically along and supported on support post 48 at a height that corresponds with the height of the radar sensor module on the vehicle 16. Assorted types of screws, bolts or alternative releasable connectors may be employed to attach bracket 54 at the selected height on support element 48. Adaptive spacer 46 itself may be permanently or releasably interconnected to positioning bracket 54. The lower end of support post 48 is engaged with platform 36 of calibration board 34, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0037] Adaptive spacer 46 includes an inner end 56, FIGS. 1 and 2, that is shaped or configured to flushly and snugly conform to the shape or configuration of a particular radar sensor module being measured. See module 58, FIGS. 2 and 4. It is important that the inner end 56 of adaptive spacer 46 precisely or at least substantially conform to module 58 so that the angle of the radar sensors is effectively transposed to the generally planar outer longitudinal side 52 of support element 48. Each adaptive spacer should be provided with an inner face configuration that matches the specific profile of the sensor module being measured.

[0038] System 10 further includes a digital angle gauge 60, FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, comprising a pair of pivotally interconnected arms 62 and 64 and a standard digital angular readout device 66 featuring a microprocessor and/or other standard electronic components that calculate and display'the angle between arms 62 and 64.

[0039] Typically system 10 is installed and utilized to measure the angle of one or more of a vehicle's collision avoidance sensors when the vehicle is being repaired following a collision or after suffering other damage to the bumper, rear quarter panel or other part of the vehicle. System 10 provides such angular measurements quickly and accurately so that the sensor alignment may be conveniently and correctly adjusted while repairs are being made. In operation, frame assembly 12 is installed, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, adjacent to vehicle 16 proximate the area being repaired and containing the radar sensors to be measured. Frame assembly 12 is placed on underlying surface 14 with tire-engaging box positioned against tire T. The wheel adjustment tabs are adjustably engaged with angularly spaced apart locations on the outer rim of the wheel and the forward end 22 of lower frame portion 18 is inserted snugly against the tread of the tire. Tabs 30 may be adjusted so that the upper segment 28 of box 26 is arranged substantially parallel to the rear tire and hence parallel to the center line of vehicle 16. By the same token, this effectively aligns center rail 20 and each of the longitudinal segments of lower frame portion 18 with the center line of the vehicle.

[0040] Next, calibration board 34 is generally aligned under the exposed sensor module 58. This is accomplished by adjusting upper frame portion 30 and supported calibration board 34 longitudinally along lower frame portion 18 as indicated by doubled-headed arrow 32. The calibration board 34 itself is likewise adjusted relative to segments 40 and 42 of upper frame portion 30 so that the calibration board is positioned/centered beneath sensor module 58. The user then operably installs vertical support post 48 between panel 36 of calibration board 34 and sensor module 58. More particularly, the lower end 49 of support post 48 is engaged with the upper surface of panel 36. The inner end 56 of adaptive spacer 46 is flushly and conformably interengaged with the matching profile of sensor module 58. As previously stated, the adaptive spacer being used should have an inner end 56 that closely, if not precisely matches, the profile of the sensor module being measured.

[0041] When the adaptive spacer is properly interengaged with sensor module 58, the lower end 49 of support post 48 interengages platform 36 such that flat rearward face 52 of post 48 defines on platform 36 an angular guideline corresponding to the horizontal angular inclination of the sensor module being measured. That inclination is then measured by utilizing digital angle gauge 60. Specifically, arm 62 of gauge 60 is flushly interengaged with longitudinal segment 70 of peripheral raised edge or lip 38 of calibration board 34. That lip, best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, represents a base guideline. Because longitudinal rail 20 of lower frame portion 8 is parallel to the center line of the vehicle and the longitudinal side segment 70 of rectangular calibration board 34 is parallel to rail 20, the base guideline defined by straight edge segment 70 of lip 38 is likewise parallel to the vehicle's center line. Accordingly, the angle of the radar sensor module 58 is effectively transposed onto panel 36 of calibration bard 34 and is represented by the angle formed between the base guideline (raised side edge 70) and the angular guideline (represented by rearward side 52 of support element 48). Digital angle gauge 60 measures the angle between the base guideline and the angular guideline and thereby accurately determines the angle at which the sensor module is directed. That measured angle can then be quickly compared with the factory prescribed sensor angle settings for the vehicle and the sensors being installed are realigned if needed to conform to the manufacturer's specifications. This realignment can be accomplished by performing appropriate adjustments or modifications to the bodywork or repair work. The measurements can then be retested quickly and conveniently, as often as needed and while the work is being performed, until the prescribed angle is achieved.

