Electronic accessory for laser levels to confirm perpendicular projection

Abstract

A device for a dual laser distance-finding system utilizing a screw thread 1 for attachment, the device’s position can be finely adjusted through an adjustment screw thread 2 and thumb wheel 3. Powere

Description

Background The present invention relates generally to laser leveling devices and, more specifically, to an electronic accessory designed to' assess and confirm the perpendicular projection of laser beams from existing laser levels. Laser levels are essential tools widely used in the construction, surveying, and many other industries, where precision alignment and leveling tasks are vital. These instruments project a laser beam, allowing professionals to establish straight, level, or plumb lines in various applications. Ensuring that the laser is projected perpendicularly to a reference surface, typically a wall or floor, is fundamental to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the measurement. However, the calibration of these laser levels to ensure that they are projecting beams perpendicularly has been a challenge. It is crucial that these devices project their beams accurately to prevent measurement errors, which can have significant implications in construction or surveying projects. For professionals using these tools, ease of calibration and confirmation that the device is accurately set up can save time and reduce potential errors. The Related Art provides several solutions to address these challenges: US9222772B2 presents a rotary laser level system, inclusive of a base unit with a laser assembly and a distinct portable receiving unit. This system calibrates by emitting a laser beam and discerning its position via the portable receiver. The positions are then juxtaposed to determine calibration. Notably, this patent involves wireless communication between the receiving and base units and a drive system in the laser assembly for positional adjustments. While it shares the thematic realm of laser level calibration with the present invention, its mechanisms and methodologies are distinctly different. Another patent, US10363614B2, centers on a laser device, specifically detailing its battery-receiving compartment. The patent's core is the device's duality in battery compatibility. Though it involves laser technology, its primary focus on battery adaptability makes its correlation with the present invention somewhat tangential. Lastly, ES2946189T3 delineates a support and positioning apparatus tailored for laser levels. Comprising multiple elements, including a fixed base, sliding rod, connecting base, and a clamping component, it offers various fine-tuning features. This patent’s primary focus is on the physical positioning and support of the laser levels rather than the calibration. In comparison to these patents, the present invention introduces a novel electronic accessory designed to work in tandem with existing laser levels. This accessory, through its unique mechanism of using two laser distance-finding sensors set at a fixed angle, efficiently determines if the laser beam is being projected perpendicularly. This process of calibration is distinctively different from the existing methods and provides immediate LED feedback, enhancing user experience and ensuring accuracy. Despite the advancements in laser level technology, there remains a need for a precise, efficient, and user-friendly method to calibrate laser levels and ensure that they project perpendicularly. This invention aims to fill this void, providing a solution that is both innovative and practically applicable. Statement of invention The present invention pertains to an electronic accessory designed to be affixed to existing laser levels, facilitating their calibration and ensuring accurate perpendicular projections. This invention leverages a novel approach that utilizes two laser distance-finding sensors, strategically positioned at a fixed, predefined angle relative to each other. Upon activation, these sensors simultaneously measure the distances from a reference surface, such as a wall. By processing the data from these sensors and applying the principles of the Pythagorean theorem, the device determines whether the laser beam, emitted from the attached laser level, is projecting perpendicularly onto the reference surface. This unique method of calibration allows for quick and precise adjustments, minimizing potential errors in measurements. A salient feature of the invention is its user feedback mechanism. Once the device ascertains that the attached laser level is correctly calibrated and its beam is projecting perpendicularly, it activates a series of LEDs. These LEDs serve as indicators, instantly notifying the user that the laser level is calibrated and ready for use, eliminating guesswork and ensuring precision. The accessory is adeptly designed for ease of integration with standard laser levels. It incorporates a screw thread, facilitating seamless attachment to existing laser levels. For further flexibility and adaptability, the invention boasts an adjustment screw thread and an adjustment thumb wheel, allowing users to make fine-tuned adjustments as required. In essence, the present invention introduces a groundbreaking method and device for the calibration of laser levels. Through its innovative use of laser distance-finding sensors, mathematical computations, and immediate user feedback, it ensures accuracy, user-friendliness, and efficiency, addressing the challenges faced with conventional calibration methods. Advantages Precision Calibration: The innovative use of two laser distance-finding sensors at a predetermined fixed angle ensures high accuracy in determining if the laser beam is perfectly perpendicular to the reference surface. Immediate User Feedback: The LED indicators provide instant feedback to the user upon successful calibration, eliminating guesswork and ensuring confidence in the level's alignment. Compatibility: Designed as an accessory, this device can easily be integrated with a variety of existing laser levels through the universal screw thread, making