Compact Measuring Tool With Protruding Strip Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring tools, such as laser levels and distance meters, are bulky and inconvenient to carry and use separately or in combination, especially in construction and engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable measuring tool integrating a small-scale laser level and distance meter with protruding strips and guiding rails for secure alignment and superposition, allowing for individual use or simultaneous line projection and distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser level and distance meter are used separately, then each instrument can perform its specific function, but the volume and weight of carrying both instruments separately is large and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser level and a distance meter into a single integrated device. The laser level module and distance meter module are mounted on the same housing with their optical axes aligned, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously or separately from one compact unit, thereby reducing carrying volume while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it can project laser lines for leveling and alignment, measure distances using the distance meter, or perform both functions simultaneously. The unified housing and coordinated operation of both modules enable a single device to replace two separate instruments, achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a laser level and distance meter are used separately, then each instrument can be operated independently, but the operation complexity of managing two separate instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both instruments into a single housing with unified power supply and control interfaces, the device reduces operational complexity. Users interact with one device rather than two separate instruments, simplifying setup, power management, and coordination while maintaining the ability to use either function independently or together.
3Volume of moving object
If the laser level and distance meter are integrated, then carrying convenience is improved, but the alignment precision between the two modules may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with pre-formed guide rails and limiting structures that ensure precise alignment between the laser level module and distance meter module during assembly. These built-in alignment features are manufactured into the housing itself, providing automatic positioning and constraint mechanisms that maintain optical axis alignment without requiring additional adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that mechanically couples the laser level module and distance meter module. The guide rails and limiting structures within the housing serve as intermediary alignment mechanisms, ensuring that both modules are positioned with high precision relative to each other while maintaining the compact integrated form factor.
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 results in a significantly smaller, more portable device that can be easily carried and used individually or in combination, enhancing convenience and accuracy in construction and engineering tasks.
Implementation Method 1
uses a semiconductor laser to form one or more highlighted laser lines by beam expansion
Implementation Method 2
receives the laser beam(s) reflected off the target by a photoelectric element
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring tool (10) comprises a laser level (11) and a distance meter (12); the measuring tool (10) comprises a limit means located on one of the laser level (11) and the distance meter (12), and employed for the superposition of the laser level (11) and the distance meter (12); when located on the laser level (11), the limit means comprises protruding strips (13) on the two lateral edges of the laser level (11), wherein the distance between the protruding strips (13) is equivalent to the width in the radial direction of the distance meter(12), such that the distance meter(12) is caught between the protruding strips. A compact and portable measuring tool (10), comprises a small-scaled laser level (11) and a small-scaled distance meter (12), which can not only be employed individually for implementing their respective function, but also combined and matched with each other to project lines and measure distance at the same time, thereby achieving unexpected beneficial effects.