Remote Sensor-Guided Levelling for Structural Attachment Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positioning structural attachments, such as columns or posts, using threaded adjustment fasteners and bubble levels is tedious and inefficient, especially when multiple attachments need to be oriented.
Innovation Solution
A power tool system with a remote unit and control arrangement that uses orientation data from sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to automate the levelling process, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of structural attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bubble level is used to position structural attachments, then positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical bubble level system with an automated sensor-based orientation detection system. The remote unit incorporates sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) that automatically detect the orientation of structural attachments, eliminating the need for manual bubble level operations and significantly reducing positioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning by allowing the remote unit to autonomously detect orientation data and wirelessly transmit it to the power tool. The power tool's controller automatically processes this data and adjusts the levelling mechanism without requiring manual intervention or interpretation of bubble level readings
Solution Approach 3:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the orientation of structural attachments, transmit this data wirelessly to the power tool, and the controller uses this information to automatically adjust the levelling mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate positioning while eliminating the tedious manual checking process
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning with bubble levels is used, then simple equipment is required, but the process lacks precision and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The remote unit serves multiple functions: it houses orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers), processes orientation data, and wirelessly communicates with the power tool. This multi-functional device achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary that bridges the remote unit and power tool. This allows precise orientation data from sophisticated sensors to be transmitted to the control system without requiring complex physical connections or integrated circuits, maintaining system simplicity while achieving high measurement precision
3Productivity
If automated levelling with remote units is implemented, then positioning efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: the power tool with levelling mechanism, the remote unit with sensors, and wireless communication modules. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, enabling high productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic wireless communication between the remote unit and power tool, allowing real-time data exchange without fixed physical connections. This dynamic approach enables rapid positioning operations while keeping the system flexible and adaptable, avoiding the complexity of hardwired integrated systems
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 easy, reliable, and cost-effective orientation of structural attachments by providing automated levelling with improved accuracy and reduced effort.
Implementation Method 1
orientation data from sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes
Implementation Method 2
orientation data from sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a power tool that has a rotation output shaft for rotationally driving a levelling mechanism for a structural attachment and has a rotation drive mechanically connected to the rotation output shaft to rotationally drive the rotation output shaft. The system further includes a remote unit that has a first structural attachment contact structure where the first structural attachment contact structure is contactable with the structural attachment and where the remote unit is detached from the power tool. The system additionally includes a control arrangement that has an orientation device configured to provide orientation data relating to an orientation of the first structural attachment contact structure and has a drive controller which is connected to both the rotation drive and the orientation device where the drive controller is configured to influence action of the rotation drive in response to orientation data provided by the orientation device.