it versatile and adaptable. Ease of Adjustments: The inclusion of an adjustment screw thread and thumb wheel enables users to make minute adjustments swiftly, ensuring the device’s adaptability to various scenarios. Autonomous Operation: Unlike some traditional methods that require a separate receiving unit or manual calculations, this invention autonomously determines the calibration, offering a more streamlined and hassle-free experience. Battery-Operated: With its AA battery compartment, the device is portable and not reliant on external power sources, increasing its convenience for on-site applications. Cost-Effective: As an accessory that enhances the functionality of existing laser levels, it offers a cost-effective solution for professionals seeking precise calibration without investing in entirely new laser level systems. Reduction in Calibration Time: By automating the process and providing immediate feedback, the device significantly reduces the time traditionally required for manual calibration. Enhanced Durability: Designed with a robust build, the device can withstand the wear and tear of regular usage, ensuring longevity. Error Minimization: By employing the Pythagorean theorem for calculations, the potential for human error in calibration is substantially reduced, ensuring consistent and reliable results. In summary, this invention offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of laser level calibration. It merges accuracy, user-friendliness, and adaptability, positioning itself as a valuable tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Introduction to drawings The accompanying drawing is integral to understanding the invention, providing visual depictions of the device's structure and its components. These illustrations serve as a guide for the construction, function, and implementation of the invention. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the invention, showcasing an overview of its primary components and their relation to each other. The drawings provide clarity on the function of the invention, helping elucidate the unique approach to laser level calibration that this invention offers. Reference numerals in the drawings For a complete understanding of the present invention parts, reference is now made to the following descriptions: 1. Screw Thread: This component is designated for mounting existing laser levels, ensuring a secure and snug fit. 2. Adjustment Screw Thread: This part allows for fine-tuning, ensuring that the device can adapt to various settings and scenarios. 3. Adjustment Thumb Wheel: This wheel offers a user-friendly mechanism to make manual adjustments quickly. 4. AA Battery Compartment: This compartment houses the AA batteries that power the device, ensuring it remains portable and efficient. 5. Laser Distance Sensor: These sensors, positioned at a fixed angle relative to one another, are crucial in determining the perpendicularity of the laser levers projection. 6. LED Display: This display serves as an immediate feedback mechanism, indicating successful calibration. 7. Laser Distance Sensor Projected Beam: This beam, emanating from the distance sensor, interacts with the surface to facilitate accurate measurements. 8. Wall / Surface: This denotes the reference surface against which the laser level’s projection is calibrated. Detailed description The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, as numbers refer to elements throughout, and the thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding. Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology. The innovative nature of this invention lies in its capability to enhance the functionality of traditional laser levels by ensuring that their projections are perfectly perpendicular to a given surface. This is crucial for a variety of applications, including construction, interior design, and other fields where precision alignment is necessary. The following detailed description outlines the components of the invention and their synergistic operation, as visualized in Figure 1, Referring to Figure 1, the proposed invention consists of the following parts: Screw Thread (1): Situated at the topmost portion of the device, the screw thread is specifically designed to seamlessly interface with existing laser levels. Its universal design ensures compatibility with a wide range of laser level models, offering users the flexibility to utilize the device without needing specialized equipment. Adjustment Screw Thread (2): This component is a finer, more intricate version of the primary screw thread. It permits the user to make micro-adjustments to the positioning of the laser level, ensuring that the device can be calibrated with the utmost precision, accounting for even minute discrepancies in alignment. Adjustment Thumb Wheel (3): Adjacent to the adjustment screw thread, the thumb wheel offers tactile control to users. It is ergonomically designed to provide smooth and efficient manual adjustments. Through its rotation, users can fine-tune the alignment of the attached laser level with ease. AA Battery Compartment (4): The heart of the device's power system, this compartment has been engineered to house standard AA batteries securely. It ensures that the device remains operational for extended periods, catering to prolonged usage without the constant need for battery replacements. Laser Distance Sensor (5): Arguably the most critical components, the two laser distance sensors are set at a predefined angle relative to one another. They measure the distance from the wall to the laser beam projected by the attached laser level Their precise positioning and high sensitivity ensure accurate readings, which are then used for calibration. LED Display (6): The LED display serves a dual purpose: it offers a visual representation of the sensor readings and provides immediate feedback on the calibration status. Once the device confirms that the attached laser level is projecting its beam perpendicularly, the LEDs illuminate, signaling successful calibration to the user. Laser Distance Sensor Projected Beam (7): This beam, emitted by the distance