Method and apparatus for calibration of no-compensation and universal wheel adapters utilized in vehicle wheel alignment procedures

摘要

A method and apparatus for the calibration of vehicle wheel alignment sensors or optical targets and for the detection and correction of wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensors are attached during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for electronically storing separate calibration values associated with a vehicle wheel alignment sensor or optical target for a variety of types of vehicle wheel adapters. A second aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters by utilizing a known flat surface against which the contact points of the adapter are placed, any misalignment of the sensor mounting shaft axis from the plane is detected and corrected for, either by adjustment of the contact points or by adjustment of the sensor mounting shaft. An additional aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of more than three contact points on the wheel adapter to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensor is attached to facilitate detection of damage or wear to the wheel adapter by providing a visual indication of the damage or wear when the wheel adapter is placed on the flat surface.