Distance Measuring Device Rotating Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance measuring devices are uncomfortable to use in applications where the device must be rotated relative to the user, as the display content cannot be optimally read from the front, requiring users to laboriously turn the device to view the measurements.

Innovation Solution

Equipping the device with a pivot function that allows the display content or sections to rotate by a predetermined or definable angle, enabling users to read the display from different positions, either manually or automatically using position sensors, with options for 90° rotation steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the distance measuring device is rotated relative to the user for special measuring tasks (e.g., measuring on a wall or window), then the device can be positioned for the measurement task, but the display content cannot be optimally read from the front

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice positioning flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay content readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display content is made dynamically rotatable through software control, allowing it to change orientation relative to the device housing. The display can rotate in steps (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to match the device's physical orientation, ensuring the content remains readable regardless of how the device is positioned during measurement tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation parameter of the display content is changed based on the device's physical orientation. When the device is rotated to a specific angle for measurement, the display content rotates by the same angle to maintain proper readability. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between device positioning flexibility and display readability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the user turns the entire distance measuring device to read the display content, then the display content can be read from the front, but the operation becomes laborious and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay content readabilityVSAvoidtime to adjust device orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display content automatically adjusts its orientation based on the device's physical position. Through the pivot function, the display rotates itself to match the device's orientation, eliminating the need for the user to manually turn the device to read the content. This self-adjusting mechanism saves time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects the device's orientation (either manually through input units or automatically through position sensors) and uses this feedback to rotate the display content to the appropriate angle. This closed-loop control ensures the display remains readable without requiring user intervention to reposition the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display content is made rotatable, then the user can read the display from different positions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay orientation flexibilityVSAvoidpivot function implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a mechanical pivot mechanism to physically rotate the display hardware, the invention uses software to rotate the display content virtually. This substitution of mechanical complexity with software control achieves the same functional result (readable display at different orientations) with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The display content is segmented into rotatable elements that can be independently rotated. The pivot function operates on specific portions of the display content, allowing different sections to be rotated to appropriate orientations based on the device's physical position, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring complete system reconfiguration.

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 convenient operation by allowing users to read the display content easily from various rotated positions, improving usability in applications like measuring on walls or windows, where the device is typically rotated relative to the user.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitting unit (3) and the receiving unit (4) are provided on the end face (5) of the distance measuring device (1). The distance measuring device (1) comprises means (2) for measuring a distance to an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a receiving unit (4) for receiving the measurement signal reflected on the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

at least one position sensor (15) is assigned to the means (12) for rotating the display content (8) or the partial section of the display content (8), with the aid of which the orientation or the position of the distance measuring device (1) and/or the display (7) can be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2205989A1Distance measuring device and use
Publication Date: 2010.07.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a distance measuring device (1) comprising means (2) for measuring distance, and at least one display (7) for displaying a display content (8). According to the invention, means (12) are provided for rotating the display content (8) and/or at least one partial segment of the display content (8) in the display (7) by at least one prescribed or prescribable angle of rotation.