Rotary Laser Level Self-Calibration Using Receiver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary laser levels face issues with theft, accuracy maintenance, and the separate remote/receiver unit requiring careful handling and charging, necessitating innovative solutions for security, calibration, and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The rotary laser level system incorporates features such as receiver docking, theft prevention and detection, partially automated calibration, and flatter bandwidths for improved accuracy and usability, including a base unit with a self-leveling mechanism and a receiver unit with RF communication for control and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the remote/receiver unit is separated from the base unit for portability and control flexibility, then operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of misplacement and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver unit is designed to dock with and be stored within the base unit when not in use. The base unit includes a receiver dock that magnetically or mechanically retains the receiver unit, ensuring it remains secured and accounted for while maintaining the ability to separate when needed for control flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If manual leveling adjustment is used to achieve precise laser positioning, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but operator skill and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary self-leveling automatically using internal leveling mechanisms (such as pendulums or electronic sensors) before the operator needs to make any adjustments. This preliminary automatic leveling reduces the skill and time required by the operator to achieve precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the receiver unit that detects laser beam position and provides real-time information to the operator or control system. This feedback enables automatic or guided adjustment to achieve precise positioning with minimal operator skill.
3Measurement precision
If regular servicing and calibration checks are performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device availability and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary self-calibration routines automatically during operation or during brief idle periods. By performing calibration in advance or during non-critical times, the system maintains accuracy without requiring extended downtime that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-calibration capabilities that allow it to maintain its own accuracy without requiring external servicing. The receiver unit can detect calibration drift and trigger automatic correction routines, eliminating the need for regular manual calibration and maximizing device availability.
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 effectively reduces theft risks, simplifies calibration processes, and enhances operational accuracy and efficiency by ensuring precise leveling and remote control functionality, while maintaining the receiver unit's security and power management.
Implementation Method 1
the laser assembly is typically mounted on a pendulum arrangement and is configured to use gravity and/or a leveling mechanism
Implementation Method 2
Rotary laser levels are measurement and layout tools that are configured to project a laser beam in a complete 360° circle
Implementation Method 3
The remote unit may also include a laser detector or receiver. This facilitates the detection of the laser beam outdoors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a rotary laser level includes actuating a drive system to level a laser assembly of a base unit of the rotary laser level, and emitting a laser beam from the rotating laser assembly after the laser assembly has been leveled. A first beam center position of the emitted laser beam is detected using a portable receiving unit. An initial level position is determined at the first beam center position, and the receiving unit is fixed at the first beam center position. The base unit is then rotated so the laser assembly is pointing away from the receiving unit and the laser assembly is leveled again. The laser beam is then centered on the receiving unit again and a current level position is determined. The current level position is compared to the initial level position to determine a state of calibration of a level position of the laser assembly based on the comparison.