Self-levelling Line Laser Diffractive Spot Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line laser devices suffer from inadequate visibility of the laser line, especially in bright ambient light and over larger projection distances, due to the distribution of laser power over a large angular range, which is exacerbated by safety limitations on laser power, making it difficult to use them effectively without additional aids like laser glasses or optical amplifiers.

Innovation Solution

A self-leveling line laser device utilizing micro-optical elements, such as diffractive or micro-refractive optical elements, to expand the laser beam in a controlled manner, creating a series of laser points that enhance visibility through increased brightness and contrast, allowing better recognition of the laser line on various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If laser power is increased to improve visibility of the laser line, then brightness and visibility improve, but safety restrictions prevent using higher power lasers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser line brightnessVSAvoideye damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam is segmented into multiple discrete laser spots using diffractive optical elements, where the laser power is distributed across multiple spots rather than one continuous line. This segmentation allows each spot to maintain high brightness while the overall system remains within safety power limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of laser power by using diffractive optical elements to create specific intensity patterns. This transforms the laser output from a uniform continuous line to a controlled pattern of discrete high-brightness spots, improving visibility without increasing total power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If laser power is distributed over a large angular range to cover more area, then coverage area increases, but laser line brightness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection coverage areaVSAvoidlaser line brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions of high intensity (bright spots) distributed across the projection area. Instead of uniform low-intensity coverage, the diffractive elements create localized high-brightness regions that maintain visibility while covering the required area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If additional aids like laser glasses or optical amplifiers are used to improve visibility, then laser line visibility improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser line visibilityVSAvoidadditional optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by incorporating the diffractive optical elements directly into the laser device itself, eliminating the need for external aids like laser glasses or separate amplifiers. The visibility enhancement is achieved through the inherent optical design rather than additional auxiliary components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The device achieves improved visibility of the laser line, especially in high ambient light conditions and over greater distances, by creating a series of bright laser points that contribute to better recognition due to enhanced brightness contrast and pattern recognition, while also allowing for precise control over the intensity pattern and distribution.

Implementation Method 1

The laser beam can be expanded in a first plane by a micro-optical element, in particular by a diffractive optical element (DOE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

A micro-optical element is an element which includes, in particular, diffractive optical elements (DOE) and/or micro-refractive optical elements (ROE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2411764B1Self-levelling line laser device
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2411764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2411764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2411764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-leveling line laser device comprising at least one laser beam and means for fanning out the laser beam in at least one plane. The laser beam can be fanned out in a first plane by means of a micro-optical element (10).