System for simulating a second axle on a three-wheel vehicle and related alignment process
AssigneePantin Enterprises Inc.
InventorSean R. Pantin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and process for aligning wheels of a three-wheel cycle include mounting targets to two wheels on an axle of the three-wheel cycle and positioning an alignment device relative to a single wheel of the three-wheel cycle to create a virtual axle and assess thrust angle. Once targets are in place, thrust angle is reduced to zero, and camber, caster, and toe measurements are taken and adjusted as needed to achieve three-wheel alignment.
Claims20
A system for aligning wheels of a three-wheel vehicle, comprising:
- a first target and a second target being configured for respective mounting on a first wheel and a second wheel of a three-wheel cycle, the first and second wheels being disposed on an axle of the three-wheel cycle;
- a provisional axle having a third target and a fourth target mounted thereto, the provisional axle being configured for positioning proximate a third wheel of the three-wheel cycle to emulate a second axle;
- and
- an aligner in communication with the targets, the aligner being in communication with the first target, the second target, the third target, and the fourth target to calculate camber, caster, and toe.
A system for aligning wheels of a three-wheel vehicle, comprising:
- a provisional axle configured for positioning proximate a single wheel of a three-wheel cycle to emulate an axle;
- a left target and a right target mounted to the provisional axle;
- and
- a targeting device being configured for designating a center of the single wheel, the provisional axle being movable relative to the center.
A method of aligning wheels of a three-wheeled vehicle, the method comprising:
- stabilizing a three-wheel vehicle for an alignment;
- providing an aligner;
- providing a first target and a second target for mounting to each of two wheels disposed opposite each other on an axle of the three-wheel vehicle;
- providing an alignment device and positioning the alignment device proximate a third wheel of the three-wheel vehicle, the alignment device including a bar, two adapters, and a third target and a fourth target mounted to the bar with the two adapters;
- compensating the third target and the fourth target by rotating the bar;
- and
- compensating the first target and the second target by rotating the respective two wheels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.