Reflective Target Positioning for Fast Jobsite Point Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target and plumbing systems for surveying instruments face challenges in accurately and efficiently transferring points of interest on jobsite surfaces due to restrictions in translational directions, making the alignment process time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A target and plumbing system with a movable and rotatable positioning element that allows horizontal translation and rotation within an open space, combined with a laser controller and remote controller for precise alignment, enabling unrestricted directional positioning and real-time deviation feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the target and plumbing system uses fixed translational directions (first and second perpendicular directions), then the system structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and difficult when the line-of-sight orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first translational direction dynamic by coupling it to the line-of-sight orientation of the surveying instrument. As the instrument rotates or changes orientation, the first direction automatically adjusts to remain coplanar with the line-of-sight, while the second direction remains perpendicular. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual realignment of fixed directional axes, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and alignment efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the first translational direction is coplanar with the line-of-sight between the laser controller and the reflective target, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases because both directions change when the line-of-sight orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning device universal by enabling it to operate in any line-of-sight orientation without requiring structural changes. The coupling mechanism between the surveying instrument and the first translational direction allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy across all orientations, making the system adaptable to various surveying scenarios while avoiding the need for multiple fixed-direction devices.
3Device complexity
If the user must manually align the first and second directions with the first and second translational directions of the positioning device, then the system structure is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the process is exhaustive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the first translational direction to automatically follow the line-of-sight orientation of the surveying instrument. The system self-adjusts through the coupling mechanism between the instrument's orientation and the positioning device's first direction, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations. This self-adjusting capability significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate layout and transfer of points of interest on jobsite surfaces by reducing alignment time and ensuring precise positioning without directional restrictions, allowing for efficient transfer of points to both floors and ceilings.
Implementation Method 1
a self-leveling plumb line laser pointer (32) arranged on the platform (46)... emitting a plumb line laser beam (37) in a vertical direction (38)
Implementation Method 2
a reflective target (31)... wherein the distance measuring device measures a distance between the laser controller and the reflective target by use of the measuring beam
Data Source
AI summary
A target and plumbing system includes a reflective target which has a reflective surface, a self-leveling plumb line laser pointer which emits a plumb line laser beam having a pathway that is in a vertical direction where the vertical direction is substantially parallel to a gravitational direction, a holding device which includes a first holding element that assists in holding the reflective target and a second holding element that assists in holding the plumb line laser pointer, and a positioning device which includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element where the holding device is connected to the first positioning element and the first positioning element is movable with respect to the second positioning element. The second positioning element is a platform including an open space that defines a horizontal two-dimensional area where the first positioning element is movable with respect to the open space.