3D Spatial Positioning Line via Intersecting Laser Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying positioning lines, such as laser projection systems, are not suitable for arranging three-dimensional objects in space, as they require a projection surface and are not effective for tasks like laying pipelines.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two laser beams from different directions intersecting to create a positioning line in three-dimensional space, made visible using fog, allowing for precise alignment and various shapes, including circular lines, to assist in arranging three-dimensional objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If laser projection systems are used to create optical markings on a surface, then precise positioning for drilling and welding can be achieved, but these systems require a projection surface and cannot be used for arranging three-dimensional objects in space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability for arranging three-dimensional objects in spaceVSAvoidrequirement of projection surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface projection to three-dimensional spatial positioning by using the intersection of two laser beams in space. The positioning line is created at the intersection point of two laser beams with different spatial orientations, enabling direct 3D object arrangement without requiring a projection surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Fog or aerosol is introduced as an intermediary medium to make the laser beam intersection visible. The fog particles scatter the laser light, allowing the positioning line in space to be observed without requiring a solid projection surface, thus enabling 3D spatial positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If fog is used to make the positioning line visible in space, then no scattering or reflecting surface is needed, but the visibility depends on the presence of fog or aerosol

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility without projection surfaceVSAvoiddependence on fog or aerosol environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Fog or aerosol serves as an optical intermediary that scatters laser light to make the positioning line visible. This mediator enables visibility in free space without requiring solid surfaces, though it does require the presence of dispersed particles in the air.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses laser beams with different wavelengths (colors) that overlap to create a distinct positioning line color. For example, red and yellow laser beams create an orange positioning line, making it distinguishable from the background fog and improving visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If laser beams with different wavelengths are used to create a colored positioning line, then the positioning line can be distinguished from background light scattered by fog, but the system requires multiple laser sources with different wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistinguishability from background lightVSAvoidnumber of laser sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs laser beams with different wavelengths that overlap to create a positioning line with a distinct color different from the individual beams. This color differentiation makes the positioning line easily distinguishable from the white background light scattered by fog, improving detectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple laser beams with different wavelengths are merged at the intersection point to create the positioning line. The combination of different colored lasers produces a unique color that stands out against the background, enhancing visibility and detectability.

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

Enables precise alignment and orientation of three-dimensional objects in space, particularly useful for tasks like laying pipelines, with the ability to distinguish the positioning line from background light, reducing costs through software implementation.

Implementation Method 1

two laser beams from different directions are brought together at an intersection point, and the positioning line in space is generated by moving the intersection point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the positioning line is made visible by means of fog. This is advantageous because the positioning line can be made visible in this way without a scattering or reflecting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3784985B1Method of generating a positioning line in space
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 LINDE AG
  • EP3784985B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for depicting a positioning line (40) in a space, wherein two laser beams (10, 20) from different directions are guided together at an intersection point (30), and said positioning line (40) is generated in the space by displacing said intersection point (30).