Self-Leveling Laser Transmitter Using Accelerometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional self-leveling laser transmitters require expensive inclinometers for calibration and are prone to losing calibration due to mechanical stress, such as being dropped.

Innovation Solution

A self-leveling laser transmitter system that uses an accelerometer to generate tilt adjustment signals to level the rotation head, eliminating the need for inclinometers and maintaining accuracy through actuator adjustments based on acceleration signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional inclinometers are used for self-leveling, then leveling accuracy can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and prone to calibration loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidcalibration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical inclinometers with an accelerometer-based system. The accelerometer measures tilt angles through acceleration signals without requiring mechanical calibration, eliminating the calibration stability problem while maintaining leveling accuracy. The accelerometer's solid-state nature makes it immune to the calibration drift issues that plague mechanical inclinometers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acceleration signals as a substitute for direct tilt angle measurements. By processing acceleration data through integration and filtering algorithms, the system creates a virtual tilt measurement that replicates the function of physical inclinometers without their calibration vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If inclinometers are used for leveling, then tilt measurement is possible, but the assembly requires complex calibration procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt measurement capabilityVSAvoidcalibration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical inclinometers requiring calibration with an accelerometer-based system. The accelerometer naturally provides tilt information through acceleration measurements without needing manual calibration procedures, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer-based system is self-calibrating through its measurement physics. The system automatically determines tilt angles from acceleration signals without requiring external calibration equipment or procedures, making the assembly process straightforward and eliminating complex calibration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional laser transmitters are used, then leveling function is provided, but the system is prone to calibration loss from mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling functionVSAvoidcalibration retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical inclinometers with solid-state accelerometers. The accelerometer's solid-state construction makes it resistant to mechanical stress and shock, preventing calibration loss even when the device is dropped or subjected to rough handling during transport and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer is a robust, solid-state component that can be easily replaced if needed, unlike fragile mechanical inclinometers. This approach trades the complexity of calibrating expensive mechanical components for the simplicity of using durable solid-state sensors that maintain their characteristics throughout their service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Achieves high accuracy in leveling without the use of expensive inclinometers, maintaining calibration integrity even under mechanical stress, and reducing the complexity of assembly and calibration processes.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer mounted on the rotation head. An acceleration signal is received from the accelerometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4121716B1Self-leveling system for rotating laser systems
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP4121716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4121716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4121716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A self-leveling laser transmitter is provided. The laser transmitter comprises a rotation head and an accelerometer mounted on the rotation head. An acceleration signal is received from the accelerometer and one or more tilt adjustment signals for adjusting a tilt of the rotation head to a leveled orientation are generated based on the acceleration signal. One or more actuators adjust the tilt of the rotation head based on the one or more tilt adjustment signals.