Rotating Laser Level Tracking Moving Detector Trajectory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser levels are unable to measure different distances at different angles or plot a trajectory map of a traveling route due to their fixed base, which restricts their ability to rotate and follow the movement of a detector.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes a laser emitting device with a driving mechanism allowing the housing to rotate relative to the base, enabling the emission of laser beams at various angles, and a communication system between the emitting and receiving devices to track the movement and calculate distances and angles, allowing for the recording and plotting of a trajectory map.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the laser level uses a fixed base to maintain stability, then the instrument remains stable and easy to operate, but it cannot rotate to follow the movement of the detector, limiting measurement capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of fixed baseVSAvoidability to measure at different angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed base into a rotatable base. The base is now capable of rotating around the vertical axis while maintaining stability during operation. This allows the laser level to dynamically adjust its orientation and follow the movement of the detector, enabling measurements at different angles and positions without sacrificing operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the laser level remains fixed to a reference surface, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but it cannot track the trajectory of a moving detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of fixed structureVSAvoidinability to record trajectory data
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by enabling the laser level to perform multiple functions. In addition to its traditional function of emitting a leveled laser plane, the instrument now also functions as a tracking device that can follow the detector's movement and record trajectory information. This multi-functionality is achieved through the rotatable base and integrated sensors, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a rotatable base with integrated sensors (encoder, gyroscope, accelerometer) that mediates between the fixed reference surface and the moving detector. This intermediary captures the rotational position and movement data, enabling the system to track the detector's trajectory while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the laser beam only sweeps on the leveled plane, then the rotating head is sufficient without rotating the instrument, but different distances at different angles cannot be measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of laser sweepingVSAvoidaccuracy of distance measurement at different angles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the entire instrument to rotate dynamically in response to the detector's position. Instead of the laser beam merely sweeping on a fixed leveled plane, the instrument itself rotates to orient the laser beam toward the detector at different angles and distances. This dynamic rotation is controlled by sensors that detect the detector's position, ensuring accurate distance measurements at various angles while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate determination of the position of the laser receiving device relative to the emitting device, allowing for the measurement of different distances at different angles and the creation of a trajectory map, overcoming the limitations of fixed-base laser levels.

Implementation Method 1

Laser light emitted from a laser diode contained in the bubble leveling laser level passes through an objective lens to obtain a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

measuring a first distance between the laser emitting device and the laser receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

A rotating head of the instrument is driven by an electric motor through a belt to rotate and form a scanning laser plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 4

a level projects a visible laser beam, and then an elevation can be accurately located according to the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 5

A long bubble level is configured on the instrument for leveling the instrument. Similar to the bubble level, the instrument uses the bubble level as a reference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble level: Spirit Level

Implementation Method 6

The electronic automatic leveling laser level includes an opto-mechanical compensator and has the advantages of a simple structure, a low cost, and insensitivity to vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOpto-mechanical compensation:

Data Source

PatentEP3663715B1Angle and distance measuring method, trajectory diagram drawing method, and laser ranging system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 NORTHWEST INSTRUMENTATION INC
  • EP3663715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3663715B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3663715B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for measuring an angle and a distance. The method includes: at an initial position, after a laser emitting device aligns with a laser receiving device, recording a first angle and measuring a first distance between the laser emitting device and the laser receiving device; and moving the laser receiving device from the initial position to a first position, and after the laser emitting device realigns with the laser receiving device, recording a second angle and measuring a second distance between the laser emitting device and the laser receiving device. The method for measuring the angle and the distance creatively records the corresponding angle and distance at different positions, respectively, such that the position of the laser receiving device relative to the laser emitting device is accurately determined. In addition, the present disclosure also relates to a method for plotting a trajectory map and a laser ranging system using the above method.