Laser Level Battery Receptacle Design for Secure Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser level assemblies do not efficiently accommodate battery packs of different lengths, which can inhibit mounting when a battery pack of a certain length is engaged, potentially leading to safety issues and alignment problems.

Innovation Solution

The laser level assembly features a battery pack receptacle that can selectively receive battery packs of varying lengths, with a design that prevents battery packs extending beyond the mounting surface when engaged, thereby ensuring secure attachment to structural surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the battery pack receptacle is designed to accommodate battery packs of different lengths, then the adaptability of the laser level assembly is improved, but the risk of battery packs extending beyond the mounting surface and inhibiting mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate battery packs of different lengthsVSAvoidmounting security and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle is designed with a dynamic configuration that adapts to different battery pack lengths. The rearward positioning of the receptacle allows shorter battery packs to be fully contained while accommodating longer packs that extend beyond the mounting surface, with the system maintaining mounting reliability through the strategic placement of the receptacle away from the mounting surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The problem of battery pack length variation is solved by utilizing the depth dimension of the receptacle and positioning it rearward on the housing. This creates a three-dimensional solution where battery packs of varying lengths can be accommodated along the longitudinal axis without interfering with the mounting surface, effectively separating the battery storage function from the mounting function in the spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the battery pack receptacle is positioned to accommodate longer battery packs, then the versatility is improved, but the mounting surface may be obstructed leading to alignment problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of various battery pack sizesVSAvoidmounting alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the mounting surface area and the battery pack receptacle area. By positioning the receptacle rearward and separating it from the mounting surface, the design ensures that battery pack insertion and removal operations do not interfere with mounting alignment, maintaining manufacturing precision while accommodating various battery pack sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a battery pack extends beyond the mounting surface, then the ease of identification is improved, but the risk of accidental dislodgment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of battery pack statusVSAvoidprevention of accidental dislodgment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides controlled access to the battery pack. The receptacle's design with rails and engagement features creates a secure interface that allows the battery pack to extend beyond the mounting surface for visibility while preventing accidental dislodgment through proper mechanical engagement and retention features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4560261A1Laser level assembly
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC
  • EP4560261A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4560261A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4560261A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A laser level assembly comprises a bracket comprising a base portion and a mounting portion, and a laser level on the base portion. The laser level comprises at least one laser generator configured to project one or more of: a horizontal laser line, a vertical laser line, or a laser spot. The mounting portion comprises a mounting surface configured to be attached to a structural surface, to attach the laser level assembly to the structural surface. The bracket includes a battery pack receptacle on the base portion, configured to receive a removable battery pack. The base portion has a rear end at the mounting portion, and a front end opposite the rear end. The battery pack receptacle is configured to receive the removable battery pack in a sliding manner in a direction from the rear end of the base portion towards the front end of the base portion.