Laser Diameter Measuring Instrument for Tree Trunks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diameter measuring instruments for tree trunks require manual climbing or ladder use to measure diameters at heights above ground level, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in inaccessible areas.

Innovation Solution

A diameter measuring instrument with a straightedge and movable legs equipped with parallel, visible laser beams that allow for precise measurement from a distance, enabling the measurement of tree trunk diameters at various heights without the need for physical proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measuring callipers are used to measure tree trunk diameters at height, then measurement can be performed, but a person must climb the tree or use a ladder which makes the process awkward and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with an optical laser-based measurement system. The laser beams project onto the tree trunk to create reference marks, and the distance between these marks is measured optically rather than through mechanical contact, eliminating the need for physical proximity and climbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary medium between the measurer and the tree trunk. The lasers project visible beams onto the trunk to establish measurement references, allowing the operator to measure from a distance without direct physical contact or proximity to the tree.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional measuring callipers are used in inaccessible areas with difficult undergrowth, then measurement can be performed, but the task of coming close to trees becomes both awkward and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to measurement location

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with an optical laser-based measurement system. The laser beams project onto the tree trunk to create reference marks, and the distance between these marks is measured optically rather than through mechanical contact, eliminating the need for physical proximity and climbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a ground-level contact measurement approach to an aerial or elevated measurement perspective. By using lasers that can be positioned above or at a distance from the tree trunk, the measurement is performed from a different spatial dimension, avoiding the need to navigate difficult undergrowth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a person climbs a tree or uses a ladder to measure diameter at height, then measurement at different heights can be obtained, but the measuring process becomes awkward and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement at different heightsVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with an optical laser-based measurement system. The laser beams project onto the tree trunk to create reference marks, and the distance between these marks is measured optically rather than through mechanical contact, eliminating the need for physical proximity and climbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a measurement system that can measure tree trunk diameters at any height without requiring the operator to physically reach that height. The laser-based system can be positioned remotely and measure across various elevations, making the device universally applicable to trees of different sizes and heights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 and precise measurement of tree trunk diameters from a safe distance, reducing the time and effort required, and can be adapted for use on other objects and applications.

Implementation Method 1

each leg is provided with a laser (5, 6) which is designed to emit a visible laser beam (7, 8) in a direction that is coincidental with the length direction of respective legs (3, 4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS7843576B2Means for measuring a diameter

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 HAGLOF SWEDEN

AI summary

A diameter measuring instrument that comprises a straight-edge and two legs or jaws, wherewith the distance between the legs can be read-off. The invention is characterized in that the straightedge (2) is provided with a leg (3) which is fixed in relation to the straightedge and a leg (4) which is movable relative to the straightedge, or alternatively with two legs that are movable relative to the straightedge; in that each leg (3, 4) includes a laser (5, 6) which is designed to emit a visible laser beam (7, 8) in a direction that coincides with the length direction of respective legs (3, 4); and in that the laser beams (7, 8) are parallel to one another.