Bosch’s Diagnostics business unit, Beissbarth GmbH, received the 2010 German National Award for Outstanding and Innovative Achievement in the Field of Trade from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology for the development of the Easy 3D wheel alignment system.

Beissbarth is part of the Diagnostics business unit of the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division.

The award recognizes Beissbarth’s design and engineering achievements in developing the innovative Easy 3D wheel alignment system, which provides efficient support for the cost-effective maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, the company said.

Bosch added the compact Easy 3D wheel alignment system to its wheel service equipment portfolio in 2009. The system utilizes portable camera pods that attach to the side of an alignment rack, eliminating the bulky front bay camera booms that have been traditionally used. Easy 3D also enables automotive technicians to achieve precise wheel alignment in less than seven minutes – representing a time savings of 50% compared to traditional wheel alignment methods, Bosch said.

The Easy 3D system is based on stereoscopic triangulation, a new method for determining wheel alignment measurements developed by Bosch’s Beissbarth unit. It eliminates the need for calibration during installation and also provides precise measurements that can be repeated, even if the camera pods are moved during the alignment process, according to the company.

“Easy 3D paves the way for many more work bays to fit wheel alignment equipment and less time required for service technicians to perform wheel alignments,” said David Scribner, wheel service group product manager for Bosch. “Bosch’s intuitive alignment system software reduces the need for specialized knowledge in wheel alignment, while offering novice and expert technicians the freedom to navigate as desired through the process.”