Vehicle axle alignment instrument and method

Details Vehicle axle alignment instrument and method Vehicle axle alignment instrument and method

1992-01-10

1992-10-27

Haroian, Harry N.

Geometrical instruments

Gauge

Wheel

G01B 73195

Patent

active

051578387

ABSTRACT:
Axle alignment for a tractor-trailer vehicle combination is important for tire wear, fuel economy and driver fatigue. Misalignment occurs when the tractor thrust line vectors (one perpendicular to each drive axle) has a skew angle with respect to a longitudinal reference axis of the tractor. In addition, the tandem axles of a dual axle combination must be parallel to minimize scrubbing between the tires and the roadway. The same problems exist when the trailer drag line vectors (one perpendicular to each trailer axle) are not aligned with a longitudinal reference, and the dual axles are not parallel, due to axle misalignment.
The instrument and method of this invention are components of an alignment system for making accurate alignment adjustments to the vehicle. The instrument is compact, light weight and portable. Also, only one instrument is required to establish location points on the reference surface supporting the vehicle. A computer uses distances between location points to determine the relative position between axles and displays axle geometry on a monitor. Adjustments in the axle positions are provided based for the type of vehicle suspension system.

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