Measuring tape integrated with lighting system

By integrating an illumination system into the measuring tape housing, the problem of reading difficulties in low-light environments is solved, enabling one-handed operation and precise illumination, thus improving measurement efficiency and accuracy.

CN121594723APending Publication Date: 2026-03-03江长贵
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511977228.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-25
Publication Date
2026-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing measuring tapes are difficult to read in low-light environments, resulting in low measurement efficiency and a high risk of errors. Furthermore, existing solutions that rely on external light sources are inconvenient to operate.

Method used

An integrated lighting system is incorporated within the tape measure housing, comprising a solid-state light-emitting device, a control switch, and a power supply. The light source is located near the tape exit, the control switch is easy to operate with one hand, and the power supply is built into the housing. A flexible circuit board is used to connect the various components to form a stable lighting circuit.

Benefits of technology

It enables convenient one-handed measurement in low-light environments, with precise illumination of the scale area by the light source, improving measurement efficiency and accuracy. Its compact structure does not affect gripping or tape retraction.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a measuring tape integrated with a lighting system, and belongs to the field of measuring tools. The measuring tape comprises a shell (1), a tape band (2) and a winding mechanism, and is characterized in that a lighting system is integrated in the shell (1); the lighting system comprises a solid-state light-emitting device (3), a control switch (4), a power supply (5) and a connecting component (6) which are arranged near the outlet of the tape. Through the integrated design, the solid-state light-emitting device is arranged near the outlet of the tape band, the switch layout is optimized, the problems that an existing tape is difficult to read and inconvenient to operate in a dark environment are solved, synchronous illumination measurement is achieved through single-hand holding, and the measuring tape has the advantages of being compact in structure, accurate in illumination, convenient and fast to operate and stable in working state.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of measuring tool technology, specifically to a measuring tape, and more particularly to a measuring tape with an integrated lighting system within its housing, suitable for measurement in low-light environments. Background Technology

[0002] Measuring tapes are among the most commonly used measuring tools in construction, renovation, and daily life. However, when working in dimly lit environments such as inside cabinets, behind equipment, or at night construction sites, users often face difficulties in reading the tape markings, leading to inefficiency and errors. The usual solution is to use an external light source, such as a flashlight or mobile phone, but this makes one-handed operation impossible or requires assistance from others, which is extremely inconvenient.

[0003] While there is a general demand in the industry for "adding lighting to tools," why has a mature illuminated measuring tape product not yet emerged for so long? The core obstacle lies in the fact that simply "adding a light" brings a series of new and difficult-to-coordinate problems—how can the lighting device be securely integrated with the measuring tape without affecting grip? How can power be supplied reasonably and battery life guaranteed? How can the light path accurately cover the narrow measuring tape without causing glare? How should the switch be arranged to enable convenient one-handed operation during measurement? The superposition of these technical obstacles makes "adding effective lighting to measuring tapes" not an obvious and simple addition, but an innovative technical issue that requires systematic solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a measuring tape with an integrated lighting system, so as to systematically solve the problems of difficult reading, low measurement efficiency and inconvenient operation caused by the lack of an effective integrated light source in dim environments.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A measuring tape with an integrated lighting system includes a housing (1), a measuring tape (2), and a winding mechanism, characterized in that: the housing (1) integrates a lighting system; the lighting system includes a solid-state light-emitting device (3) powered by a power supply (5), a control switch (4), and a connecting component (6) electrically connecting the power supply (5), the control switch (4), and the solid-state light-emitting device (3) to form a lighting circuit; the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is disposed near the measuring tape outlet of the housing (1).

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light emission direction of the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is configured to illuminate the measurement area in front of the extension path of the ruler (2).

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the control switch (4) is located on the housing (1) in a position that is convenient for the user to operate with their thumb or index finger when holding it with one hand.

