Laser Plumb Bob with Pivot-Mounted Laser for Single-Operator Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plumb bob devices lack accuracy, require multiple operators, and often rely on auditory alerts rather than visual confirmation, making them inconvenient and unreliable for single craftsmen to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based plumb bob device with a framed enclosure housing multiple lasers, a magnetic attachment system, and a pivot-mounted laser that can swing but not rotate, allowing for precise alignment and easy attachment to surfaces, powered by a rechargeable battery and featuring color-changing lasers for alignment confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bubble level device is used to determine plumb, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to difficulty in discerning small deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with a laser-based optical system. The laser projects a visible vertical reference line that provides precise plumb determination without relying on difficult-to-see bubble positions. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical measurement resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of standard laser components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing lasers (e.g., red and green lasers) that can change color or emit different colors to indicate plumb status. When the measured object aligns with the laser reference line, the laser color changes or displays a specific color pattern, providing clear visual feedback. This enhances measurement precision through easily distinguishable visual signals while keeping the device structure relatively simple using available laser technology.
2Ease of operation
If conventional plumb bob devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as two craftsmen are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service plumb bob device that provides its own visual reference system through integrated lasers. The device projects visible laser lines that serve as the plumb reference, eliminating the need for a second craftsman to hold a traditional plumb bob or string. The device is self-contained with power supply, laser sources, and visual indicators, allowing single-operator operation while maintaining manageable device complexity through integration of standard components.
3Reliability
If auditory alert devices are used to indicate plumb status, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates as craftsmen cannot sight the measurement themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory alert systems with direct visual laser projection. The laser projects a visible vertical line that serves as the plumb reference, allowing the craftsman to directly sight and verify the measurement. This optical substitution provides reliable visual confirmation that the craftsman can trust and verify independently, resolving the reliability issue while keeping device complexity reasonable through the use of straightforward laser projection technology.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic attachment strips are used on the device, then the ease of operation improves for quick attachment, but the adaptability deteriorates for non-magnetic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attachment system that combines magnetic strips for quick attachment to magnetic surfaces with alternative attachment methods for non-magnetic surfaces. The device can be attached magnetically to metal surfaces, or alternatively secured using mechanical attachment interfaces for wooden or other non-magnetic surfaces. This multi-functional attachment system resolves the adaptability contradiction by providing compatibility with various surface types while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated attachment options.
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
The device provides accurate, single-operator operation with visual confirmation of plumb status, ensuring efficient and reliable leveling and plumb determination on various surfaces, including magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
Implementation Method 1
the strips presenting a bottom plane parallel with and away from the bottom surface, such that placing the device by the strips on a plane surface of an object comprising magnetically permeable material attaches the device to the object
Implementation Method 2
a first laser device in the framed enclosure, projecting in a first plane from the first end, the first plane orthogonal to the bottom surface
Implementation Method 3
the third laser device suspended by a linear member from a joint on a rigid frame member in the enclosure, such that the third laser device projects in a direction of an axis of the linear member, and may swing in any direction relative to the axis of the linear member, but may not rotate about that axis
Data Source
AI summary
A plumb-bob device has an enclosure with three lasers projecting from one end, one of which projects a horizontal lane, one in a vertical plane, and one with crossed planes from a laser that is suspended to swing but not rotate about an axis. The device may be attached to an object to be leveled or plumbed, and moving the object until the lasers coincide accomplishes plumbing the object.