Laser Level Clamp Mount for Fast Single-Screw Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser level mounts require multiple screws to be turned and tightened for secure clamping, making the mounting process inefficient and limiting the ability to connect to a variety of surfaces, both flat and curved.
Innovation Solution
A laser level mount with a clamping connection mechanism featuring a pair of jaw connection plates, an adjustment rod, and a screw knob, allowing for quick and secure attachment to surfaces by turning one screw, and accommodating a range of surface types through adjustable jaw geometry and angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws are used for clamping, then the secure attachment is improved, but the mounting efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple screw fastening operations into a single screw knob mechanism. The single screw knob simultaneously controls the clamping force applied by multiple jaw connection plates, merging what would traditionally require multiple independent fastening operations into one unified action. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure attachment through combined clamping while improving mounting efficiency through single-point adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single screw knob serves multiple functions: it simultaneously adjusts and secures multiple jaw connection plates, applies distributed clamping force across different contact points, and maintains consistent pressure on both flat and curved surfaces. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening mechanisms, resolving the efficiency-reliability contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed jaw geometry is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to various surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw connection plates are designed with adjustable geometry rather than fixed geometry. The plates can be repositioned and reconfigured to match different surface contours, transitioning from static to dynamic adaptation. This allows the same component to maintain manufacturing simplicity while gaining the ability to adapt to various surface types including flat and curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the jaw connection plates is made variable through adjustment mechanisms that allow changing the contact angle and positioning. By enabling parameter changes in the jaw configuration, the system can optimize its geometry for different surface types without requiring multiple specialized components, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
3Productivity
If single screw mechanism is used, then the mounting speed is improved, but the clamping force distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single screw knob is mechanically segmented to control multiple independent jaw connection plates. Each jaw plate is a separate component that can be individually positioned and angled, yet all are simultaneously actuated by the single screw mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple single-screw operation while achieving distributed and balanced clamping force across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism introduces intermediary components between the single screw knob and the jaw plates, such as linkages or threaded connections, that translate the single screw's rotational motion into coordinated movement of multiple jaws. These intermediaries ensure that the clamping force is properly distributed and synchronized across all contact points, resolving the force distribution issue while maintaining mounting speed.
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
Facilitates efficient and stable mounting of laser levels on various surfaces, including both flat and curved, with enhanced clamping force and reduced assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
The screw knob is coupled to an end of the adjustment rod. When the screw knob is turned, a distance between the pair of jaw connection plates is changed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various laser mount designs are shown. The laser mount includes a body, a movable laser platform and a connection mechanism to clamp onto a surface and/or object. The connection mechanism includes a retention plate, a threaded rod, guide rods, a pair of connection jaws or clamps and a clamp adjustment screw knob configured to move both connection jaws. The connection jaws are designed to clamp onto a variety of surface shapes and material sizes.