Beam Aperture Cover and Lockout for Measuring Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices lack protection for beam exit apertures against damage and prevent uncontrolled switch-on, which can lead to accidental activation and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A sliding element is designed to cover the beam exit apertures when not in use, and a switch mechanism ensures the device remains off when the apertures are covered, preventing accidental activation by integrating a sliding element with a recess and actuating element to interact with the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beam exit aperture is left uncovered for easy access and operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aperture becomes vulnerable to damage and uncontrolled switch-on may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a cover element that can be positioned in advance to protect the aperture before any harmful events occur. The cover element is designed to be placeable over the aperture, creating a protective barrier beforehand. Additionally, the switch mechanism is designed to detect the cover's position and prevent activation unless the aperture is uncovered, addressing the uncontrolled switch-on issue proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cover element as an intermediary between the aperture and the external environment. This intermediary serves dual purposes: physically protecting the aperture from damage and enabling the switch mechanism to detect whether the aperture is covered. The cover element acts as a mediator that communicates the aperture's protected state to the switching mechanism through the detection of the cover's presence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover element is added to protect the aperture, then the protection against damage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the cover element to serve multiple purposes simultaneously. The cover element not only protects the aperture from physical damage but also enables the switch mechanism to detect the aperture's covered state. This single component performs both protective and signaling functions, reducing the need for additional separate mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective function and the detection function into a single integrated system. The cover element is designed to work in conjunction with the switch mechanism, where the act of covering the aperture automatically provides information to the switch. This merging of functions into a unified system avoids the need for separate protective covers and separate detection mechanisms, thus controlling the overall complexity.
3Reliability
If the switch mechanism is made sensitive to cover position to prevent accidental activation, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by designing a switch mechanism that automatically detects the cover element's position and adjusts its switching capability accordingly. When the cover is detected, the switch mechanism becomes insensitive to activation attempts, providing feedback about the protected state. This automatic feedback loop ensures safety without requiring manual intervention or complex user actions, maintaining ease of operation while preventing accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism is designed to self-regulate based on the cover's position. The system automatically determines whether the aperture is covered and accordingly enables or disables switching functionality without user input. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually manage switch sensitivity or remember safety procedures, maintaining convenience while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device (10) having a housing (12) with side walls (18, 20) and end wall (22) with an aperture (26) for a beam to exit. A covering element (28) pivotably connected to the housing extends along the end wall having the aperture in a basic position. A sliding element (40) is slidably arranged along the side wall having the aperture and is slidable into a first end position closing the aperture in the side wall when the covering element (28) is in the basic position, wherein the covering element is unpivotable when the sliding element is in the first end position.