Level with Internal LED Illumination for Low Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levels face challenges in low light conditions, where the visibility and readability of the bubble within the vial are compromised, making it difficult to accurately determine the level orientation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of LEDs positioned adjacent to the vial, emitting light within the vial to illuminate the liquid and bubble, combined with UV-sensitive components that react to UV light to enhance visibility, such as optical brightener sleeves or coatings, which absorb and emit visible light, increasing the visibility of the vial contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional levels are used in low light conditions, then the basic level detection function is maintained, but the visibility and readability of the bubble within the vial deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating LEDs that are activated in advance when light conditions are detected to be insufficient. The system proactively illuminates the vial before the user needs to read the bubble position, ensuring visibility is prepared in advance for low light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing LEDs as a mediating light source between the environment and the vial contents. These LEDs serve as an intermediate illumination source that bridges the gap between insufficient ambient light and the need for clear visibility of the bubble and liquid within the vial.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned adjacent to the vial with light emitting points within the vial interior, then illumination and visibility of vial contents is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by positioning the LEDs such that their light emitting points are located within the interior space of the vial. This nested configuration allows the illumination source to be contained within the existing vial structure, providing effective internal illumination without adding significant external complexity to the level device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function with the existing vial structure by integrating LEDs into the level housing adjacent to the vial. The lighting system is combined with the structural components of the level, allowing the illumination function to be achieved while minimizing additional device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If UV-sensitive components are added to enhance visibility, then readability in low light is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating UV-sensitive components that exhibit fluorescent or phosphorescent properties. These components absorb UV light from the LEDs and re-emit it as visible light, creating a color transformation that enhances the visibility and contrast of the bubble and liquid markings within the vial, thereby improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating UV-sensitive fluorescent or phosphorescent materials into the vial structure or as coatings. These composite materials combine the base vial material with light-reactive substances that enhance visibility under UV illumination, improving readability while maintaining manufacturability through established coating and material integration techniques.
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 configuration significantly improves visibility and readability of the bubble and liquid within the vial in low light conditions, allowing for accurate level determination and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an end of the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point is positioned within the interior of the body of the vial
Implementation Method 2
UV-sensitive components that react to UV light to enhance visibility, such as optical brightener sleeves or coatings, which absorb and emit visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A level includes a frame having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a web coupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The top planar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The level further includes a vial supported by the frame. The vial has a longitudinal axis passing through a center of the vial and a body defining an interior containing a liquid and an indicator bubble. The level further includes a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a light emitting point, and each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an end of the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point is positioned within the interior of the body of the vial.