Collapsible Circle Marking Device for Ceiling Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marking accurate circular patterns on ceilings or walls for recessed lighting installation is challenging due to the difficulty of maintaining a circular template's position with one hand while avoiding safety hazards, as it requires letting go of a ladder.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a base featuring a center punch and marker holders for a standard carpenter's pencil, allowing one-handed operation, adjustable marker positions, and a collapsible design for safety and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a circular template is used for marking, then the circular pattern can be drawn, but the template is difficult to hold steady with one hand while operating a marking implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circular template and marking implement into a single integrated tool. The handle serves as both the template structure and the marking guide, with the marking implement fixed within the handle. This merging eliminates the need to hold separate template and marking tools, enabling stable one-handed operation while maintaining circular pattern accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a marking implement holder as an intermediary component within the handle. This holder securely positions the marking implement relative to the circular template structure, allowing the marking point to trace the circular pattern accurately while the user operates with one hand on the handle.
2Ease of operation
If a circular template is held with one hand, then ease of operation improves, but safety hazards increase when on a ladder
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the circular template and marking implement into a single integrated tool, the patent eliminates the need to hold separate objects with one hand while on a ladder. The unified handle structure provides a stable grip that reduces the risk of dropping tools or losing balance, thereby addressing safety hazards while maintaining operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the tool is designed for compact storage and transport, then safety and ease of storage improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool into collapsible components, including a telescopic handle and separable marker holder. These segmented parts can be collapsed into a compact configuration for safe storage and transport, while maintaining full functionality when deployed. The segmentation allows the tool to transition between extended operational state and compact storage state.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple marker holders are provided for various diameters, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic marker holder system where the marker holder can be adjusted to different positions along the handle, or multiple holders can be selectively attached. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt to various circle diameters without requiring a completely different tool for each size, while managing device complexity through adjustable rather than fixed multiple configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for applying a circular indicia onto a surface, such as a ceiling, wall or other flat surface, with a marking implement has a base that includes a first side with a center punch projecting away therefrom. At least one marker holder is fixed with a second side of the base and configured to hold the marking implement therein, such that a marking point of the marking implement projects through a marking aperture traversing the base. A handle is selectively removable from the base and is adapted for selective engagement with the center punch to assume a collapsed configuration.