Chalk Line Device End Clip Storage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chalk line devices often have the end clip and its storage mechanism in the way of the user's hand during handling, making it difficult to manage and increasing the risk of the chalk line getting caught during storage or transportation.
Innovation Solution
The chalk line device incorporates an end clip storage system within the end cap, which includes a hole for receiving the end clip when not in use, allowing it to be secured out of the way, and a holding mechanism to prevent accidental release, with the option for the end clip to protrude into the housing for protection and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end clip is secured to the chalk line device, then the clip is prevented from getting caught during transportation, but the end clip and its storage mechanism are in the way of the user's hand during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The end clip storage mechanism is extracted from the main body of the chalk line device and integrated into the end cap. This allows the end clip to be stored at the far end of the device, away from the user's hand during handling, while still being securely retained when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The end clip storage is positioned in the longitudinal dimension of the device, at the far end opposite to where the user would grip. This spatial arrangement in another dimension resolves the conflict between secure storage and ease of handling.
2Ease of operation
If the end clip storage is positioned away from the chalk line outlet, then the end clip is out of the way for handling, but the exposed length of the chalk line increases causing it to get caught more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The end clip storage is nested within the end cap structure itself, utilizing the existing end cap geometry. This allows the storage to be positioned at the far end of the device for easy handling while keeping the chalk line path short and contained, preventing it from getting caught.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a chalk line device (1), comprising a housing (2a, 2b), a spool which is rotatably arranged inside the housing (2a, 2b), a chalk line (4) which is attached to said spool and which may either be coiled onto or uncoiled from said spool, an end cap (6) trough which said chalk line (4) protrudes and, an end clip (8), which is secured to the free end of said chalk line (4). Said chalk line device (1) comprises an end clip storage (7), wherein said end clip storage (7) comprises a hole (10) in said end cap (6) adapted to receive at least a part of said end clip (8) in said end cap (8) when not used.