Adjustable Laser Plane Projection for Surface Inclination Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for measuring surface inclination and unevenness are complex and lack simplicity in creating an inclination profile, particularly for use on varying surfaces like floors and walls.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a marking device with adjustable laser planes and a detection device using a line camera or photodetectors to determine the distance between laser planes, allowing for automatic calculation of surface deviations and inclination profiles, with features like amplitude modulation and adjustable components for precise measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing laser measuring systems are used, then surface inclination can be measured, but the system complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface inclination measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent functional modules: a projection device that emits laser planes and a detection device that measures distances. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision for surface inclination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes data from both the projection and detection devices. This intermediary component simplifies the measurement process by automatically calculating inclination profiles without requiring complex manual operations, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing laser measuring systems are used, then surface inclination can be measured, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface inclination measurementVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device automatically measures distances to the laser planes and the evaluation unit autonomously calculates inclination profiles without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision, as the system performs all necessary measurements and calculations automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback by displaying measured distances and calculated inclination profiles immediately after measurement. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by allowing users to quickly verify measurements and adjust positioning if necessary, improving ease of use while maintaining precision through automatic data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed laser planes are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surfaces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device incorporates adjustable laser planes that can be dynamically positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device structure to adapt to various surface types (floors, walls, ceilings) and measurement requirements without increasing overall device complexity, as the adjustment mechanism integrates into the existing projection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If manual measurement methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an automated opto-electronic system. The detection device uses optical sensors to measure distances to laser planes automatically, and the evaluation unit computes inclination profiles without manual calculation. This substitution dramatically increases productivity and measurement speed while keeping the device structure relatively simple by using standard optical and electronic components.

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

Enables straightforward, accurate determination of surface inclination and unevenness, allowing for easy creation of inclination profiles on both floors and walls, with the ability to adapt to different surfaces and orientations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser device (120) which is set up to emit a first laser plane (121) and a second laser plane (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The first and the second laser level can each be generated by a laser beam that strikes a cylindrical lens and is thereby expanded in one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylindrical lens expansion: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a detection device (200) for determining the distance between the two laser planes (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2534443B1System for surveying a ground
Publication Date: 2017.04.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2534443B1 patent drawing
  • EP2534443B1 patent drawing
  • EP2534443B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a marking device having at least one projection device, which defines a vertical axis and at least one laser unit equipped to emit a first laser plane and a second laser plane, wherein the first laser plane and the second laser plane are inclined relative to each other and disposed such that they intersect along a first line of intersection, the first line of intersection being perpendicular to the vertical axis. According to the invention, the projection device comprises a base element and a projection element comprising the at least one laser unit, wherein the projection element can be positioned relative to the base element, in particular in a motor-driven manner. The invention further relates to a system for surveying a surface, comprising a projection device, which defines a vertical axis and comprises at least one laser unit equipped to emit a first laser plane and a second laser plane, wherein the first laser plane and the second laser plane are disposed such that they intersect along a first line of intersection, the first line of intersection being perpendicular to the vertical axis, and further comprising a detection device for determining the distance between the two laser planes along a measuring line.