Construction Laser Tool Retractable Pin Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction laser tools lack an effective mechanism for securely attaching to surfaces, which can lead to instability and inaccurate line projection during use.
Innovation Solution
A construction laser tool with retractable pins that can be actuated to securely attach to surfaces, featuring a pivot mechanism and biasing members to ensure stable positioning, allowing for precise alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If construction laser tools are placed on surfaces without securing mechanism, then the tool structure remains simple, but the tool becomes unstable and line projection becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The pin attachment mechanism transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic retractable structure. The pin can be actuated between a retracted position (for portability) and an extended position (for secure attachment), allowing the tool to adapt its attachment state based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing reliable attachment only when needed, rather than requiring complex permanent attachment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member (spring) provides automatic self-service by continuously exerting force to extend the pin into the surface, securing the tool without requiring constant user intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically maintains the pin in the extended position during use and can be easily retracted when needed, eliminating the need for complex manual attachment mechanisms while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If retractable pins with biasing members are added to secure the tool, then the tool attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented into separate components: the pin element for mechanical attachment, the biasing member for automatic extension force, and the actuation mechanism for position control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving reliable attachment without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism. The modular nature of segmented components simplifies manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member (spring) acts as an intermediary element between the pin and the tool body, providing the necessary force to extend the pin into the surface without requiring complex actuation mechanisms. The spring mediates the interaction between the user's retraction action and the pin's extension state, automatically maintaining attachment pressure while simplifying the overall control mechanism.
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 solution provides a stable and secure attachment to various surfaces, ensuring accurate and reliable line projection by preventing tool movement and maintaining alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a spring, which biases the pin towards the vertical/actuation position or towards the secured position
Implementation Method 2
The first laser projector 20, projects a laser beam out of a window 21. The laser beam projected out of window 21 projects a line 25 onto a surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A construction laser tool (10) comprises a base (50), a laser projector (20) secured to the base, and at least one pin (80) for securing the construction laser tool to a work surface. The base includes a bottom surface (51) configured to be disposed on a work surface. The laser projector comprises a laser generator and is configured to project a laser beam onto a work surface when the bottom surface of the base is disposed on the work surface. The pin is secured to the base and is pivotable relative to the base about an axis. The pin preferably is pivotable from a stored position to an actuatable position. When the pin is in an actuatable position it is translatable relative to the base from a position in which it does not extend into a said work surface to a position in which it extends into a said work surface to secure the construction laser tool to the work surface.