Handheld Multi-Axis Measurement for Intersection Point Marking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for measuring distances between multiple points in space are laborious, complex, and time-consuming, especially when accuracy and repeatability are desired, particularly for marking a target point relative to multiple reference points.

Innovation Solution

A handheld electronic device with multi-axis distance measurement sensors that can simultaneously measure distances from two or more reference points, visibly mark a target point, and be operated by a single person, featuring a housing with sensors, a display, and a marking unit for precise point marking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional tape measure or ruler is used to measure distances from multiple reference points, then measurement can be performed, but the process becomes laborious, complex, and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple distance measurement functions into a single handheld device that can simultaneously measure distances from multiple reference points. The device integrates multiple sensors and processing capabilities to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate measurement operations, thereby increasing productivity while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical tape measures and rulers with an electronic device that uses sensors (such as time-of-flight sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or laser sensors) to measure distances electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for physical extension and manual reading, significantly reducing the time and complexity of measurement operations.

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

2Measurement precision

If traditional measurement tools are used to mark target points with accuracy, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget point marking accuracyVSAvoidtime required for measurement and marking
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary calculations and determines the exact target point location before the actual marking action. By pre-calculating the intersection point coordinates based on distances from multiple reference points, the system enables rapid and accurate marking without time-consuming on-site calculations or multiple measurement adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual measurement and marking processes with electronic sensing and automated or assisted marking. The electronic sensors provide precise distance data that is processed to identify the exact target point, eliminating the need for repeated manual measurements and adjustments, thereby reducing time while maintaining or improving accuracy.

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

3Measurement precision

If multiple reference points are measured sequentially, then accurate target location can be determined, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget point location accuracyVSAvoidmulti-point measurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple distance measurement functions into a single integrated device that can simultaneously or rapidly sequence measurements from multiple reference points. The device incorporates multiple sensors and a centralized processing system that handles all measurements and calculations in a unified manner, reducing the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple separate measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed with universal functionality to measure distances from multiple reference points and perform various measurement tasks (distance measurement, angle measurement, target point determination) within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools and reduces the overall complexity of performing comprehensive measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If manual measurement and marking is performed, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement and marking efficiencyVSAvoidhandheld electronic device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual mechanical tools with an electronic handheld device that uses sensors (time-of-flight, ultrasonic, laser) and electronic processing to perform measurements and calculations. This substitution dramatically improves productivity by eliminating manual extension, reading, and calculation steps, while the device complexity is managed through integrated design and miniaturized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 quick, easy, and accurate measurement and marking of a target point relative to multiple reference points, reducing complexity and time, and allowing for efficient use in locating studs or creating custom patterns on surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The three multi-axis distance measurement sensors are encased in three sensor units, wherein each of the three sensor units further comprises a laser, wherein the three lasers are configured to point at the respective three reference points.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

two or more multi-axis distance measurement sensors configured to simultaneously measure distances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12405109B2Handheld electronic device for geometric measurements and marking an intersection point
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 ASCENT SOLUTIONS LLC
  • US12405109B2 patent drawing
  • US12405109B2 patent drawing
  • US12405109B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A handheld electronic device that includes two or more multi-axis distance measurement sensors for simultaneously measuring distance from two or more reference points in space. The device is used to locate a target point on a surface at the predetermined distances from the two or more reference points. The device can further include a marking unit to mark the target point on the surface.