Vertical Laser Layout System for Construction Point Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based positioning systems for construction layouts are overly complex, expensive, and prone to errors due to the requirement of constant rotational laser scanning, making them unsuitable for indoor use in construction environments where GPS is not applicable.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional layout system using two base units with laser transmitters that emit vertical laser light planes, a remote unit with communication and processing capabilities, and an active target with an omni-directional sensor to simplify the layout process by establishing alignment axes, determining benchmark points, and automatically scaling virtual floor plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If constant rotational laser scanning is used for positioning, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex rotational scanning systems. Instead of using continuous rotational laser scanning, the invention uses static laser transmitters that emit fixed planes, combined with simple manual or automated target acquisition. This extracts only the necessary positioning capability while eliminating unnecessary rotational mechanics and complex scanning control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the construction site through laser-projected planes and coordinates rather than requiring physical measurement tools. The laser planes project reference lines and points onto the construction surface, creating an optical copy of the design layout that can be directly observed and transferred, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement and marking equipment.
2Measurement precision
If rotational laser scanning is implemented, then positioning functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser transmitters are designed to automatically establish reference planes and the system self-calibrates through the intersection of multiple laser planes. The equipment performs its own setup functions by automatically calculating coordinates and positions from the geometric intersections of laser planes, reducing the need for manual calibration and complex operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser planes as an intermediary between the design layout and the construction surface. Instead of requiring direct mechanical contact or complex instrument alignment, the laser planes serve as a visual mediator that projects reference lines onto the work surface, making the layout process intuitive and easy to operate while maintaining high precision.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple laser transmitters are positioned at distance apart, then coverage area is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional horizontal alignment to three-dimensional spatial positioning by introducing vertical laser planes and using the intersection of multiple planes in 3D space. This dimensional change allows transmitters to be positioned far apart horizontally while maintaining alignment precision through vertical reference planes and coordinate calculations that incorporate all three spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the intersection points of multiple laser planes as feedback to verify and maintain alignment accuracy. By monitoring where laser planes intersect in space and comparing these intersections to expected coordinates, the system can detect and correct alignment deviations, ensuring precision is maintained even when transmitters are positioned at large distances apart for broad coverage.
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 system provides a straightforward, intuitive, and cost-effective method for accurately laying out points on a jobsite surface, independent of surface flatness, with improved precision and reduced setup complexity compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
two laser light transmitters with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters may be identical. Preferably the laser transmitters include a self-leveling capability, and exhibit a rotation about the azimuth, and a vertical (plumb) laser plane (or rotating line) output
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. An “active target” can be used to more automatically create benchmarks. A laser distance meter can be installed on base units to automatically scan a room or a wall to determine certain key features.