Angle Gauge with Rotatable Indicator Dial for Ladder Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the appropriate ladder inclination for safe positioning are imprecise and difficult to use, relying on approximation and risk either ladder instability or injury due to incorrect angle measurement.
Innovation Solution
An angle gauge with a circular base, indicator dial, and straight edge flange that allows for quick adjustment to a target angle, ensuring the ladder is positioned at a safe inclination relative to a vertical surface by using a transparent cover to indicate when the ladder is at the correct angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ladder inclination is determined by approximation (counting rungs with 4 to 1 formula), then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is insufficient and cannot ensure accurate 75° angle compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement function into distinct components: a base for positioning, a rotatable angle line for angle selection, and a transparent cover with indicator dial for visual confirmation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover acts as an intermediary element that overlays the angle line and indicator dial, enabling visual comparison without requiring complex mechanical linkages or electronic displays. The indicator dial with contrasting portions provides a clear visual signal when the correct angle is achieved.
2Measurement precision
If a complex angle measuring device is used to achieve precise ladder inclination measurement, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated adjustment and reading procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The angle line is designed to be rotatable about the vertical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment to different target angles. This rotational freedom enables quick angle changes without disassembling the device, while the transparent cover maintains visual clarity throughout the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator dial incorporates contrasting portions (different colors or shades) that become visible or hidden based on the angle line's rotation. This visual contrast provides an intuitive, immediate indication of whether the correct angle is achieved, eliminating the need for complex reading procedures.
3Reliability
If the ladder is positioned without accurate angle verification, then the positioning process is faster, but the reliability of safe positioning deteriorates due to risk of incorrect angle leading to instability or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The angle line can be pre-set to the target angle (e.g., 75°) before positioning the ladder. The transparent cover with indicator dial provides immediate visual confirmation when the ladder reaches the correct angle, eliminating the need for complex measurements or calculations during the positioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator dial provides real-time visual feedback on the ladder's inclination angle. When the ladder is at the correct angle, the contrasting portions of the indicator dial align in a specific way that is immediately recognizable, giving the operator instant confirmation of proper positioning without requiring additional measurement steps.
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 immediate and accurate determination of ladder inclination, reducing the risk of accidents by ensuring the ladder is securely positioned at the mandated 75° angle from the horizontal, thereby enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot at an edge center of the indicator edge, the pivot rotatably connected to a line center of the angle line; wherein the pivot cannot resist the urging of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An angle gauge for immediately determining if an inclination of a ladder against a vertical surface is satisfactory is provided. The angle gauge has a circular base portion and an indicator dial rotatably connected to the center of a face of the base portion. A straight edge flange is connected to the base portion to provide a straight edge extending tangentially from the circumference thereof. The face has top and bottom halves dividing by an angle line, wherein the angle line is adjustable so as to select a target angle between the angle line relative to the straight edge. The indicator dial obscures half of the face at all times. The straight edge is connected to a rung of a ladder so that if the ladder is not oriented at the target angle relative to vertical supporting surface, the bottom half is partially visible above the indicator dial.