Guide apparatus and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fixtures on high surfaces is challenging due to the need for precise measurement and positioning, which is time-consuming and increases health and safety risks, especially when using tape measures that may bend or require elevated platforms.
Innovation Solution
A guide apparatus with dimensionally-adjustable support and repositionable light emitting elements that project beams onto the mounting surface to indicate fixture mounting points simultaneously, allowing for accurate positioning from ground level and eliminating the need for high-level measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tape measure is used for measuring distance from walls to fixture location, then measurement can be performed, but the tape measure may bend when extended too far and suspended above ground, leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure system with an optical/laser-based measurement and positioning system. The laser guide apparatus projects light beams to indicate precise mounting locations without requiring physical extension from the wall, eliminating bending errors and making the measurement process simpler to perform.
2Measurement precision
If tape measure is used to measure perpendicular distance from wall, then accurate positioning can be achieved, but it requires extending the tape measure at a precise perpendicular angle which is difficult to estimate from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical process of extending and angling a tape measure with a laser-based optical system that automatically defines perpendicular reference lines and mounting points through projected light beams, eliminating the need for manual angle estimation and positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If user positions fixture on high surface using traditional methods, then fixture installation can be completed, but the user has to use step, ladder or elevated platform, increasing time taken and health and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser guide apparatus as an intermediary tool that allows the user to perform all positioning and marking operations from ground level. The laser beams act as a mediator to transfer the mounting location information from the high ceiling surface to the user's ground-level workspace, eliminating the need to work at height.
4Reliability
If multiple attachments are required for fixture installation, then secure mounting is achieved, but the surface holes and attachments need to be accurately positioned relative to each other and to fixture openings, requiring careful measuring and therefore time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement and positioning functions into a single laser guide apparatus that simultaneously projects multiple reference lines and mounting point indicators. This allows all attachment locations to be marked in one operation rather than requiring separate measurements for each point, maintaining accuracy while dramatically speeding up the installation process.
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
This solution simplifies and speeds up the installation process by providing accurate, simultaneous indication of mounting points, reducing the risk of errors and safety hazards by allowing measurements to be taken from a safe distance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting elements which are selectably positionable on the dimensionally-adjustable support body, each light emitting element being configurable to emit a beam of light onto a mounting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A guide apparatus (110) comprising a support body (112); an actuator (166); control means (168); a plurality of light emitting elements (114) connected to the support body (112) and at least one of the light emitting elements (114) being movable by the at least one actuator (166) relative to the support body (112), each light emitting element (114) being configurable to emit a beam of light onto a target surface (56), so that the position of an opening and/or of a plurality of non-overlapping fixture mounting points (58) for a fixture (42) can be simultaneously projected on the target surface (56) by the light emitting elements (114;214). A guide apparatus (10) comprising: a dimensionally-adjustable support body (12) adjustable in at least two dimensions; and a plurality of light emitting elements (14).