Laser Level Automatic Alignment via Frequency Pairing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser level systems require manual alignment and can accidentally detect non-target laser levels, leading to increased setup time and potential errors in busy working environments with multiple laser levels.

Innovation Solution

A laser level system that includes a detector with multiple pairing frequencies, allowing the laser level and detector to select a specific frequency for recognition, preventing accidental detection of non-target laser levels by generating a control signal only when the incident laser beam matches the selected frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual alignment is used for laser level systems, then device complexity is reduced, but setup time increases and alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidalignment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser level system performs automatic alignment through self-service mechanisms. The detector automatically detects the laser beam position, the processor calculates alignment deviations, and the system self-adjusts to achieve proper alignment without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing setup time while managing complexity through automated functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic detection is implemented without frequency pairing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental detection of non-target laser levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection operation easeVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by assigning unique frequency characteristics to different laser level-detector pairs. Each paired system operates at a specific frequency, allowing the detector to distinguish between target and non-target laser beams through frequency discrimination, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frequency parameter of the laser beam to enable selective detection. By modulating the laser frequency according to pairing information and comparing it with expected frequency ranges, the detector can reliably identify the correct laser source among multiple operating systems, preventing accidental detection of non-target levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequency pairing is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing detection of non-target laser levels, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfrequency management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor serves multiple functions: it processes pairing information, generates frequency control signals, compares detected frequencies with expected values, and determines alignment status. This multi-functionality consolidates frequency management tasks within a single component, improving reliability through coordinated control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automatic alignment is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing setup time, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup efficiencyVSAvoidalignment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated optical and electronic detection. The detector optically detects laser beam position, the processor electronically calculates deviations, and the system automatically determines alignment status, substituting mechanical adjustment processes with automated sensing and computation to improve productivity while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables automatic alignment of the laser level with the detector, reducing setup time and preventing interference from non-target laser levels, ensuring accurate alignment and efficient operation in environments with multiple laser levels.

Implementation Method 1

The laser level is configured to emit a planar laser beam and rotate relative to the detector such that the planar laser beam traverses across the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20250020463A1Laser Level System with Automatic Detector Alignment

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

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 including a laser level and a detector uses more than one pairing frequency for recognition between the laser level and the detector. The laser level and detector will choose one of the pairing frequencies and the detector will then determine whether the laser frequency matches the selected pairing frequency and send a control signal to the laser level in response to the laser beam with the selected pairing frequency. If the detector determines the laser beam frequency does not match the selected pairing frequency, the detector does not send a control signal.