Handheld Tool Optical Distance Indication for Precise Edge Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld tools require users to measure and ensure accurate distances manually, which is often inaccurate and time-consuming, especially when needing to maintain specific distances from edges or boundaries during tasks like drilling or fastening.
Innovation Solution
A handheld working tool with an indicator that projects a circular arc reference line onto the workpiece, using a light source and axicons to provide a predetermined distance indication, allowing users to adjust the position of the axicons for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement with a rod is used to ensure correct distance, then the distance accuracy can be maintained, but the operation becomes time-consuming and may still be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (rod) with an optical system. The projector emits light that forms a visual reference line on the workpiece surface, allowing the user to see the predetermined distance marking without physical contact or manual measurement. This optical approach eliminates the time required for manual rod measurement while maintaining or improving accuracy through visual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the distance reference on the workpiece surface through the projected light line. Instead of using a physical rod that must be placed and measured, the system projects a light pattern that replicates the desired distance marking directly onto the workpiece, allowing for quick visual comparison and alignment.
2Reliability
If manual measurement is performed before contacting the tool nose, then the correct distance can be ensured, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance indication function with the tool itself. The projector is integrated into the handheld tool, so the reference line is projected directly at the location where the tool will contact the workpiece. This merging eliminates the separate manual measurement step and integrates distance guidance into the tool's normal operation, simplifying the overall process while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the distance indication action in advance by projecting the reference line onto the workpiece surface before the user makes contact with the tool nose. This preliminary projection of the distance marking allows the user to see where to position the tool for the correct distance, eliminating the need for separate measurement actions.
3Productivity
If a light source and projector are used to indicate distance, then the speed and accuracy of distance determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a relatively simple optical system consisting of a light source and projector. The projector uses optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or direct LED/Laser projection) to create the reference line, which is simpler and faster than mechanical measurement devices while significantly improving productivity through immediate visual feedback.
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 users to quickly and accurately determine the correct distance of the working point to an object, ensuring precise placement of holes or fastening elements without manual measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
the first axicon turns the light beam emitted by the light source into a first ring-shaped light beam having a propagation direction at a first ring angle with respect to the first optical axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A handheld working tool for treating a workpiece comprises a tool nose provided for contacting the workpiece at a working point, and an indicator provided for indicating a reference point on a surface of the workpiece at a predetermined distance to the working point when the tool nose contacts the workpiece at the working point.