Dürr reinvents wheel geometry measurement
01/12/2007
Püttlingen, January 12, 2007 – Wheel geometry measurement carried out during the assembly process has a major influence on the later road driving behavior of vehicles. An ever increasing variety of models is pushing manufacturers in the direction of greater flexibility. As a result there is a demand from the market for wheel geometry measuring systems that offer wider measurement ranges. Dürr has responded to this challenge with its new x-3Dprofile measuring system. The system is based on the positive experience gained with the proven laser measuring system, that has been sold more than 300 times within the x-wheel wheel alignment test stand by Dürr.
The aim was to respond to the increasing vehicle mix with a reliable and simple-to-parameterize solution that could carry out more measuring tasks in an optimized cycle time. The solution now available from Dürr Factory Assembly Systems (FAS) is also very tough, requires little maintenance, has a long lifecycle and consumes less energy and - in contrast to beamer solutions - works independently of surrounding lighting.
No compromise on quality
With x-3Dprofile Dürr combines the quality of a proven laser measuring method with the measuring range of a camera-projection system, without the disadvantages of a beamer solution. This is achieved with the help of the dPP-process (dynamic Pattern Projection) of the x-3Dprofile compact sensor that was designed during a joint program of research with supplier VisiCon. The sensor works on the measuring principle of stereo- photogrammetry with minimum 64 laser lines and measures toe and camber of the wheel as well as the ride height with high accuracy and dynamics.
Unlike color coded triangulation (CCT) - where the beamer, to be calibrated, projects multicolored lines onto the wheel, which are then measured via triangulation – x-3Dprofile uses stereophotogrammetry and laser arrays. On this new development, laser lines (point lasers within a laser array which have been expanded to a line by cylindrical lenses) of high light intensity are used as illumination for the wheel to be measured. The lines form a two-dimensional line matrix and can be switched individually.
Downtime almost zero
In addition to its vast independence of surrounding lighting, it is the fail-safe reliability of x-3Dprofile that stands out. If one beamer lamp overheats or is defective the associated system comes to a complete standstill. If one laser line fails, however, – or even if several do – this is of little significance as far as measuring performance is concerned. With the Dürr process, measurements result from statistical evaluation of a multitude of measured lines thus attaining a high level of measurement accuracy without unnecessary data collection.
The sensor itself is very robust and small and can be placed in any position. It can be calibrated redundantly and operates with DÜRR’s proven x-line software. During its introductory phase it can be used in parallel to the system it is to replace.
Flexible application
The large measuring range is very suitable for complex vehicle mixes in respect of track width difference, ride height difference and different tyre sizes. When compared with beamer systems, the sensor has the persuasive advantages of its smaller size, longer lifecycle and lower energy consumption. It also distinguishes itself because of its faster availability for measurement and in terms of an application-oriented data volume from a measuring frequency that is three times as high (30 Hertz). This is imperative to be able to meet increasing demands for the ability to carry out dynamical tasks, such as hysteresis measurement, within an acceptable time cycle.
In comparison with color coded triangulation, the dPP-process of the x-3Dprofile sensor offers the benefits of a measuring method that works independently of correctly positioned measuring lines. Furthermore, additional measuring elements are not required because the rim edges are given in three coordinates. A benchmark shows that on these points and in terms of its insensitivity to external light sources the x-3Dprofile measuring system is clearly superior to CTT measuring systems available on the market. x-3Dprofile system VisiCon is a trailblazing wheel geometry measuring system that in terms of successful measuring sensors such as Perceptron DTC and VisiCon LCS will enrich the Dürr FAS specialists’ portfolio. The system represents further innovative Dürr solution - one that not only assures quality but also contributes to lowering costs.
The Dürr Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of products, systems and services for automobile manufacturing. Its range of products and services covers important stages of vehicle production. As a systems supplier, Dürr plans and builds complete paint shops and final assembly facilities. Dürr also delivers cleaning and filtration systems for the manufacture of engine and transmission components as well as diagnostic and balancing systems for vehicle components. Around 90% of Group sales relate to business with automobile manufacturers and their suppliers. The machinery, chemical, pharmaceutical, coating and aviation industries are also major customers of Dürr.
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Dürr Systems GmbH
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