Motorized Layout Pointer With Dual-Axis Beam Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized layout pointers are limited to indicating layout points on a jobsite surface that is a floor and require placement near the layout point, unable to efficiently indicate points on walls or ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A motorized layout pointer with a rotatable layouting beam about two axes of rotation, equipped with motors and gimbals, allows indication on any jobsite surface, including floors, walls, and ceilings, and includes sensors for accurate orientation and distance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the layouting beam is fixed in direction, then the device structure is simple, but the device can only indicate layout points on floor surfaces near the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface indication capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The layouting beam is made dynamically adjustable through motorized rotation mechanisms. The first rotation mechanism allows the beam to rotate about a first axis, and the second rotation mechanism allows rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first. This dynamic positioning capability enables the beam to indicate layout points on various surfaces (floor, wall, ceiling) from a single device location, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds rotational degrees of freedom in multiple dimensions. By introducing rotation about two perpendicular axes, the layouting beam can orient in three-dimensional space, transforming from a fixed-direction indicator to a multi-directional indicator capable of reaching any surface orientation around the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the layout pointer is placed in the vicinity of the layout point, then the indication is simple, but the device cannot indicate points on walls or ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface coverage rangeVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized rotation mechanisms enable the layouting beam to dynamically adjust its direction without moving the entire device. The first motor rotates the beam about the first axis, and the second motor rotates it about the second axis, allowing the beam to reach any surface (floor, wall, ceiling) from a centralized device location, eliminating the need to place the device near each layout point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable layouting beam acts as an intermediary that extends the device's reach. Instead of moving the entire device to different locations, the beam rotates to intermediate positions, allowing indication on various surfaces while the device remains stationary at a convenient location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual positioning is used, then the device structure is simple, but the indication speed and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindication speedVSAvoidmotorization system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized rotation mechanisms enable the layouting beam to automatically position itself according to control signals. The system can autonomously adjust the beam's orientation to indicate layout points, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and significantly improving indication speed and precision while maintaining systematic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with motorized actuation. The first motor and second motor provide automated rotational control, substituting human operation with electromechanical systems that offer faster, more precise, and repeatable positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4696980A1Motorized layout pointer and method for indicating a layout point at a jobsite
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HILTI AG
  • EP4696980A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696980A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4696980A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Motorized layout pointer (14) for indicating a layout point (LP) at a jobsite, including a support frame (111), a layout pointer (112) configured to emit a layouting beam (LB) that is visible, a motor device (115, 117, 119) configured to perform a movement of the layout pointer (112), and a control unit (114) configured to control at least the layout pointer (112), wherein the layouting beam (LB) is rotatable via the motor device about a first axis of rotation (116) and a second axis of rotation (118).