[0042] An alternative measurement system 10a is disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6. System 10a comprises a frame assembly 12a that is identical or analogous to the frame assembly previously described. Likewise, a calibration board 34a and a digital angle gauge 60a may be employed and these components may be identical or analogous to the corresponding components described above. In system 10a, the previously described vertical support post 48 is replaced by a laser line projector 48a. The laser line projector is mounted to the outer end of an adaptive spacer 46a, which, in turn, has an inner end 56a that conformably matches the profile of laser module 58a. The adaptive spacer may be secured provisionally to the sensor module by tape, hook and loop material, or alternative means of connection. As a result, the adaptive spacer holds the laser projector 48a at an angle that represents or corresponds to the angle of orientation of the radar sensors relative to the vehicle.

[0043] When the laser projector 48a carried by spacer 46a is activated, it projects a laser line 52a that represents an angular guideline corresponding to the horizontal angular inclination of the collision avoidance sensor. The angle of the sensor is thereby effectively transposed onto panel 36a of calibration board 38a. Digital angle gauge 60a is then operated in a manner analogous to that previously described to obtain this angle in a quick, convenient and accurate manner. Specifically, arm 62a of gauge 60a is aligned and interengaged with raised edge segment 70a of a peripheral lip 38a, which represents the base guideline on the calibration board. Arm 64a is likewise aligned with the projected laser line forming the angular guideline 52a. The angle between segment 70a of lip 38 and laser line 52a represents the angle of orientation of the sensor. That angle can be realigned, if required, to meet the specifications for the motor vehicle being repaired. Again, this realignment or adjustment can be made quickly and conveniently by the user while the autobody repair is being performed.

[0044] FIGS. 7-8B illustrate an alternative system 10b according to this invention. This version employs a calibration mat 34b featuring a center line 80b for aligning with the center line CL of the vehicle. Mat 34b includes a series of parallel calibration guidelines 70b, which are in turn parallel to center line 80b and are spaced approximately 6 apart.

[0045] When working on the rear of the vehicle (Le. when the sensors are in the rear bumper or rear quarter panel) mat 34b should be placed rearwardly of the vehicle such that the center line 80b of mat 34b is aligned with the vehicle's center line CL. The center line CL of the vehicle is determined by dropping a plumb line 90b, FIG. 8A, from the front and rear hood and trunk badges or ornaments respectively, This allows the user to mark the center line as extending from the front and the rear of the vehicle. Spots on the center line can be marked on the underlying surface using tape and a string may be extended between the and beyond the marked spots and taped in place to indicate the vehicle's center line. The center line 80b of calibration mat 34b can then be aligned with center line CL. After the foregoing steps are completed, a vertical support post 48 as previously described and, attached adaptive spacer 46 are interconnected between mat 90b and the sensor module being angularly measured. As previously described, the inner face of the adaptive, spacer element 46 is flushly and conformably engaged with the sensor module. As a result, adaptive spacer 46 holds support post 48 at an angular orientation relative to the sensor module. More particularly, as indicated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, rearward face 52 of element 48 is held at an angle that represents the horizontal angle at which the sensor is directed from the vehicle. The lower end 49 of element 48 engages calibration mat 34b and therefore surface 52 of post 48 forms an angular guideline along the calibration mat, which represents the angular orientation of the sensor module. The base guideline is defined by a nearby calibration guideline 70b on mat 34b. Analogous to the previously described embodiment, digital angle gauge 60 is deployed with arm 62 aligned with calibration or base guideline 70b and arm 64 engaging and aligned with rearward surface 52 of rectangular support post 48. Once again, the base guideline 70b is parallel to the center line of the vehicle and the angular guideline represented by surface 52 corresponds to the angle of the sensor module. The angle gauge thereby provides a transposed measurement of the angular orientation of the sensor module. If the measured angular orientation differs from the manufacturer's specifications, appropriate body or repair work can be performed to adjust the angle so that it meets those specifications.

