Laser Layout Tool for Stud Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of laying out walls and wall support structures in construction sites is tedious, time-consuming, and labor-intensive due to the need for manual measurement of stud locations, which are often affected by variations in floor and ceiling elevations, making it inefficient and prone to errors, especially in complex building designs and tight schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method using a handheld device and a robotic total station that generates a laser beam to establish construction points by iteratively adjusting the beam's direction based on x and y coordinates, determining the distance to the actual building surface, and calculating the stud length between points, allowing for precise location and marking of stud positions with reduced manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used to establish stud locations, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but it is tedious, time-consuming, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system. A laser beam is directed to illuminate construction points on building surfaces, and a camera captures images of these illuminated points. The system automatically processes these images to determine precise three-dimensional coordinates of construction points, eliminating the need for manual measuring tools and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the laser beam and the measurement process. The camera captures images of laser-illuminated construction points, and image processing algorithms automatically extract coordinate information from these images. This intermediary system enables automated, non-contact measurement of three-dimensional positions without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement of each stud length is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated measurement of multiple construction points without interruption. The laser beam can rapidly scan across multiple points, the camera continuously captures images, and the processing system continuously calculates coordinates. This continuous operation allows for rapid measurement of all stud locations in a building without the stop-start nature of manual measurement, significantly reducing layout time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image processing that automatically extracts coordinate information from captured images without human intervention. The processing algorithms independently identify and measure the three-dimensional positions of construction points, calculate stud lengths, and generate layout data, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation by workers.
3Ease of operation
If teams of workers perform manual layout work, then labor flexibility is maintained, but the work is tedious and subject to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated optical system that uses laser illumination and camera imaging. This substitution eliminates human errors associated with manual measurement, such as reading errors, calculation errors, and inconsistency between workers. The automated system provides reliable, repeatable measurements that are not affected by human factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the camera captures images of laser-illuminated points, the processing system analyzes these images to determine precise coordinates, and the results are used to generate accurate stud layout data. This closed-loop feedback process ensures high reliability by continuously verifying and correcting measurements, eliminating the errors that occur in manual measurement processes.
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
This method significantly reduces the time and labor required to establish stud locations, enhances precision, and simplifies the stud layout process, enabling faster and more accurate construction even in complex building projects by automating the measurement and marking of stud positions.
Implementation Method 1
generating a beam of laser light, directing the beam of laser light toward a first of the construction points, and determining the distance from the source of the laser light to a point on the actual building surface which is illuminated by the beam
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building, the points are defined by x and y coordinates. A beam of laser light is used to determine a z coordinate of each of the pair of construction points on surfaces of the building. The construction points are established by directing a beam of laser light toward defined x and y coordinate locations and establishing the z coordinate location of the construction points on building surfaces that have the defined x and y coordinates.