Laser Level with Rotating Polygonal Mirror for Simultaneous Target Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser levels struggle to simultaneously project laser beams at multiple target points, leading to inefficiencies in alignment tasks as they sequentially cycle through emitting light at each location, which can be perceived as not being present concurrently.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam generating device with a rotating light directing element, such as a polygonal mirror, and a control device that synchronizes laser pulses to project them at multiple surfaces, creating the illusion of simultaneous illumination of marked locations on a work surface by rapidly cycling through each point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional laser levels sequentially cycle through emitting light at each target location, then the laser beam can be directed to multiple points, but the marked locations appear not to be illuminated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The laser level uses periodic pulsing of the laser beam synchronized with the rotation of the light directing element. By emitting multiple laser pulses during each rotation cycle, the system creates the perception of simultaneous illumination at multiple target locations while actually projecting sequentially. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by making the sequential projection imperceptible to the human eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing and frequency of laser pulses to match the rotation speed of the light directing element. This dynamic synchronization ensures that laser pulses are emitted at the precise moments when the light directing element positions them toward different target locations, creating the illusion of simultaneous illumination while maintaining sequential projection capability.
2Productivity
If the laser level projects at multiple target points sequentially, then alignment tasks can be performed, but efficiency is reduced due to prolonged projection at each location
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic pulsing synchronized with the rotating light directing element, the system minimizes the duration of projection at each location while ensuring complete coverage of all target points. The laser pulses are emitted in brief intervals during each rotation cycle, dramatically reducing the total projection time compared to continuous sequential projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the laser beam engaged with the rotating light directing element throughout the entire rotation cycle. Multiple laser pulses are emitted during each rotation, ensuring that no time is wasted between projections and that the alignment task progresses continuously through all target locations without interruption.
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
Enables the user to perceive multiple marked locations as being illuminated simultaneously, allowing for nearly instantaneous alignment of objects without the need for prolonged projection at each location, enhancing efficiency in alignment tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode configured to emit a plurality of laser pulses of the laser beam at the light directing element
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam reflects off the polygonal reflector to produce a plurality of distinct and spaced-apart marked locations on a work surface
Implementation Method 3
a light directing element that rotates with respect to a rotational axis that extends through the light directing element
Data Source
AI summary
A laser level is provided that emits pulses of a laser beam at a mirror to generate multiple marked locations on a surface, such as a ceiling. The mirror rotates around an axis and includes multiple surfaces that face away from the axis. The laser pulses are bounced off the surfaces as the mirror rotates to produce the multiple marked locations.