Laser Level Automatic Detector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser level systems face challenges in accurately determining the distance between the laser level and the detector, which affects the automatic alignment and amplification of the laser signal.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method where a laser is emitted as a vertical planar beam, rotated across a detector, and pulsed at a known rate. The detector counts the pulses and calculates the distance based on the pulse rate, number of pulses, and detector panel width, adjusting the amplification gain accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser beam is rotated slowly across the detector to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time required for distance calculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is rotated at a controlled, periodic rate (e.g., 5-30 RPM) across the detector panel. This periodic rotation allows the system to sweep the laser beam systematically across multiple photodiodes, enabling accurate distance calculation through pulse counting while maintaining a manageable time frame for alignment.
2Measurement precision
If the laser is pulsed at a high rate to improve distance measurement resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the detector counts laser pulses and feeds this information back to calculate distance. The microcontroller receives pulse count data and automatically computes the distance based on the known rotation rate and pulse frequency, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detector panel width is increased to improve the operational range of automatic alignment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector panel is segmented into multiple photodiodes arranged in arrays. This segmentation allows the system to detect the laser beam's position across different segments, enabling automatic alignment over a wider operational range without requiring a single large detector panel, thus maintaining a compact device size.
4Productivity
If the laser rotation speed is increased to reduce alignment time, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser rotation speed is made dynamic and adjustable within a specific range (5-30 RPM). The system can optimize the rotation speed based on operational requirements, allowing faster alignment when precision requirements are moderate, and slower rotation when high measurement precision is needed, thus balancing productivity and measurement accuracy.
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 approach enables precise distance calculation and improved automatic alignment of the laser level, increasing the operational range of the automatic alignment feature and enhancing the accuracy of the laser signal amplification.
Implementation Method 1
Each photodiode array includes two or more photodiodes connected in parallel. The first and second photodiode arrays are arranged to receive laser light from a laser level, and further configured to generate an electrical output in response to the laser light.
Data Source
AI summary
Various laser level systems that provide for automatic alignment between a laser level and a detector are shown. In one example, a laser level system processes a detected laser to determine an orientation of a detector with respect to the laser level. In another example, a laser level system processes a detected laser to determine a distance between the laser and the detector.