Center Line Locator Tool for Symmetrical Geometric Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision tools for locating center lines of symmetrical geometric shapes are either imprecise, require complex constructions, automated parts, or mathematical calculations, and often limit operation to specific shapes and orientations.

Innovation Solution

A precision tool with a base leg and slidingly adjustable positioning legs, where the base leg bisects the angle formed by the positioning legs, allowing for the identification of center lines without additional measurements or calculations, and can be adapted for various geometric shapes and orientations using a central leg, planetary gear system, or gears to maintain the required orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sophisticated construction or automation is used to identify center lines with mathematical precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter line identification precisionVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool uses self-aligning positioning legs that automatically locate the edges of the geometric shape and guide the base leg to the center line through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for automated adjustment mechanisms or power sources while maintaining mathematical precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: positioning legs for edge contact, a base leg for center line indication, and optional orientation-maintaining components (central leg or planetary gears), allowing each part to perform its specific function with simple construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If power gears and automated parts are used to maintain positioning leg orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation maintenance precisionVSAvoidautomation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning legs are designed to self-align with the edges of the geometric shape through geometric constraints, automatically maintaining the required orientation without power gears or automated adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using automated mechanisms to force the positioning legs into the correct orientation, the tool allows the legs to naturally align themselves through the geometric relationships between the legs and the shape edges, inverting the traditional approach of active control to passive self-adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a precision tool is designed to identify center lines of multiple geometric shapes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape compatibilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs universal geometric principles that work across all symmetrical shapes (squares, circles, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids), with positioning legs and base leg configurations that can identify center lines for any shape with axes of symmetry without requiring shape-specific adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning legs are designed to be adjustable in position and orientation, allowing the tool to adapt to different geometric shapes and sizes while maintaining the fundamental geometric relationships that ensure mathematical precision in center line identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If measurements or mathematical calculations are required to locate center lines, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecenter line location precisionVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool performs the mathematical calculation of center line location automatically through its geometric construction, eliminating the need for the user to perform measurements or calculations, as the base leg directly indicates the mathematically precise center line when the positioning legs contact the shape edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool pre-establishes the geometric relationships and mathematical constraints during its construction, so that when used, the center line is directly indicated without requiring the user to perform any measurements or calculations, as all the mathematical work has already been built into the tool's geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9377281B2Precision tool for locating center lines in geometric shapes

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 JAMES J DANKOWSKI TRUST

AI summary

The disclosed invention relates to easy-to-use precision tools that locate the mid-line, or center line, of any symmetrical geometric shape, such as triangles, squares, circles, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and symmetrical polygons. Given two separate points on the edge of a symmetrical geometric shape, these precision tools identify the center line of the geometric shape between those two points, without the need for additional measurements or mathematical calculations. The precision tools can also be used to identify the center points of symmetrical geometric shapes.