Handheld Laser Measurement Device for Angles and Radii

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a compact, handheld non-contact measuring device that can quickly and accurately determine straight-line distance, angle, arc length, and radius of physical structures, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed in a portable and user-friendly manner.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device equipped with three laser emitter/receiver components set at fixed angles, a processing unit, and a visual display, allowing for non-contact measurements of distances, angles, and radii by emitting and receiving light signals and performing calculations based on image data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser emitter/receiver components are integrated into a single handheld device, then measurement versatility (distance, angle, arc length, radius) is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser emitter/receiver components (at least three) into a single handheld device, integrating distance measurement, angle measurement, arc length measurement, and radius measurement capabilities. The processing unit receives data from all components and performs unified calculations to determine multiple measurement parameters simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by merging functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed with universal measurement capabilities that can determine straight-line distance, angle, arc length, and radius using the same integrated hardware platform. The laser components and processing unit work together to provide multiple measurement functions from a single device, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If three or more laser components are used at fixed angles, then measurement accuracy for multiple parameters is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges multiple laser emitter/receiver components in a compact configuration within the handheld device housing. The components are positioned at fixed predetermined angles relative to each other in a space-efficient manner, allowing the device to maintain portability while achieving the required measurement precision through multiple optical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 efficient measurement of distances, angles, arc lengths, and radii between select points on physical structures, including inside and outside angles, and the area and volume of circles and cylinders, within a portable and user-friendly format.

Implementation Method 1

Light energy returns from the surface and through the same detector lens or a separate lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The data collected from the light pulse transmission and return (i.e. receipt) is used to determine straight-line distance, usually based on elapsed time between light pulse transmission and receipt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

Each laser component includes a laser emitter including a laser emitter diode with an associated emitter lens. The laser emitters of the three laser components are set at fixed, predetermined angles relative to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS7639346B2Non-contact measurement device

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 BOOKER JR REGINALD EARL

AI summary

A handheld device is adapted to perform non-contact measurements to determine distances, angles, arc lengths and radii between select points on physical structures. The device is assembled and contained within a handheld, portable housing and includes various control and input keys, a visual display and three laser components. Each laser component includes a laser emitter including a laser emitter diode with an associated emitter lens. The laser emitters of the three laser components are set at fixed, predetermined angles relative to one another at the front end of the housing. Each laser component also includes a laser receiver with an associated detector lens correspondingly positioned in alignment with the emitter lens. The laser components are adapted to emit and receive light signals to collect image data representative of a straight line distance between a predetermined set point within the device and a point on the surface of the measured structure. A processing unit receives the image data from the three laser components to determine straight-line distance measurements. These measurements are used in conjunction with known angles between the three laser emitters to perform calculations that determine distance, angle, arc length and radius of the physical structures.