Ryobi Cross-it Self Leveling Laser

Ryobi Cross-it Self Leveling laser

Client: The Home Depot
Skills: Tooling Design, End User Research, Problem Solving, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering.

Project Scope: To create a consumer level self leveling laser with all the features of a profession tool at a fraction of the price.

Competitive units

There were several competitive laser levels on the market as we were developing the Cross-it Laser. After testing these competitive units, the primary consumer interface issues needing attention revolved round how best to get the laser at the required height. The yellow laser required a camera tripod or a stack of books, the red laser used pins that would stick into your wall, providing the user a nice laser line at the proper height but 2 holes needing repair in the corresponding wall. The main advantage we had going forward was our patented "Air-Grip" technology. It was essentially a small vacuum and a suction cup that would adhere to most any surface.

Self Leveling Mechanism Development

Housing Development

Added features

So even though our product had cool vacuum technology to secure our laser to a wall, we also wanted our users to be equipped to handle any mounting need. It's pretty easy to assume that having mounting pins, tripod thread adapters, and rough surface adapters floating loose in a tool bag is the quickest way to make sure they aren't there when you need them. So I developed an additional mount that would not only allow you to secure the laser using a Velcro strap, but would also protect the suction cup when not being used, as well as safely secure all the additional parts.