Self-Leveling Laser Device Using Reflecting Cones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-levelling multi-line laser devices are complex, costly, and have high energy consumption due to their mechanical design and reliance on rotating parts, which limits their reliability and precision over time.

Innovation Solution

A self-levelling multi-line laser device with three line projection devices, each featuring a reflecting cone and a laser beam directed towards the cone's apex, utilizing cylindrical, transparent cone carriers to generate three mutually perpendicular laser lines that can be projected over 360° without rotating parts, using laser diodes and collimating optics for precise alignment and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rotating deflection elements are used to generate laser lines, then laser lines can be projected over 360°, but the device becomes mechanically complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular projection rangeVSAvoidmechanical design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating deflection element with a static reflecting cone that has a specific geometric shape. The cone's surface is designed to reflect the laser beam in all directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while achieving 360° projection coverage. This substitution of mechanical motion with a geometric optical solution resolves the contradiction between angular range and device complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotating parts are used to generate laser lines, then 360° projection is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection coverageVSAvoiddevice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates all rotating mechanical parts by using a stationary reflecting cone with a specially designed surface geometry. The cone's reflective surface is shaped to redirect the laser beam in all directions without requiring any motion. This static optical solution removes wear and tear associated with rotating components, significantly improving device reliability while maintaining 360° projection capability.

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

3Measurement precision

If complex mechanical systems are used for self-levelling, then alignment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical self-levelling systems with a simple gravitational pendulum mechanism. The optics carrier is suspended as a pendulum that automatically aligns itself with the gravitational vector, providing self-levelling functionality through a passive mechanical advantage rather than active control systems. This simplified approach maintains alignment accuracy while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If rotating laser units are combined to generate multiple lines, then multi-line projection is achieved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of laser linesVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser line generation functions into a single compact optics carrier that houses multiple reflecting cones and laser sources. Instead of separate rotating laser units, the invention integrates three laser sources and three reflecting cones into one unified structure, all mounted on a common pendulum-suspended carrier. This consolidation achieves multi-line projection capability while minimizing device weight through shared mechanical support and compact optical arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution achieves high precision and long-term stability with reduced production costs and energy consumption, enabling a compact design that spans a complete spatial coordinate system without moving parts, enhancing alignment accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a laser beam which is directed in the direction of the axis of this reflecting cone towards the tip of this cone, by which a laser line expandable in a plane at an angle of 90° to the incident beam and projectable over an angular range of 360° is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the optics carrier being designed to be self-aligning in a gravitational field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2411762B2Self levelling multi line 360° laser device
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2411762B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2411762B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2411762B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-leveling multi-line laser device comprising at least two, preferably three line projection devices (2) which are mounted perpendicular to each other. Every line projection device (2) has a reflecting cone (5) and a laser beam which points in the direction of the cone axis of the reflecting cone (5) towards the tip of the cone (5).