Hand Tool Positioning System with Rotatable Distance Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning hand-held power tools on walls require separate measuring devices and precise alignment, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in asymmetrical rooms or when reference points are missing or obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system mounted on hand tools with a rotatable distance measuring device that can cover at least 270°, combined with a gravity indicating device, allowing for automatic detection of the plumb line and alignment, and optionally featuring a 'vertical scan' for precise perpendicular alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measuring devices are used for positioning hand-held power tools on walls, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance measuring device, plumb line indicator, and alignment indicators directly into the hand-held power tool itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate measuring devices, allowing the tool to perform both its primary function and positioning function simultaneously, thereby reducing operation complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held power tool is designed to serve multiple functions: its primary cutting/drilling function and its positioning function. By incorporating distance sensors, plumb line indicators, and alignment indicators into the tool, it becomes a multi-functional device that can determine its position and orientation relative to the work surface without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If fixed distance measuring sensors are mounted on the tool, then positioning capability is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates plumb line indicators and alignment indicators that provide real-time feedback to the operator about the tool's orientation and position. These indicators show whether the tool is properly aligned with the wall surface, allowing the operator to adjust the tool's position until the indicators show correct alignment, thereby reducing the precision requirements for mounting the sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic detection of the plumb line direction and automatic alignment of the range sensors. The plumb line indicator automatically detects gravity direction and guides the operator to the correct orientation, while the alignment indicators automatically show when the sensors are properly positioned, reducing the need for manual precision alignment during manufacturing and setup.
3Reliability
If conventional positioning systems are used in asymmetrical rooms, then positioning reliability deteriorates, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's positioning system does not assume symmetrical room geometry or require specific reference points at predetermined locations. Instead, it uses the tool's own orientation sensors and distance measurements relative to the actual wall surface, allowing it to adapt to asymmetrical rooms, missing walls, or obstructed reference points without requiring a complex pre-configured reference system.
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 precise and reliable positioning of hand tools on walls without the need for separate measuring devices or precise alignment, handling asymmetrical rooms and irregularities, and providing accurate distance measurements and alignment assistance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one distance measuring device with a measurement sensor module, which can measure the distances or the span
Implementation Method 2
combined with a gravity indicating device, allowing for automatic detection of the plumb line
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining the position of a hand-held power tool on a wall including measuring distances within a plane perpendicular to a tooling axis in at least two directions, comprising at least the direction to one side wall and the direction to the floor or the ceiling. At least one non-contact measurement sensor module measures distances in a multitude of angles in an angular range of at least 1° around the at least two directions. From the distance sequence measured by the at least one measurement sensor module a calculation and storing unit automatically calculates a function, wherein extrema represent shortest distances to walls, floor and/or ceiling adjacent to the wall. From said function the calculation and storing unit deduces the shortest distances, and output means provide information about the shortest distances so as to allow positioning relative to the shortest distances.