Rotatable Layout Pointer for Wall and Ceiling Point Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surveying instruments, such as those described in US 10,690,497 B2, are limited in their ability to accurately and efficiently indicate layout points on surfaces other than floors, specifically walls and ceilings, requiring the motorized layout pointer to be positioned near the layout point.

Innovation Solution

A motorized layout pointer with a rotatable layouting beam about two axes of rotation, combined with a total station and retroreflective target, allows for precise indication of layout points on any jobsite surface by determining and adjusting the beam's orientation and distance using optical and inclination sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motorized layout pointer is positioned near the layout point on floors, then accurate indication of layout points is achieved, but the operator cannot search for layout points on walls or ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface coverage capabilityVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The layouting beam is made rotatable about two axes (first axis and second axis) in addition to its original movement capabilities, adding rotational degrees of freedom that enable the beam to point at layout points on walls and ceilings rather than being limited to floor-level operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motorized layout pointer is arranged in the vicinity of the layout point, then precise indication is possible, but the device cannot indicate layout points on distant surfaces such as walls and ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface accessibilityVSAvoidlayout point indication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By adding rotation about a first axis and rotation about a second axis to the layouting beam's capabilities, the system can direct the beam to any orientation in three-dimensional space, enabling accurate indication of layout points on distant surfaces including walls and ceilings without requiring physical proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized layout pointer is enhanced with multiple rotational movements that enable it to perform layout indication functions across multiple surfaces (floors, walls, and ceilings) from a single position, making the device universally applicable to all jobsite surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the layouting beam is fixed in direction, then the device structure is simple, but the operator must physically reposition the device to indicate different surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout indication efficiencyVSAvoidmotor device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The layouting beam is transformed from a fixed-direction component to a dynamically adjustable component with rotation about two axes, controlled by additional motors that enable real-time reorientation without physical repositioning of the entire device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movement control of the layouting beam is divided into independent rotational movements about two separate axes, each controlled by its own motor, allowing complex positioning to be achieved through coordinated simple rotational actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 rapid and accurate indication of layout points on floors, walls, and ceilings by eliminating the need to position the motorized layout pointer near the layout point, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a retroreflective target, a total station... The total station is configured to measure a position of the retroreflective target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

an optical matrix sensor, that is configured to measure an orientation of the measuring beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a two-axes inclination sensor, that is configured to measure an orientation of a local gravity vector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4696978A1Apparatus and method for indicating a layout point at a jobsite using a total station

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HILTI AG

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AI summary

An apparatus (10) for indicating a layout point (LP) at a jobsite (11), including a retroreflective target (T), a total station (12) configured to emit a measuring beam (MB) and/or a tracking light and configured to determine a position of the retroreflective target (T) in a first coordinate frame (CF-1) of the total station (12), a motorized layout pointer (14) including a layout pointer configured to emit a layouting beam (LB) that is visible, and a controller (13) configured to be communicatively connected to the motorized layout pointer (14) and/or the total station (12), wherein the layouting beam (LB) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation.