Laser Receiver Projects Sharp Reference Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating construction lasers are inadequate for projecting a flat, planar beam of light, limiting their use in aligning surfaces at longer distances and behind obstructions, as they produce a dim and wide beam that is difficult to visualize, requiring cumbersome pointwise marking and frequent repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A laser receiver that detects the reference beam and projects a sharp, bright laser line onto a target surface, maintaining a defined positional relationship with the reference beam, allowing for precise marking and alignment without repositioning the laser source, even behind obstructions or at extended distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating construction laser is used to indicate a precise reference height, then the reference height can be precisely indicated, but the width, brightness and straightness of the projected laser light are insufficient for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser receiver as an intermediary device that detects the rotating laser beam and projects a stationary laser line onto the target surface. This mediator transfers the reference information from the rotating laser to a stationary projection system, resolving the contradiction between precise reference indication and sufficient brightness/width for practical applications.
2Measurement precision
If a rotating construction laser is used to indicate a reference height, then the reference can be indicated, but the laser plane becomes too wide to precisely locate its center due to beam divergence at distances beyond 10-20 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The laser receiver acts as a mediator that captures the rotating laser beam's reference information and projects it onto the target surface at the required location. This eliminates the need for the operator to visually track the diverging rotating beam over long distances, extending the effective operating range while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual tracking method (relying on the operator's eye to follow the rotating beam) with an optical detection and projection system. The laser receiver detects the beam and automatically projects the reference line, substituting human visual tracking with an automated optical system that maintains precision over extended distances.
3Productivity
If a rotating construction laser is used, then the laser can be set up once, but it cannot work around obstructions such as furniture or interior walls
Solution Approach 1:
The laser receiver serves as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned at different locations around obstructions. Instead of moving the entire rotating laser setup, the receiver detects the beam and projects the reference line at the required location, enabling work around furniture and interior walls while maintaining single-setup efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If a hand-held laser receiver is used to find the rotating beam, then the beam can be located, but the operator must move the receiver in vertical direction to intercept the beam, which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The laser receiver is pre-configured with a laser line projector that automatically projects the reference line onto the target surface once the rotating beam is detected. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual vertical movement and marking operations, significantly reducing the time required to locate and mark the beam.
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 precise and efficient alignment and marking of surfaces at longer distances and behind obstructions, reducing setup time and maintaining accuracy with a single laser source setup, while providing a clear visual indication of the reference height.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light photo sensor (2) having a plurality of photo sensitive elements (3) providing an electrical output when illuminated by said external reference laser beam (11)
Implementation Method 2
a laser fan emitter for projecting a visible laser line (10) onto a target surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser receiver (1) for detecting a relative position of a defined zero point (22) of said laser receiver (1) with respect to a reference laser beam (11) - in particular a reference laser beam of a rotating construction laser (20). Therefore, the laser receiver (1) comprises a laser light photo sensor (2) having a plurality of photo sensitive elements (3) providing an electrical output when illuminated by said reference laser beam (11), a circuitry (4) connected to said photo sensor (2) for determination of said relative position and a visible readout (5) for indication of said relative position, in particular for indicating if said zero point (22) is on-grade with respect to said reference laser beam (11). According to the invention, at least a first laser fan emitter (6) - with a laser light source (8) and at least one fan-generating optical element (9) - is provided for projecting a visible laser line (10) onto a target surface, particularly in order to re-project a sharp marking-line through the vertical center of the reference laser beam (11).