Conduit Laser Alignment Assembly with Universal Tube Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment devices for conduits lack versatility in accommodating various conduit diameters, making it difficult to visually display the route of a new conduit and detect potential obstructions during installation.
Innovation Solution
A set of tubes with unique diameters, each positionable on an existing conduit, coupled with a removable laser emitter that emits a beam along the conduit's longitudinal axis, and adapter disks for fitting larger diameters, allowing precise alignment and obstruction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-diameter alignment device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various conduit diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple conduit diameters. The tube assembly includes a mounting surface with multiple holes arranged in different patterns, allowing the same device to be adapted to various conduit sizes by selecting appropriate hole combinations for different diameter requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including the tube, mounting surface, and laser emitter assembly. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where the mounting surface can be repositioned or reconfigured on the tube to accommodate different conduit diameters, providing versatility without requiring completely different devices for each size.
2Ease of repair
If the laser emitter is permanently fixed to the tube, then the assembly is stable, but the laser emitter cannot be removed for maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The laser emitter assembly is designed with a dynamic mounting system that allows it to be securely fixed during operation for stable alignment, but can be easily removed when maintenance or replacement is needed. The quick-release mechanism provides variable fixation states - stable during use, removable for service.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emitter is designed as a separable component that can be extracted from the tube assembly. The quick-release mechanism allows the laser emitter to be taken out for maintenance or replacement while leaving the tube and mounting structure intact, facilitating easy repair without damaging the main assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate alignment devices are used for different conduit sizes, then each device can be optimized for its specific size, but the overall system becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
A single tube assembly design serves multiple conduit sizes through its configurable mounting surface. The mounting surface includes multiple holes that can be selectively used or combined to accommodate different conduit diameters, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining optimization for each size category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple size-accommodation capabilities into a single integrated tube assembly. Rather than requiring separate devices for different conduit sizes, the mounting surface merges multiple mounting patterns into one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining versatility across size ranges.
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
Facilitates accurate routing of new conduits by enabling the visualization of their path and detection of obstructions, allowing installers to choose alternative routes or make necessary modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A laser emitter is removably coupled to the respective tube when the respective tube is positioned on the exposed end of the conduit. In this way the laser emitter can emit a beam of light that extends along a longitudinal axis of the existing conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit laser alignment assembly includes a plurality of tubes that each has a unique diameter with respect to each other. A respective one of the tubes is positionable on an exposed end of an existing conduit in a building that has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the respective tube. A laser emitter is removably coupled to the respective tube when the respective tube is positioned on the exposed end of the conduit. In this way the laser emitter can emit a beam of light that extends along a longitudinal axis of the existing conduit thereby facilitating the route of a new conduit to be displayed. An adapter disk is provided for coupling the laser emitter to a tube that has a greater diameter than the laser emitter.