Omnidirectional Lens for Construction Site Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying and construction equipment, such as GPS and laser-based systems, are not effective inside steel buildings and are overly complex and expensive, lacking a simple and accurate method for locating points on two-dimensional horizontal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional lens that captures light from virtually all angles and directs it to a photosensor, also emitting light in all directions using LEDs, allowing for efficient alignment and communication on construction sites without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GPS and laser-based systems are used for surveying and construction, then positioning and alignment functions can be performed, but the systems become overly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: an optical signal generator (laser) and an optical signal receiver (omnidirectional lens with photosensor). This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while the overall system achieves precise positioning and alignment functionality through coordinated operation of these modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical signal (laser beam) serves as an intermediary carrier between the positioning system and the target point. Instead of using complex electronic GPS receivers, the system uses a simple laser beam that can be generated and detected with basic optical components, dramatically reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser-based systems are used for locating points on horizontal surfaces, then alignment can be achieved, but the systems become overly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into a laser source and a separate omnidirectional receiver. The receiver uses a simple omnidirectional lens combined with a photosensor to detect the laser beam from any horizontal angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning or rotation mechanisms while achieving accurate alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional lens employs a spherical or hemispherical geometric form that inherently provides 360-degree light reception capability. This curved geometry allows the photosensor to detect laser beams from any horizontal direction without moving parts, simplifying the alignment system while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional light reception is implemented, then 360-degree light capture is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional lens uses a spherical or hemispherical shape that naturally captures light from all horizontal directions. This geometric form provides 360-degree adaptability for light reception without requiring complex mechanical structures, multiple sensors, or moving parts, thus achieving high versatility with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a light collector and a directional sensor. The same spherical structure that captures light from all angles also provides the mounting interface and structural support, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If two-piece construction is used for the omnidirectional lens, then manufacturing is easier, but the final assembly requires permanent bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is manufactured in two separate pieces (spherical outer shell and internal components) that can be independently fabricated using optimal manufacturing processes for each. This segmentation allows easier manufacturing of complex curved surfaces while the permanent bonding of the pieces creates a robust, integrated final assembly that eliminates the need for disassembly or adjustment.
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 accurate and cost-effective layout of floor plans by receiving and emitting light beams in a 360-degree pattern, improving alignment and communication between base units on construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
the top cap portion is generally circular and receives light beams from all angles, and re-directs those light beams at an angle of about (roughly) 90 degrees
Implementation Method 2
with its surfaces that take advantage of total internal reflection ("TIR"), will further re-direct the light beams and will concentrate such light beams toward an extended light guide portion
Implementation Method 3
that also takes advantage of the same TIR principle by "aiming" (or guiding) such light beams toward a photosensor
Implementation Method 4
The top cap portion has a cylindrically-shaped surface that has a textured outer surface, and this texturing causes the outward-going light beams (as photons) to be re-directed one final time into many, many angles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An omnidirectional lens apparatus, comprising a light-conductive first portion, and a light-conductive second portion, wherein said first portion is mounted adjacent to said second portion. Said first portion being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first outer perimeter, said first portion having a first surface that faces toward and is proximal to said second portion, and said first portion having a second surface that faces away from and is distal to said second portion. Said second portion being generally cylindrical in shape at a second outer perimeter that is proximal to said first portion, said second portion having a generally conical third surface that is proximal to said first portion, and said second portion having a fourth surface that faces away from and is distal to said first portion, said fourth surface forming a protrusion extending to a distal end; wherein said first outer perimeter exhibits a textured surface finish.