METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING WHEEL CONDITION ON A VEHICLE

摘要

A method of assessing a condition of a wheel on a vehicle involves contactlessly determining distance of a first location on the wheel from a fixed point not on the wheel at a first time while the vehicle is moving and contactlessly determining distance of a second location on the wheel from the fixed point at a second time after the vehicle has moved. The two distances are compared to determine an offset between the first and second locations on the wheel. The offset provides an indication of tire wearing angle of the wheel while the vehicle is moving. The method can be used to assess wheel alignment and wheel suspension. An apparatus and system for effecting the method involves the use of a displacement sensor, especially an optical displacement sensor (e.g. a laser) for making the distance determinations. The system and apparatus is completely contactless and only one stationary displacement sensor is required to make the appropriate distance measurements to the wheel on a moving vehicle.

主权项

1. A method of assessing a condition of a wheel on a vehicle, comprising:
a) contactlessly determining a distance to a first location on the wheel from a fixed point along a fixed axis at a first time as the wheel moves past the fixed axis; b) contactlessly determining a distance to a second location on the wheel from the fixed point along the fixed axis at a second time as the wheel moves past the fixed axis; c) determining an indication of a tire-wearing angle for the wheel based on the distance to the first location and the distance to the second location; and d) outputting the indication of the tire wearing angle for the wheel.