[0012] Beneficial effects

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. High integration and convenient operation: Through a highly integrated system design, the lighting system is built into the tape measure housing, resulting in a compact structure that does not interfere with normal gripping. The switch position is set to facilitate one-handed operation, ultimately achieving integrated operation of one-handed gripping, simultaneous lighting and measurement, effectively solving the operability, reliability and convenience problems faced in integrating lighting on a tape measure.

[0015] 2. Optimized optical path for clear readings: By placing the light source near the tape exit, precise illumination of the tape scale area is achieved, significantly improving measurement efficiency and accuracy in dim environments.

[0016] 3. Compact structure and stable operation: The components of the lighting system are compactly arranged, and the power supply is securely located inside the housing, making full use of the unused space inside the housing without affecting the normal operation of the winding mechanism and the smooth winding and unwinding of the tape; the mature power supply and connection scheme ensures timely on / off response and stable operation of the lighting system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1-Housing; 2-Scale; 3-Solid-state light-emitting device; 4-Control switch; 5-Power supply; 6-Connecting component.

[0019] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale, and do not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] See Figure 1 The present invention provides a measuring tape with an integrated lighting system, which mainly consists of a housing (1), a measuring tape (2), a winding mechanism, and a lighting system integrated inside the housing (1).

[0022] The lighting system includes a solid-state light-emitting device (3), a control switch (4), a power supply (5), and a connecting component (6). In this embodiment, the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED), which is fixed near the tape outlet of the housing (1) by a bracket to ensure accurate illumination of the scale area of ​​the tape (2).

[0023] The control switch (4) is preferably a push-button self-reset switch, which is encapsulated and placed in the groove at the natural thumb rest point at the front of the housing (1); in other embodiments, a toggle switch can also be used, which is also placed in a position that is convenient for thumb or index finger operation.

[0024] The power supply (5) is built into and fixed inside the housing (1) to supply power to the lighting system. The power supply (5) can be, but is not limited to, a CR2032 button battery or a micro rechargeable lithium battery. The power supply can be installed in the housing through a matching fixing structure such as a buckle or a slot. In this embodiment, a CR2032 button battery is preferred because its voltage matches the LED working voltage and no additional voltage conversion module is required. In other embodiments, if a micro rechargeable lithium battery is used, a corresponding charging interface can be added to the housing.

[0025] The connecting component (6) is used to electrically connect the power supply (5), the control switch (4) and the solid-state light-emitting device (3) to form a complete lighting circuit, ensuring the stable switching and power transmission of the lighting system; in this embodiment, a flexible circuit board (FPC) is preferably used, which can be arranged to fit the inner wall of the housing to make full use of the internal space; in other embodiments, wires or metal springs can also be used.

[0026] During operation, the user holds the housing (1) with one hand and presses the control switch (4) with their finger. The solid-state light-emitting device (3) is instantly lit, and the light accurately illuminates the measuring tape (2) and the measurement area in front. When the control switch (4) is released, the lighting circuit is disconnected and the lighting is turned off. Throughout the measurement process, the lighting system responds promptly to switching on and off, and the lighting effect is stable, without relying on any external light source.

[0027] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measuring tape for an integrated lighting system, comprising a housing (1), a measuring tape (2), and a winding mechanism, characterized in that: The housing (1) integrates a lighting system; the lighting system includes a solid-state light-emitting device (3) powered by a power supply (5), a control switch (4), and a connecting component (6) electrically connecting the power supply (5), the control switch (4) and the solid-state light-emitting device (3) to form a lighting circuit; the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is located near the tape outlet of the housing (1).

2. The measuring tape of the integrated lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solid-state light-emitting device (3) is a light-emitting diode (LED).

3. The measuring tape of the integrated lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emission direction of the solid-state light-emitting device (3) is configured to illuminate the measurement area in front of the extension path of the ruler (2).

4. The measuring tape of the integrated lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control switch (4) is located on the housing (1) in a position that allows the user to operate it with their thumb or index finger when holding it with one hand.