Laser Surface Area Measurement Device for Inaccessible Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring the area of large or hard-to-reach surfaces, such as walls or ceilings, is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining direct and accurate dimension measurements, which is essential for determining the required amount of paint or other materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using a signal generating device that transmits and receives signals to multiple points on and outside the target surface to determine distances, allowing for the calculation of the surface area based on derived geometric parameters, with the device capable of operating in various measurement modes and displaying or storing the results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional measurement tools are used to measure dimensions of large surfaces, then direct measurements can be obtained, but the surfaces must be within reach and of manageable size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement tools (rulers, tape measures) with an optical measurement system using laser signals. The device transmits laser signals to multiple points on the target surface and calculates distances based on signal transmission time, eliminating the need for physical contact with the surface and enabling measurement of large, inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear measurements to three-dimensional spatial measurement by measuring distances to multiple points (at least three non-collinear points) in space. This allows calculation of surface area through geometric computation rather than direct linear measurement, enabling measurement of surfaces that cannot be physically accessed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple distance measurements are taken to calculate surface area, then accurate area calculation is achieved, but the measurement process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-programs multiple measurement modes (first mode: three points for planar surfaces; second mode: five points for non-planar surfaces) into the device. The controller automatically selects and executes the appropriate measurement sequence based on the target surface characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually plan complex measurement procedures while ensuring accurate area calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs automatic calculation of surface area based on the measured distances between the device and multiple target points. The controller computes the area using the geometric relationships between the measured points without requiring manual intervention or complex user calculations, simplifying the overall measurement process while maintaining high precision.
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 accurate and automatic measurement of surface areas without requiring direct geometric measurements, facilitating efficient material estimation and application processes.
Implementation Method 1
receiving the plurality of signals reflected from each of the plurality of points on and outside the target surface so as to determine a plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method for measuring an area of a target surface using a signal generating device is provided. The signal generating device comprises a signal generator arrange to generate a plurality of signals, a transceiver arranged to transmit the plurality of signals from the signal generating device to a plurality of points on or outside the target surface and receive the plurality of signals reflected from each of the plurality of points on or outside the target surface so as to determine a plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points on or outside the target surface, and a processor arranged to calculate the area of the target surface based on parameters derived from the plurality of distances between the signal generating device and the plurality of points on or outside the target surface.