Abstract: A vehicle integrated wheel alignment monitoring system for monitoring and testing a dynamic roadwheel for misalignment as the vehicle is being operated. The monitoring system includes a synchronous position sensing apparatus and a synchronous verifier device for initiating a test for roadwheel misalignment at the time and position that a predetermined vehicle body height position is achieved during a suspension stroke and subsequently deactivating the test when the predetermined vehicle body height position is surpassed. The test includes determining if a predetermined roadwheel alignment value is in synchronization relative to the predetermined vehicle body height position at the time and position that the predetermined vehicle body height position is achieved. Detecting an in sync condition represents proper roadwheel alignment and detecting an out of sync condition represents roadwheel misalignment.

Abstract: A vehicle integrated wheel alignment monitoring system for monitoring and testing a dynamic roadwheel for misalignment as the vehicle is being operated. The monitoring system includes a synchronous position sensing apparatus and a synchronous verifier device for initiating a test for roadwheel misalignment at the time and position that a predetermined vehicle body height position is achieved during a suspension stroke and subsequently deactivating the test when the predetermined vehicle body height position is surpassed. The test includes determining if a predetermined roadwheel alignment value is in synchronization relative to the predetermined vehicle body height position at the time and position that the predetermined vehicle body height position is achieved. Detecting an in sync condition represents proper roadwheel alignment and detecting an out of sync condition represents roadwheel misalignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus onboard a vehicle for determining an actual alignment condition of the vehicle's axle during either dynamic or static conditions. Proper axle alignment depends on a perpendicular relationship between the axle and a centerline reference of the vehicle, which positions the wheels and tires parallel to the centerline. The invention, being installed onboard a vehicle with axle (58) properly aligned, in one embodiment, readily determines the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70) by measuring a spatial relationship between at least two control points or benchmarks established on the vehicle. These points may include point (58a) located at axle (58) and point (38) located on the vehicle's body or frame (62). Any change in the spatial relationship between the points is utilized as representation of a change in the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle measuring apparatus for establishing baselines and dimensionally measuring a vehicle's upper and lower structure, without requiring the use of a fix mechanical grid mechanism. A method is presented which includes having a pre calibrated portable gauge (52) placed to a selected point on the vehicle with a squaring device (66) on gauge (52) positioned outwardly of the vehicle and having a light source (20) placed on or in proximity to the vehicle for projecting a plane of light (90 or 92) to align to squaring device (66). This alignment establishes a light beam baseline at a predetermined dimensional value with respect to the vehicle. Once the baseline is established measurements of the vehicle's upper or lower body may be determined by placing a portable gauge (52) relative to a point on the vehicle and using squaring device (66) to square the alignment of gauge (52) to the selected baseline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic axle alignment system onboard a vehicle for determining the perpendicular position of axle (58), as compared to vehicle centerline (70), which may be measurably monitored by establishing a first point (38) located onboard the vehicle's body or frame (62) and a second point (58a) located on or in proximity to axle (58). These two points serve as control points. A quantitative measurable relationship exists between the control points when compared with axle (58) alignment to the vehicle's centerline (70). In other words, the measurable relationship of the control points is quantitatively altered when axle (58) changes position as compared to the vehicle's centerline (70). Thus the present invention is utilized for monitoring the alignment of axle (58) as compared to the vehicle's centerline (70) by monitoring the measurable relationship of point (38) and point (58a).

Abstract: The present invention monitors a vehicle's normal axle path of movement during vehicle operation when the axle is aligned perpendicular to the vehicle's geometric centerline. An onboard computer (82) stores normal axle motion values which are determined by an arm or line segment (28) having a first end originating at axle (58) and a second end of line segment (28) ending on segmented sensing plane (40) mounted adjacent to axle (58). Upon axle deviation, axle (58) moves outside of the normal axle path of movement (64). Computer (82), along with transducers and transmitters are used for interpolating and conveying information from sensors which detect and compare values of the area of axle movement outside of the normal axle path of movement to values of the axle's normal path. Signals are transmitted to one or more linear actuators (84) attached relative to the vehicle's axle adjustment mechanisms (88).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for viewing coordinates representative of points on a vehicle, which includes a portable gauge assembly (52) having a length of bar (62) graduations (64), an adjustable pointer mount (76) and adjustable pointer (78) for simultaneously setting coordinates representative of a height and width or height and length dimension of a point on the vehicle and an adjustable positioning means (66) for setting a coordinate representative of a baseline of light emitted relative to the vehicle. Positioning means (66) is further used for adjusting bar (62) level and perpendicular to the baseline when gauge (52) is spatially place relative to the point on the vehicle and the baseline, whereby the coordinates may then be viewed at pointer mount (76) or transferred a spatial location within the path of the baseline and viewed at positioning means (66).