Handheld Distance Meter with Linear Scale Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactless distance measurement devices are limited to determining single distance values and lack the capability to display a measuring scale, making it difficult to measure and mark longer distances or relative positions accurately without precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing that emits a measurement signal, allowing for non-contact distance measurement and displaying a variable measuring scale via an output unit, enabling the representation of a range of distances and relative positions, with features like automatic scale adjustment and a contact edge for drawing lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a non-contact distance measurement device is used to determine distances, then measurement speed and convenience are improved, but the ability to display a measuring scale and measure multiple distance values simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measuring scale display from a single point (traditional distance meter) to a linear dimension along the housing (multiple scale divisions). The output unit displays multiple distance values corresponding to different positions along the housing length, transforming the measurement from a scalar value to a distributed scale representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring scale is divided into multiple segments or scale divisions along the housing length. Each scale division corresponds to a specific distance value, allowing simultaneous display of multiple distance measurements rather than a single aggregated value.
2Loss of information
If a traditional measuring stick is used for direct measurement, then a measuring scale can be displayed for multiple distance values, but measurement convenience and ability to measure long distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measuring stick with an electronic/optical distance measurement system. Instead of physically contacting the object with a ruler, the device uses electromagnetic radiation (laser or other signals) to measure distances non-contactly, while still displaying a scale representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the functions of a traditional distance meter (single value measurement) with those of a measuring stick (scale display). It can measure long distances non-contactly while simultaneously displaying a measuring scale with multiple distance values, making it versatile for both types of measurements.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is required for accurate measurement transfer, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically determines its own positioning relative to the object being measured. The scale divisions are automatically aligned and calibrated based on the measured distance, eliminating the need for manual positioning or alignment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback through the displayed scale, showing the relationship between the housing position and measured distance. This allows the operator to see immediately whether the measurement is correctly positioned without requiring precise manual alignment.
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
Enables accurate and time-saving measurement of larger distances and relative positions over a wide range, allowing for easy transfer of measurements to surfaces without precise device positioning, combining the advantages of indirect and direct measurement methods.
Implementation Method 1
Electro-optical distance meters enable the determination of distances by measuring the time of flight or phase of a measurement signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10, 10') for contactless distance measurement, especially a hand-held device which allows a distance (d) between a target object (18) and at least one reference point (20) of the device (10) to be determined by means of an emitted measuring signal (16), especially by means of a modulated measuring signal. Said device comprises at least one housing (12, 13, 56) with a first end (34) facing the object (18) to be measured and a second end (35) facing away from the object (18) to be measured, and an output unit (22, 28, 29, 31) for representing the results of measurement. The invention is characterized in that at least one subsection of the distance between the object (18) to be measured and the end (35) of the housing (12, 13, 56) facing away from the object can be associated with a plurality of measured distance values via a length meter scale (36, 38, 54) that can be represented by means of an output unit (22, 28, 29, 31). The invention also relates to a method for operating said device, especially a method for operating a digital measuring stick, the measuring stick (10, 10') of finite length having an optical output unit (22, 28) for representing a length meter scale (36, 38) and the zero point of the length meter scale (36, 38) being outside the measured range represented by the output unit (22, 28) and being determined via a distance measurement, especially an electro-optical distance measurement.