Electronic measuring gauge and apparatus for accurate vehicle stance diagnosis and guidance in effecting wheel alignment

A method of directing a service person in the entering of electronically obtained measurement data from a specific vehicle into a vehicle alignment apparatus having a console for the purpose of storing vehicle stance measurements for comparison and for directing the determination of vehicle body positions which affect alignment of vehicle wheels, the method comprising:

• (a) electronically storing illustrations of vehicle body representation and measurement locations;
• (b) displaying selected illustrations from the storing thereof which are determined to match a vehicle that is presented for wheel alignment;
• (c) electronically storing vehicle specification tables relating the measurements to alignment specification;
• (d) prompting the locations for making linear measurements of a vehicle body representation of measurement locations selectively illustrated;
• (e) electronically entering linear measurement so made into the electronically stored vehicle specification tables for finding correct corresponding alignment specifications;
• (f) indicating and storing selectively the correct body measured alignment specifications, or an out of specification condition;
• and
• (g) using stored correct alignment specifications as the basis for effecting the corresponding wheel alignment of the measured vehicle.

Apparatus for use in inspecting and determining vehicle body elevational positions relative to the suspension means which supports a vehicle body from the wheels on the floor on which the wheels rest, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) wheel alignment console means having a storage memory to receive and make available to a service person alignment data for a series of predetermined vehicles, said memory receiving data on vehicle elevational information and location of points for measuring elevation;
• (b) means at said console for selecting a predetermined vehicle alignment data and elevational information corresponding to a vehicle presented for inspection and determination of body elevation positions;
• (c) means in said console means for displaying a representation of portions of the vehicle presented for inspection, said display means presenting at least one location for initial inspection;
• (d) a linear measuring device which electronically transfers measurements into said console means for making said inspection measurement at said displayed location;
• (e) circuits in said measuring device and comprising a shaft encoder for entering into said console the completed linear measured value for visual display;
• and
• (f) indicating selectively correct alignment specifications, or an out of specification condition.