Multi-Direction Self-Leveling Chassis for Laser Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-leveling mechanisms are limited to self-leveling in only a single direction, which restricts their versatility and effectiveness in various applications.

Innovation Solution

A self-leveling mechanism with a chassis that is pivotable in at least two directions under the influence of gravity, incorporating a stationary bearing with a rotatable inner race and an inner bearing that allows the chassis to pivot, enabling simultaneous horizontal and vertical alignment of projected light beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-direction self-leveling mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility and effectiveness in various applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-direction leveling to multi-directional leveling by adding a second bearing that operates transversely to the first bearing. This enables the chassis to pivot in at least two different directions (first direction and second direction), effectively adding dimensional capability to the self-leveling mechanism and resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.

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

2Measurement precision

If a multi-directional self-leveling mechanism is used, then the accuracy and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-leveling mechanism is segmented into multiple independent bearing components, each responsible for a specific direction of pivoting. The first bearing handles pivoting in a first direction while the second bearing handles pivoting in a second direction. This segmentation allows each component to maintain simplicity while the combination achieves multi-directional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing a second bearing that operates transversely to the first bearing, the system gains the ability to pivot in multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables true multi-directional self-leveling, improving accuracy without requiring a completely redesigned mechanism.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pendulum-type device is used for single-direction leveling, then the mechanism is simple and reliable, but it cannot provide self-leveling in multiple directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-leveling capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pendulum-type bearing mechanisms into a single integrated chassis system. The first bearing and second bearing are both mounted on the chassis, allowing it to pivot in multiple directions simultaneously. This combining approach maintains the reliability of simple pendulum mechanisms while achieving multi-directional self-leveling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is designed to serve multiple functions: it carries the light source, enables pivoting in multiple directions through the bearing assembly, and provides self-leveling capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall mechanism complexity while enhancing self-leveling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the projection of true horizontal or vertical light beams, improving the mechanism's versatility and accuracy by allowing movement and rotation of the projected lines, enhancing its applicability beyond single-direction leveling.

Implementation Method 1

a chassis that is simultaneously pivotable in at least a first direction and a second direction under the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7591075B2Self-leveling mechanism
Publication Date: 2009.09.22 EASTWAY FAIR
  • US7591075B2 patent drawing
  • US7591075B2 patent drawing
  • US7591075B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A level, particularly a laser level is provided with a chassis simultaneously pivotable in at least a first direction and a second direction under the influence of gravity and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the chassis. The chassis carries a first light source for emitting a first light beam from the housing along a first plane and a second light for emitting a second light beam from the housing along a second plane.