Reflective Target and Plumb Laser Alignment on Uneven Jobsites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing layout and point transfer systems face challenges in accurately positioning reflective targets and plumb line laser pointers due to rough, uneven, or obstructed jobsite surfaces, leading to time-consuming trial and error processes, especially in bright-lighting conditions or when the point of interest is far from the laser controllers.
Innovation Solution
A target and plumbing system with a reflective target that is rotatable and pivotable, allowing fine positioning in any translational direction, and a plumb line laser pointer that can emit both downward and upward beams, integrated with a movable chassis for precise alignment and connection to existing equipment, enabling rapid and accurate layout and point transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reflective target is positioned on rough, uneven, or obstructed jobsite surfaces, then the layout and point transfer process becomes difficult and time-consuming, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to trial and error adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The target assembly is made movable within the platform's open space through a positioning device with first and second positioning elements. This dynamic positioning capability allows the target to be adjusted to any location within the platform, enabling precise alignment with the point of interest regardless of surface conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The platform with open space acts as an intermediary between the operator and the target positioning. Instead of directly placing the target on difficult surfaces, the operator positions the entire platform and then fine-tunes the target location within the platform's open space using the positioning device, mediating the positioning process to achieve both ease and accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light lines are aimed from a long distance or in bright-lighting conditions, then the point of interest can be reached, but the light lines become relatively difficult to see on the jobsite surface
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective target is designed to reflect the laser light lines back to the operator, effectively changing the visibility characteristics of the light lines. By using reflective materials that return the laser light, the target becomes highly visible even when the original light lines are difficult to see due to distance or bright lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective target creates a visual copy or reflection of the light lines at the target location. Instead of relying on the faint original light lines traveling long distances, the target reflects and reproduces the light lines at a visible location, making it easier to detect and measure the point of interest
3Adaptability or versatility
If the target and plumb line laser pointer are positioned independently, then flexibility is maintained, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The target and plumb line laser pointer are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit within the platform. This combination maintains positioning flexibility while eliminating the need for separate alignment operations, significantly reducing the time required to align both components with the point of interest
4Measurement precision
If the reflective target is made fully rotatable and pivotable for fine positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a positioning device for translational movement within the platform's open space, and rotatable/pivotable capabilities for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be controlled separately, achieving high alignment precision while keeping the overall mechanism manageable and not excessively complex
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 reduces the time required to find a point of interest by allowing precise alignment without directional restrictions, maintaining accuracy regardless of site conditions, and supports efficient transfer to both floor and ceiling surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective target includes a reflective planar front area and a rear area, wherein the front area includes an aiming area that is smaller than the front area and designed as a translucent portion
Implementation Method 2
The plumb line laser pointer includes a self-leveling mount and at least one laser emitting unit that emits a plumb line laser beam having a pathway that is in a substantially vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A target and plumbing system (14) comprising a reflective target (31), self-leveling plumb line laser pointer (32), a holding device (33) and a positioning device (34), which includes a first positioning element (48) and a second positioning element (49). The second positioning element (49) is designed as platform (54) including an open space that defines a horizontal two-dimensional area, wherein said first positioning element (48) is movable with respect to said open space.