Laser Positioning Apparatus with Direction Adjusting Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser positioning apparatus require multiple independent units or rotation to measure distances in different directions, which complicates the structure and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A single laser positioning apparatus with a laser emitting module, a direction adjusting module, and a distance determining module that adjusts and measures distances in two perpendicular directions using a single laser emitting module, simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent laser positioning apparatus are used to measure distances in different directions, then measurement capability in multiple directions is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capability in multiple directionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser positioning functions into a single apparatus by integrating a laser emitting module, a direction adjusting module, and a distance determining module. The direction adjusting module enables the single laser module to measure distances in multiple directions sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple independent laser positioning apparatus while maintaining measurement versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single laser positioning apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform distance measurement in different directions using one laser emitting module. The direction adjusting module allows the same apparatus to adapt to different measurement directions, making the device universal for various positioning tasks without requiring multiple specialized units.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent laser positioning apparatus are used to measure distances in different directions, then measurement capability in multiple directions is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser positioning functions into a single apparatus, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. By integrating the laser emitting module, direction adjusting module, and distance determining module into one unit, the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to producing and assembling multiple independent laser positioning apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional design allows a single apparatus to replace multiple specialized units, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The universal nature of the apparatus enables it to perform various measurement tasks that would otherwise require separate dedicated devices, optimizing the cost-effectiveness of the positioning system.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If laser positioning apparatus rotates to measure distances in different directions, then measurement capability in multiple directions is achieved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a direction adjusting module that can dynamically change the laser beam's direction without requiring the entire apparatus to rotate. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the laser to point in different directions while maintaining a stable apparatus structure, avoiding the structural complexity associated with rotational mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The direction adjusting module acts as an intermediary between the laser emitting module and the target object. It controls the laser beam's direction through optical elements such as mirrors or prisms, enabling multi-directional measurement without requiring the main apparatus body to rotate, thus simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 measurement of distances in two directions using a single laser emitting module, simplifying the apparatus structure and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high precision.

Implementation Method 1

a laser emitting module configured to generate a first laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

receive the laser reflected or diffused back by the second laser on a surface of a first object to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the laser direction adjusting module is configured as a mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11604275B2Laser positioning apparatus and laser positioning method
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 NORTHWEST INSTRUMENTATION INC
  • US11604275B2 patent drawing
  • US11604275B2 patent drawing
  • US11604275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laser positioning apparatus and a laser positioning method, the laser positioning apparatus comprises a laser emitting module configured to generate a first laser; a laser direction adjusting module configured to adjust the first laser to a second laser in a first direction when the laser direction adjusting module is located in a first position, and adjust the first laser to a third laser in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the laser direction adjusting module is located in a second position; a distance determining module configured to receive the laser reflected or diffused back by the second laser on a surface of a first object to be measured to determine a distance from the laser positioning apparatus to the first object to be measured, or receive the laser reflected or diffused back by the third laser on a surface of a second object to be measured to determine a distance from the laser positioning apparatus to the second object to be measured.