Laser Alignment Guide for Conduit Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for aligning conduits are time-consuming and often inaccurate, leading to wasted hours and expenses due to the difficulty in determining precise measurements for offset bends.
Innovation Solution
A laser alignment guide with a housing, removable cap, and magnetic mounting bracket, featuring a light source for emitting a visible laser, bubble levels for alignment, an etching tool, and a measuring tool, which can be secured to a surface via magnetic attraction, allowing for precise conduit alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional offset bend methods are used to align conduits, then the process is simple and does not require complex equipment, but the alignment precision is poor and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods (physical tapes, angles, and manual calculations) with an optical system. A laser source projects a reference line that provides visual guidance for conduit alignment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement tools and manual calculation methods while significantly improving alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the desired conduit path by projecting a laser reference line onto the work surface. This optical copy serves as a template that guides the physical conduit installation, allowing workers to replicate the precise alignment shown by the laser line without performing complex measurements themselves.
2Productivity
If traditional manual measurement methods are used for conduit alignment, then the equipment required is simple, but the time consumption and labor hours increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical measurement processes with an optical projection system. The laser quickly establishes reference lines and alignment guides without requiring manual measurement, calculation, or iteration, dramatically reducing the time needed for conduit alignment while maintaining simplicity through the use of a single integrated device.
3Manufacturing precision
If offset bends are used to match conduit geometry without contacting structure, then the method is versatile for various configurations, but the measurement accuracy decreases leading to wasted materials
Solution Approach 1:
The laser projection creates an accurate visual template of the desired conduit path and offset geometry. Workers can precisely replicate this optical copy when making conduit bends, ensuring the first attempt achieves proper fit and eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments that waste conduit material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the alignment planning action in advance by projecting the laser reference lines before conduit installation begins. This preliminary visualization of the exact path and bend requirements allows workers to prepare and execute the installation correctly the first time, preventing material waste from incorrect bends or rework.
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 convenient and accurate alignment of conduits by providing a visible laser line for measuring and marking conduit paths, reducing the need for manual measurement and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
A mounting bracket is disposed on a second end of the housing and is configured to removably secure the housing to a surface via magnetic attraction
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source configured to emit a visible laser disposed thereon
Implementation Method 3
the device further comprises an etching tool having a blade configured to score the surface. In another embodiment, the device further comprises a blade sharpener configured to sharpen the blade of the etching tool
Data Source
AI summary
A laser alignment guide. The laser alignment guide includes a housing having at least one sidewall and a base defining an interior volume therein. A cap is removably securable to an upper end of the housing. The cap further includes at least one light source that can emit a visible laser disposed thereon. A mounting bracket that can magnetically secure to a surface is disposed on a second end of the housing. In some embodiments, at least one light source is disposed on a sidewall of the housing.