Ruggedized Laser Level Impact Protection Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser levels lack robustness and protection against impacts and environmental contaminants, which can damage the device and affect its functionality during use and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A ruggedized laser level design featuring a protective housing with cushioning and impact-absorbing materials, a durable base with bumpers, and a handle that acts as a roll bar to safeguard the device, along with a battery charger that includes a light source for external visibility and secure battery management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional laser level design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but robustness and protection against impacts are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverobustnessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating foam material between the battery pack and housing, and rubber bumpers on the base, to protect the laser level from impacts before they occur during transportation or use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining foam material with rubber bumpers on the base, creating a multi-material protective system that enhances robustness while managing the complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If protective structures are added to the housing, then protection against impacts is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against impactsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foam material positioned between the battery pack and housing provides beforehand cushioning to absorb impact forces before they reach sensitive internal components, improving reliability without adding complex active protection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber bumpers on the base function as flexible protective elements that deform under impact to absorb energy, providing reliable protection while maintaining a relatively simple structural addition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the laser level is designed for rugged use, then durability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foam material and rubber bumpers are pre-positioned during assembly to provide durability, using simple cushioning techniques that do not require complex manufacturing processes or specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective elements are segmented into distinct components (foam material, rubber bumpers) that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the housing, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining durability

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

The design enhances the laser level's durability, protects it from impacts and contaminants, ensures reliable operation in various environments, and provides extended battery life with secure charging solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is supported by the housing and projects at least one beam of visible light onto a surface external to the laser level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

A degree of cushioning may be provided by a foam material positioned between the battery pack and the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The base may include rubber bumpers on four corners of the base to help protect the laser level during transportation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS7392592B2Ruggedized laser level
Publication Date: 2008.07.01 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US7392592B2 patent drawing
  • US7392592B2 patent drawing
  • US7392592B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A ruggedized laser level. The laser level includes a housing, a base, a protective structure, and a laser assembly. The base and protective structure combine to protect the laser level from damage due to being dropped or impacted. The laser assembly can provide a 360° beam or a five point dot. Some embodiments of the laser level include a plurality of power tool battery charging circuits.