Self-Leveling Laser Level with Ball Bearing Pendulum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser levels are not self-leveling, fragile, and too large for practical use, lacking the ability to project two opposing beams at any angle accurately without requiring an assistant for distance measurement beyond arm's reach.
Innovation Solution
A compact self-leveling laser level with a ballbearing-based pendulum mechanism, allowing 360-degree angle adjustment and simultaneous projection of two light beams, featuring a sturdy design that fits in a pocket, and an optional measuring tape attachment for distance measurement without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knife's edge or pin is used as a pivot point for self-leveling, then the device can achieve self-leveling capability, but the device becomes fragile and easily damaged by impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
A bubble level vial is introduced as an intermediary element between the pendulum mechanism and the housing. The vial contains liquid and a bubble that indicates levelness without requiring direct contact between the pendulum and housing, eliminating the need for sharp knife edges or pin points that are vulnerable to impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a bubble level vial as a visual copy or representation of the level condition, replacing the direct mechanical indication method. The bubble's position within the vial provides visual feedback about the device's levelness without requiring fragile mechanical pivot points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers are used to project lines in multiple planes, then the device can project level lines in any orientation, but the device becomes more expensive, fragile, and large
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser unit is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different angles. The laser can be positioned at various orientations around a central axis, allowing it to project reference lines in multiple planes (vertical, horizontal, and intermediate angles) without requiring separate laser units for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser mounting mechanism allows dynamic repositioning of the laser unit to different angles. The laser can be rotated and locked at various positions around the 360-degree format, enabling the same laser component to serve multiple orientational functions rather than requiring static, fixed-position lasers for each plane.
3Ease of manufacture
If a spirit or bubble level is used for calibration, then the device can be manufactured with simpler components, but the calibration becomes subjective and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble level vial provides visual feedback about the device's levelness. The operator can observe the bubble's position relative to markings on the vial and adjust the device accordingly, creating a feedback loop that enables accurate calibration without requiring complex electronic sensors or subjective visual estimation.
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 provides a reliable, compact, and user-friendly device capable of projecting beams at any angle, ensuring accurate alignment and measurement beyond arm's reach without the need for an assistant, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The front shell acts entirely as a pendulum, it should have at the center, in the interior of the shell, a brace holding the exterior ring (outer race) of a ball bearing, allowing the interior ring (the inner race) to be free wheeling
Implementation Method 2
a weight at the bottom whose function is to make the device stay plumb
Data Source
AI summary
An effective inexpensive, compact and easy-to-use self-leveling laser level capable of projecting at least two laser beams at any desired angle dialed on a 360-degree format.