[0046] FIG. 9 discloses still another version of the measurement system. In this embodiment, system 10c again includes an adaptive spacer component 46 and a height-adjustable vertical support element 48 that are constructed and operate analogously to the elements previously described. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8B, the vehicle's center line is plumbed and marked. A tape, string or other straight edge is used to extend the center line approximately 10 beyond the rear of the vehicle. The supportive post 48 and attached adaptive spacer 46 are installed in the manner previously described. In particular, the distal end of the adaptive spacer is conformably engaged with the matching profile of the particular sensor module being measured. Adaptive spacer 46 is longitudinally adjusted along and secured to vertical support post 48 so that the adaptive spacer is held at a height corresponding to the interengaged sensor module. The lower end 49 of vertical support element 48 engages the underlying surface 14 and may include a hinge or other flat base for stably engaging the underlying surface. As in the previously described embodiments, adaptive spacer 46 holds support post 48 at an angle relative to the interengaged sensor module that corresponds to the angular orientation of the particular sensor being measured. Again, post 48 includes a planar rearward side 52 that defines an angular guideline corresponding to the angular orientation of the sensor.

[0047] A V--shaped guideline tracking, tool 100c is disposed on underlying surface 14 behind the motor vehicle. Tracking tool 100c includes a first arm 102c that is aligned with the previously determined center line of the vehicle. Arm 100c is opened and aligned with flat rearward facing side 52 of support post 48. Accordingly, arms 100 and 102c are respectively aligned with the angular guideline and base guideline of system 10c. Digital angle gauge 60 is conformably interengaged at the vertex of tracking device 100c in the manner best shown in FIG. 10. As a result, angular gauge 60 provides an accurate measure of the angle between the orientation angle guideline (represented by rearward side surface 52 of post 48) and the base guideline (represented by the center line CL) of the vehicle. This angle accurately corresponds to the horizontal angle at which the vehicle sensor is pointed. As in the prior embodiments, if this measured angle differs from the factory specified angle, it may be quickly and conveniently adjusted during the repair of the vehicle and retested as needed.

[0048] The system of the present invention allows for radar sensors of automotive collision avoidance systems to be quickly and conveniently checked and adjusted as needed when a vehicle is repaired after a collision or otherwise being damaged. This system eliminates guess work and repeated adjusting of sensor angles, which can be extremely tedious, frustrating and expensive both for repair shops and customers. Each embodiment disclosed herein can be used effectively and beneficially on both sides of the vehicle.

[0049] The system of this invention enables the user to obtain an extremely accurate angle measurement for the vehicle's collision avoidance sensors relative to the center/longitudinal/straight line/of the vehicle. The adaptive spacer allows the system to be employed with radar sensor modules having various shapes, sizes and profiles. Accordingly, the system can be used with virtually all makes and models of motor vehicles by employing an adaptive spacer that matches the profile of the sensor module involved. By employing either the height-adjustable support element or the laser line projector, the system can be adapted to be used effectively for sensors mounted at various vehicle heights, The adapter spacer may be either raised or lowered, as required, to be used on both tall vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs and passenger vans, as well as low to the ground vehicles such as sports cars. The spacer enables the system to be effectively engaged with radar sensors mounted in a deep cavity surrounded by vehicle structure such as bumper taillights.

[0050] By employing the system of this invention, repair shops are not forced to rely upon the motor vehicle's diagnostics system to determine the accuracy of the angular settings. This can save the repair shop considerable time, expense and frustration typically incurred when vehicle diagnostic systems are relied upon, and repeated testing and realignments are needed.

[0051] From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for a system for quickly, conveniently and accurately measuring the angular orientation of automotive collision avoidance sensors. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that, this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.

[0052] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some of the drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any and all of the other features in accordance with this invention.