Box Beam Level Vial Mounting With Snap-Fit Angle Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting a level vial to a box-type level body while ensuring firm security and visibility from both sides and the top, as well as allowing for accurate orientation adjustments, poses challenges in existing level designs.
Innovation Solution
A level vial mounting system that includes a vial retainer secured within the level body with a snap-fit connection using resilient tabs and slots, and a vial position adjustment arrangement featuring a rocker-type surface and threaded connectors to adjust the vial's angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the level vial is mounted securely within the box beam level body, then the vial is firmly secured in position, but visibility from both sides and the top of the level body is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The box beam level body is divided into multiple wall sections (front wall, rear wall, left side wall, right side wall) with strategically positioned window openings in each. This segmentation allows light to enter from multiple directions, enabling visibility of the level vial from front, rear, left, and right sides simultaneously while maintaining the structural integrity and secure mounting of the vial within the body.
Solution Approach 2:
Window openings serve as intermediary elements between the external environment and the internally mounted level vial. These openings allow optical access to the vial without requiring the vial to be exposed or loosely mounted, thus maintaining both secure mounting and visibility requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the level vial is firmly secured in position, then stability is improved, but the ability to adjust orientation for accurate measurement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable mounting structures that allow the level vial to be positioned and oriented during assembly, and potentially adjusted during use. The window openings and mounting mechanisms are designed to permit controlled movement and repositioning of the vial while maintaining stable operation once positioned, thus providing both adjustability and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The level vial and its mounting components are pre-positioned and oriented during the assembly process to achieve the correct angular relationship between the vial and the level body. This preliminary adjustment ensures that when the vial is secured, it is already in the correct orientation for accurate measurement, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vial mounting structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to provide multi-angle visibility and secure mounting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The box beam level body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for mounting the level vial, creates the window openings for multi-angle visibility, and defines the operational orientation of the vial. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate complex mounting structures while achieving both secure mounting and visibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is merged with the box beam level body itself, rather than being a separate component. The walls and window openings of the level body are integrated to provide both structural support for secure mounting and optical access for visibility. This merging simplifies the overall structure while maintaining all required functions.
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 securely mounts the level vial, providing visibility from multiple angles and allowing for precise orientation adjustments, ensuring accurate level measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more resilient tabs is engageable within the one or more slots upon downward movement of the vial mount relative to the vial retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A level includes a level body having top, bottom and side walls, and a window that opens into the interior of the body. A level vial, which is secured to a vial mount, is positioned within the window opening. A vial retainer is secured within the interior of the level body, and includes a lower portion engaged with the bottom wall and upper portions engaged with the upper wall on either side of the window opening. The vial mount is secured to the vial retainer to secure the vial in a position in which the vial is visible from the exterior of the level body through the window. A vial position adjustment arrangement is provided for adjusting the position of the vial relative to the level body when the vial mount is secured to the vial retainer.