Light Emitter Alignment Feedback for Slope and Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reference systems for indicating slope and alignment in construction and surveying applications face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment due to factors like thermal expansion, vibration, and handling, leading to uncertainty and costly errors, especially in long distances where calibration errors are magnified.
Innovation Solution
A reference system with a light-emitting device that communicates with a detector to automatically adjust and maintain alignment, using a planar light region or scanning light beam to interact with the detector and correct shifts, ensuring accurate indication of alignment without frequent monitoring or manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and initial calibration of light emitter alignment is used, then the system can be set up with selected alignment, but alignment accuracy deteriorates over time due to thermal expansion, vibration, and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a detector continuously monitors the position of a light beam or planar light region and automatically adjusts the light emitter's alignment to maintain accuracy. The system includes a controller that receives signals from the detector and actuates adjustment mechanisms to correct any deviation from the reference alignment, thereby resolving the contradiction between initial calibration capability and long-term stability against environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction of alignment errors through automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms. The light emitter, detector, and controller work together to autonomously maintain alignment accuracy without requiring external intervention or frequent manual recalibration, addressing the reliability issue caused by thermal expansion, vibration, and handling.
2Measurement precision
If manual monitoring and recalibration of alignment is performed, then alignment can be maintained, but time consumption and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous alignment monitoring and correction through an automated system that operates without interruption. The detector continuously tracks the light beam position and the controller continuously adjusts the alignment as needed, eliminating the need for periodic manual monitoring and recalibration. This continuous automatic operation maintains alignment accuracy while maximizing productivity by freeing operators from time-consuming manual tasks.
3Measurement precision
If light emitter is positioned and manually calibrated, then initial alignment can be established, but errors are magnified over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the actual light beam position at the full working distance and automatically corrects any deviations. This real-time feedback loop ensures that alignment accuracy is maintained throughout the entire beam path, preventing the magnification of calibration errors over long distances that occurs with static manual calibration systems.
4Measurement precision
If automatic slope maintenance is implemented, then slope accuracy is improved, but alignment becomes independent and may drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic slope maintenance function with the alignment control function into a unified system. The same detector and controller that maintain slope accuracy also monitor and adjust alignment, ensuring that both parameters remain coordinated and consistent. This integration prevents alignment drift that could occur if the two functions operated independently.
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 system reliably indicates alignment with reduced inaccuracies, minimizing the need for manual recalibration and maintaining accuracy over long distances, thus enhancing productivity and reducing errors in construction and surveying applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that generates a light beam or planar light region
Data Source
AI summary
A reference system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a light-emitting device having a first light emitter, a second light emitter, and a housing. The housing includes a base operably connected to the first and second light emitters. The first light emitter is configured to emit a planar light region having a vertical orientation. The second light emitter is configured to emit an indicator light beam. A slope of the indicator light beam is adjustable to change a position of the indicator light beam within a vertical adjustment field. The system further includes a controller configured to cause the first and second light emitters to rotate in concert relative to the base about a vertical axis so as to rotationally reposition the planar light region and the indicator light beam in response to a detected misalignment of the planar light region.