sensor, travels to the reference surface and returns, allowing the sensor to calculate the distance. Its sharpness and precision play a pivotal role in the accuracy of the calibration process. Wall / Surface (8): This is the reference against which the entire calibration process is benchmarked. It can be any flat surface, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling, that the laser level's projection is intended to be perpendicular to. Operational Synergy: Upon securing an existing laser level to the invention using the screw thread (1), the device is activated. Power is drawn from the housed AA batteries in the battery' compartment (4), which ensures the invention’s prolonged operation. The user can then fine-tune the position of the attached laser level using the adjustment screw thread (2). This fine adjustment capability is particularly useful when dealing with surfaces that may not be perfectly even or when meticulous precision is required. The adjustment thumb wheel (3) further aids this process, allowing for user-friendly, tactile control, making micro-adjustments both smooth and intuitive. With the laser level in place and operational, it projects its beam towards the reference wall / surface (8). In tandem, the two laser distance sensors (5) emit their respective laser distance sensor projected beams (7) towards the same wall or surface. These sensors, strategically positioned at a predefined angle to one another, measure the distance between their emitted beams and the wall. Given the fixed angle between the sensors and utilizing the principle of the Pythagorean theorem, the device's built-in computational mechanism calculates the discrepancies, if any, between the laser level's projection and a perfect perpendicular. The LED display (6) serves as an immediate feedback system throughout this process. If the attached laser level's beam is confirmed to be perfectly perpendicular to the wall / surface (8), the LED display illuminates, signaling to the user a successful calibration. Conversely, if adjustments are still required, the LED indicators can guide the user on the necessary corrections. In summary, this invention exemplifies a holistic approach to laser level calibration. By synergistically combining each component— from the screw threads for attachment, the battery compartment for power, to the laser sensors for distance measurement, and the LED display for real-time feedback — it offers users an unparalleled tool. This invention not only ensures that laser level projections are accurate but also simplifies the calibration process, making it both efficient and user-centric. Although the present disclosure has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive aspects of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An enhancement device for calibrating laser levels, comprising:a screw thread (1) for mounting to an existing laser level;an adjustment screw thread (2) facilitating the device's positioning relative to the laser level;a thumb wheel (3) operatively linked to said adjustment screw thread (2) for manual adjustment;an AA battery compartment (4) for powering said device;at least two laser distance sensors (5) positioned at a predetermined angle relative to each other, each emitting a laser distance sensor projected beam (7) towards a wall / surface (8) to ascertain the perpendicularity of a laser level's projection.; and, an LED display (6) for providing calibration feedback to a user based on data received from said laser distance sensors (5).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment screw thread (2) and thumb wheel (3) work synergistically to allow for fine-tuned positional adjustments of the device relative to the laser level.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2. wherein the LED display (6) comprises multiple LEDs to indicate varying degrees of calibration accuracy4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the laser distance sensors (5) employ the Pythagorean theorem based on received distance measurements from theemitted laser distance sensor projected beams (7) to determine the perpendicularity of the laser level's projection.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined angle between the laser distance sensors (5) is fixed, enabling the device to calculate the perpendicularity of the laser beam relative to the wall / surface (8) based on the distances measured by the laser distance sensor projected beams (7).

6. A method of calibrating a laser level using the device of any preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:attaching the device to a laser level using the screw thread (1):adjusting the position of the device using the adjustment screw thread (2) and thumb wheel (3) to orient the laser distance sensors (5) correctly;powering the device using the AA battery compartment (4);emitting laser distance sensor projected beams (7) from the laser distance sensors(5) towards a wall / surface (8);calculating the perpendicularity of the laser level's projection based on distance measurements from the emitted laser distance sensor projected beams (7); and displaying calibration feedback on the LED display (6).

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of making fine-tuned adjustments to the device's position based on the feedback from the LED display (6) until a desired calibration accuracy is achieved.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the perpendicularity calculation employs the Pythagorean theorem to determine the angle between the laser level's projection and the wall / surface (8) based on the distances measured by the laser distance sensor projected beams (7).

9. The method of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the LED display (6) provides instant feedback to the user, enabling real-time adjustments to the laser level’s position.

10. The method of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the device facilitates consistent and accurate calibration of laser levels, ensuring precise perpendicular projections onto a wall / surface (8).

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