Laser-Plumb Target Positioning for Faster Jobsite Point Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target and plumbing systems for surveying instruments face challenges in accurately and efficiently transferring points of interest on jobsite surfaces, particularly due to difficulties in aligning translational directions and time-consuming processes.

Innovation Solution

A target and plumbing system with a rotatable first positioning element and a movable unit, allowing for precise orientation and alignment of the reflective target and plumb line laser pointer, combined with a layout and point transfer system that includes a laser controller and remote controller for real-time deviation calculations and audible/visible feedback, enabling rapid and accurate point transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the target and plumbing system is moved to a new position to layout a point of interest, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the alignment process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical alignment process with an optical solution. The alignment indicator uses optical elements (laser beam, reflective surfaces) to automatically indicate directional deviations, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment of translational directions. This substitution reduces alignment time while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment indicator provides real-time feedback to the user about directional deviations from the desired alignment. By displaying visual cues (laser line orientation) that show whether the first and second translational directions are properly aligned with the first and second directions, the system enables rapid correction and achieves accurate positioning faster than manual alignment methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual alignment of translational directions is performed, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes exhaustive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidlayouting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an optical indication system. The alignment indicator uses a laser beam and reflective elements to automatically show directional deviations, providing precise alignment guidance without requiring exhaustive manual adjustment. This maintains positioning accuracy while dramatically improving layouting speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment indicator acts as an intermediary between the positioning device and the user. It translates complex directional alignment requirements into simple visual cues (laser line orientation), making the alignment process intuitive and fast while maintaining high positioning accuracy. The intermediary eliminates the need for users to perform exhaustive manual calculations and adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first and second directions are made dependent on line-of-sight orientation, then the system adapts to different viewing angles, but the alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle adaptabilityVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation systems with a simpler optical indication approach. Rather than requiring users to manually track and adjust for line-of-sight orientation changes, the alignment indicator automatically adapts by using the laser beam's orientation relative to the translational directions. This maintains viewing angle adaptability while reducing alignment complexity.

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

The system enables rapid and accurate layouting and transfer of points of interest on jobsite surfaces, reducing time and effort by allowing unrestricted translational direction alignment and providing precise positioning without site-specific restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

a plumb line laser pointer, which emits a plumb line laser beam having a pathway substantially parallel to a gravitational direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a reflective target, which is at least partially reflective for a wavelength of the measuring beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4251949B1Target and plumbing system for transferring a point of interest to a jobsite surface

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HILTI AG

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A target and plumbing system (14) comprising a reflective target (31), self-leveling plumb line laser pointer (32), a holding device (33) and a positioning device (34), which includes a first positioning element (41) and a second positioning element (42). The second positioning element (42) is designed as platform (46) including an open space (47) that defines a horizontal two-dimensional area, wherein said first positioning element (41) is movable with respect to said open space (47).