Laser Level Quick Connect Mounting and Mode Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser level systems lack flexibility and user-friendly orientation options, making it difficult for users to position the laser level accurately in various work environments, and often fail to provide clear visual cues for operating modes, potentially leading to misuse or misinterpretation of the level's status.

Innovation Solution

The laser level system incorporates a housing with orthogonal quick connect mounts, a self-leveling mechanism, and a controller that projects adjustable laser beams to indicate operational modes, allowing for multiple orientations and easy mounting to a bracket via ball-and-socket mechanisms, and provides visual cues to differentiate between manual and self-leveling modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional laser level systems use fixed mounting orientations, then the device structure remains simple, but user flexibility in positioning is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing incorporates multiple quick connect mounts (first, second, and third) oriented in different directions (orthogonal to each other), allowing the laser level to be mounted in various orientations using a single integrated housing structure. This multi-functional mounting system resolves the contradiction by providing positioning flexibility through multiple orientations while maintaining structural unity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball-and-socket mechanisms enable dynamic adjustment of the laser level orientation relative to the mounting bracket. The connection portion can rotate and adjust to different angles, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one that adapts to various positioning requirements without requiring multiple separate mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the laser level lacks visual indicators for operational modes, then the device structure remains simple, but users may misinterpret the level's status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode clarityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses different colored laser beams (e.g., green and red) to indicate different operational modes. The first laser beam in a first color indicates self-leveling mode, while the second laser beam in a second color indicates manual mode. This visual color-coding system resolves the contradiction by providing clear operational mode information without requiring complex additional indicator components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that translates internal operational states into external visual signals through colored laser beams. This mediator function communicates the operational mode information to users in an intuitive visual format, resolving the information loss problem while keeping the controller's internal complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the laser level uses traditional screw mounting, then the mounting structure remains simple, but ease of installation and repositioning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The quick connect mounts are pre-configured in the housing with slot and protrusion features that enable rapid connection. The mounting bracket's connection portion is designed with complementary features that fit into these pre-prepared mounts, allowing for quick attachment without requiring time-consuming screw operations. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling easy mounting while minimizing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ball-and-socket mechanisms replace traditional screw-based mechanical fastening with a quicker release system. The ball-and-socket joint allows for rapid engagement and disengagement through simple rotational motion, substituting the multi-step screw tightening process with a single-action mechanical interface that significantly reduces mounting time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2808647B1Laser level system
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC
  • EP2808647B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808647B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2808647B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a laser level system. The laser level system includes a laser level, a quick connect tool mounting bracket, and/or other components. The laser level may be mounted to the quick connect tool mounting bracket in one or more different orientations via a quick connect adapter. The quick connect adapter may be removably coupled with the bracket and/or one or more quick connect mounts supported by one or more external surfaces a housing of the laser level. One or more laser beams generated by the laser level may be controlled via a controller to visually indicate whether the laser level is in a "manual" mode, whether the laser level is in a "self-leveling" mode, and/or whether the laser level is "out of level" while in the "self-leveling" mode. In some embodiments, the laser level system includes a self-leveling mechanism lock.