Rotary Laser Level Beam Width vs Protective Leg Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary laser levels experience discontinuities in the projected laser line due to the blocking of the laser beam by protective legs, which can result in noticeable gaps in the apparent projected line, especially when the beam width is smaller than the leg width.
Innovation Solution
The laser beam is configured with a width at least 10% greater than the protective leg width, and a cross-sectional dimension in the plane of rotation is significantly larger than the perpendicular dimension, allowing the beam to minimize gaps by not being entirely blocked by the legs, thus maintaining a continuous appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser beam width is made smaller to improve precision, then measurement precision is improved, but the beam becomes more easily blocked by protective legs causing gaps in the projected line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of beam width to be greater than the protective leg width, resolving the contradiction by ensuring the beam maintains sufficient width to overlap with adjacent beam segments during rotation, thereby preventing gaps while preserving measurement precision through controlled beam dimensions
2Strength
If the protective leg width is increased to improve protection of the projector, then strength is improved, but the beam is more blocked causing larger gaps in the projected line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameter relationship between beam width and protective leg width, specifying that the beam width exceeds the leg width. This allows the protective legs to maintain their strength while the oversized beam ensures continuous coverage by overlapping with adjacent rotational positions, eliminating gaps in the projected line
3Reliability
If the beam width is increased to eliminate gaps in the projected line, then reliability of continuous line is improved, but the beam becomes wider reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing an optimal parameter range for beam width that is greater than protective leg width but controlled to maintain measurement precision. The beam is sized to provide sufficient overlap for continuous coverage while remaining narrow enough for precise measurement applications
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 configuration reduces or eliminates the gaps in the projected line, ensuring a more continuous and unbroken laser line on the target surface, even at greater distances from the projector.
Implementation Method 1
A laser generator assembly housed in the housing generates a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
A projector is configured to project the beam from the laser generator outside of the housing onto a target surface. The laser level is a rotary laser level and the projector rotates to rotate projection of the beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A laser level comprising a housing, a laser generator assembly housed at least partially in the housing and arranged to generate a laser beam, and a projector configured to project the laser beam from the laser generator outside of the housing. The laser level is a rotary laser level and the projector is arranged to rotate with respect to the housing, thereby to rotate the laser beam with respect to the housing to create the appearance of a projected laser line on a target surface in use. The laser level further comprises at least one protective leg extending from the housing, wherein the at least one protective leg is situated in part of the path of the laser beam as the projector rotates in use. A width of the laser beam is configured to be greater than a width of the at least one protective leg where the laser beam hits the at least one protective leg in use, thereby to diminish at least one gap in the apparent projected laser line due to blocking of the laser beam by the at least one protective leg.