LED Level Display with Distance Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levels, both analog and digital, require users to be in close proximity to read if a surface is horizontal or vertical, posing challenges in construction and carpentry where operators need to assess levels from a distance, such as crane operators positioning large objects.
Innovation Solution
A digital level with an elongated 2×4 rod housing featuring a central LED light strip display and circular vertical LED strips, using an on/off switch and axis control to activate a level controller circuit board and orientation sensor, allowing visual indication of horizontal or vertical orientation from a distance through red and green lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional levels (analog or digital) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the user must be in close proximity to read the level, reducing ease of operation at a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LED lights that change colors (red and green) to indicate level status. The LED display shows red lights when the surface is not level and green lights when level, providing a clear visual indication that can be seen from a distance, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation at a distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bubble level system with an electronic LED display system. The LED display provides a more visible and distance-readable indication compared to the small bubble vial, allowing operators to read the level status from a distance without compromising measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If the LED light strip display is made prominent and visible, then ease of operation from a distance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED display into multiple individual LED lights arranged in a pattern. Each LED can be independently controlled to show different colors (red or green), allowing the system to provide detailed level information through a simple visual code that is easily understood from a distance, thus achieving high visibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-changing LED lights to convey level status. By controlling the color output (red for unlevel, green for level), the system provides clear, distance-readable information using a simple color-coding scheme that is intuitively understood, avoiding the need for complex display mechanisms
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 workers to visually determine if a surface is level or vertical from a distance, improving safety and efficiency in construction by providing a clear, prominent visual cue for alignment, reducing reliance on close proximity readings.
Implementation Method 1
A digital level with an elongated 2×4 rod housing featuring a central LED light strip display and circular vertical LED strips
Implementation Method 2
The position of the bubble in the vial of liquid is controlled by gravity, so that when the vial is not horizontal the bubble will float up and away from the center
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a modification of a standard level used for construction work to determine if a surface is horizontal, of to draw a reference line to indicate horizontal. The invention is an elongated 2×4 housing that is 24″ long. In the center of the housing is a cut-out for a digital display of a length of LED lights, in the preferred embodiment nine lights. There are two cut-outs on either side of the center to provide hand-holds. Between these hand-hold cut-outs are circular displays with an LED strip with three lights. There is an on/off switch on one side and a control switch on the other side. When the control switch is turned on it activates an internal level circuit board is activated. When the level is placed on a surface it will display green when level. If it is not level it will display red, with a white light showing which way to move the level, similar to a standard level bubble. For example, if the white light is to the right it means that side is higher, and the left side must be lifted to find level. The invention can also be used to show vertical (or 90 degrees from horizontal). When the control switch is pressed it will switch the control board to vertical mode, and the two small circular displays will indicate which way to move to find vertical.