Handheld Colorimeter Pivoting Bracket for Versatile Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld color measuring devices are often complex and heavy, requiring separate accessories for various measurement tasks such as monitor calibration and ambient light measurement, lacking a simple and lightweight design for versatile use.

Innovation Solution

A handheld color measuring device with a U-shaped bracket and optical diffuser that pivots between monitor and ambient light positions, featuring a balanced design and adjustable components for easy positioning, including a position sensor and cable with weight for stable operation, and an opto-electronic measuring unit with specific optical components for tristimulus color value measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If handheld color measuring devices are designed with separate accessories for different measurement tasks, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal measuring device with a single optical measuring unit that can perform multiple measurement tasks (monitor measurement, projection surface measurement, and ambient light measurement) by repositioning the measuring unit to different positions on the device housing, eliminating the need for separate accessories for each measurement type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If handheld color measuring devices include all necessary components for autonomous operation, then functionality is improved, but weight and portability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves functional completeness through a single multi-functional measuring unit that can perform all required measurement tasks (monitor, projection surface, and ambient light measurements) by repositioning, eliminating the need for multiple separate functional components and reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring unit is repositionable for different measurement tasks, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring task adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic repositioning mechanism where the optical measuring unit can be moved between different positions on the device housing (first position for monitor measurement, second position for projection surface measurement, third position for ambient light measurement) through simple mechanical means, allowing structural adaptability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device is structurally simpler and lighter, allowing for versatile use without accessories for monitor, projection surface, and ambient light measurements, ensuring accurate and stable color data capture across different positions and orientations.

Implementation Method 1

an opto-electronic measuring unit which receives measuring light emanating from a measuring object through a measuring window in a front wall of the housing, converts it into corresponding electrical measuring signals, converts these measuring signals into the digital measurement data characterizing the color of the measuring object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

provided with an optical diffuser is arranged on the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2505972B1Hand-held colour measurement device
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 X RITE EUROPE GMBH
  • EP2505972B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2505972B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2505972B1 patent drawingFigure 5a

AI summary

A handheld colorimeter comprises a housing with a measuring unit that receives measuring light through a measuring window (15), converts it into measurement signals, processes these signals into digital color measurement data, and makes it available via a communication interface. A U-shaped bracket (B) is arranged on the housing (G), and a diffuser is integrated into its central section (9). The two side arms (7, 8) of the bracket are rotatably mounted on the housing so that the bracket (B) can be pivoted 180° from a monitor position to an ambient light position and back to the monitor position. In the ambient light position, the diffuser (11) is located in front of the measuring window (15), while in the monitor position, it is located on one of the rear walls (2) of the housing (G) opposite the front wall (1). Retaining elements are provided on the housing (G) and on the two side arms (7, 8) of the bracket (B) to hold the bracket (B) in its monitor and ambient light positions, respectively.The handheld colorimeter has a simple design and is especially suitable for monitor, projection surface and ambient light measurements.