Collinear Marking Device With Interdependent Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to efficiently create collinear and equidistant marks on a wall surface for hanging multiple objects, requiring cumbersome and inaccurate methods that often necessitate additional tools and assistance.
Innovation Solution
A marking device with a central backplate and interdependent extendable arms, equipped with gears to ensure equal and opposite movement, allowing for the creation of collinear and equidistant marks, along with spirit levels for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate tools are used to create equidistant collinear marks, then measurement flexibility is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (ruler, level, marking device) into a single integrated device. The backplate with channels houses extendable arms that can be positioned and locked at specific distances, while spirit levels are integrated into the structure. This merging eliminates the need to switch between multiple tools and ensures that all marking operations are performed from a single reference plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures distances between marks, ensures collinearity through the backplate reference, verifies levelness through integrated spirit levels, and creates marks with pinned attachments. The extendable arms can be configured for different spacing requirements, making the device universally applicable to various marking tasks requiring equidistant collinear points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual measurement and marking methods are used, then adaptability to different spacing requirements is improved, but manufacturing precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device features dynamic extendable arms that can be adjusted to different lengths and positions along the channels of the backplate. The arms can be extended or retracted and locked at various positions using set screws or other locking mechanisms. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to different spacing requirements while maintaining precise equidistant marking through the mechanical constraints of the channel system.
3Ease of operation
If separate marking operations are performed for each point, then positioning flexibility is improved, but productivity and operation time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows preliminary positioning and verification of all mark locations before actual marking occurs. The extendable arms can be positioned and locked at the desired locations, and spirit levels can verify levelness before any marking is done. This preliminary action ensures that when marking begins, all positions are pre-configured and verified, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and measurements during the marking process.
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
Enables efficient and accurate placement of multiple objects on a wall surface, ensuring collinearity and equidistance without the need for multiple tools or assistance, while maintaining stability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Near the central hole there may be affixed two spirit levels, one aligned with the backplate's x-axis (horizontal), and one aligned with the backplate's y-axis (vertical).
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a marking device that includes a main backplate. At the center of the marking device there may be a central hole, and attached to the backplate, are two extendable arms, each designed with a pin attachment to make marks and/or small holes in the wall material. The extendable arms are attached to the backplate in a manner that the arm pin attachments on each arm are perfectly aligned with the central hole. Using a set of gears or other method, the extendable arms are fitted to the back plate in a manner whereby the extension and/or retraction of one arm causes the other arm to move in an equal, but opposite manner. With this, the holes and/or marks will be equidistant from the central hole/pin hole, and also in-line with the center hole/pin hole and each other.