Laser Measuring Device for Remote Midpoint Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for finding midpoints or incremental points between two endpoints are cumbersome, require multiple tools, and often necessitate standing directly at the midpoint, which is impractical due to obstructions and poses ergonomic and safety issues, especially when measuring at high locations.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with independently rotatable left, center, and right light sources, each with a rotation measuring element, allows the user to calculate and project a center light beam at a desired incremental point on a target surface from a remote location, enabling flexible measurement without the need to stand directly at the midpoint, and can indicate various incremental points beyond midpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring methods using level or laser with tape measure are used, then midpoint can be found, but multiple tools are required and measurement process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring functions (leveling, laser projection, distance measurement, midpoint calculation) into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the level indicator and laser source, eliminating the need to use separate tools like traditional levels and tape measures simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: it levels itself using the built-in level indicator, projects laser beams to mark endpoints, measures distances via time-of-flight calculation, calculates midpoints automatically, and projects the midpoint location. This multi-functionality replaces several traditional tools with one universal measuring device.
2Measurement precision
If user stands directly at midpoint location to perform measurement, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but user safety is compromised when measuring at high locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-leveling using the built-in level indicator, eliminating the need for the user to manually position themselves at the midpoint. The automatic midpoint calculation and projection features allow the user to operate the device from a safe distance while the device handles the precise positioning and measurement functions autonomously.
3Measurement precision
If fixed ratio gearing is used to maintain equidistant outer beams, then midpoint indication is achieved, but user must stand directly in front of midpoint which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixed-ratio gearing system with electronic distance measurement using laser time-of-flight calculation. The computing unit calculates distances to both endpoints electronically and determines the midpoint location through computation, allowing the device to indicate the midpoint without requiring the user to stand directly in front of it. The laser pointer can project the midpoint location to a surface where the user can observe from any position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If device includes protruding lasers, switches, knobs, then functionality is provided, but device becomes vulnerable to damage and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a housing design where the laser source and other components are recessed into the housing body rather than protruding. The level indicator is housed within recessed areas, and the laser emits from a protected opening. This nested arrangement protects fragile components from damage during transport and storage while maintaining full functionality, and the compact recessed design allows the device to fit more easily in pockets or toolkits.
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 accurate and flexible measurement of midpoints and incremental points from any location, reducing ergonomic and safety concerns, and allowing for measurements in diverse situations with obstructions, while being compact and user-friendly for storage.
Implementation Method 1
a left light source, a right light source and center light source configured to project a light beam onto a target surface
Implementation Method 2
Each light source is independently rotatable, and in communication with a rotation measuring element configured to measure a degree of rotation of each respective light source
Data Source
AI summary
A process for determining and indicating an incremental point on a target surface comprises independently rotating a first laser to project a first laser point on the target surface; independently rotating a second laser to project a second laser point on the target surface; measuring an angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser; and based on the measured angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser, calculating a target angle of rotation corresponding to an incremental point between the first laser point and the second laser point on the target surface. A third laser is independently rotated until it reaches the target angle of rotation and projects a third laser point at the incremental point on the target surface.