Compass Declination Adjustment via Frictional Vial Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compasses require complex constructions or separate tools to account for magnetic declination, which can be prone to mechanical issues and hinder accurate navigation between true and magnetic north.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held compass with a vial assembly frictionally coupled to an azimuth ring, featuring a transparent disc member with orienting lines and degree scale for easy declination adjustment, allowing the vial to be rotated independently without additional tools, and a retention ring for enhanced grip and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate member or complex construction is used to rotate the vial relative to the azimuth ring for declination adjustment, then the declination can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to water or dirt entering the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex separate declination adjustment mechanism from the compass. Instead, the vial is directly rotatable relative to the azimuth ring by hand, extracting the unnecessary intermediate mechanisms while maintaining the essential declination adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vial assembly is designed to be directly manipulable by the user for declination adjustment without requiring separate tools or complex mechanisms. The user can rotate the vial relative to the azimuth ring by hand to adjust the declination angle, making the system self-serviceable and simplifying the overall construction.
2Ease of operation
If a separate member or complex construction is used to rotate the vial relative to the azimuth ring, then the declination can be adjusted, but the reliability decreases due to water or dirt impeding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the vulnerable separate declination adjustment mechanism that could be impeded by water or dirt. The direct rotational coupling between the vial and azimuth ring removes the intermediate mechanical components that would otherwise fail in harsh environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified design allows direct manual rotation of the vial relative to the azimuth ring without complex mechanical linkages. This self-service approach eliminates vulnerable moving parts that could be affected by water or dirt, improving reliability in outdoor conditions.
3Device complexity
If the vial is frictionally coupled to the azimuth ring, then the construction is simplified and costs decreased, but the measurement precision may be affected by friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the frictional coupling parameters between the vial and azimuth ring to achieve the right balance. The friction is sufficient to maintain relative positioning during normal use but can be overcome by deliberate user action for declination adjustment, ensuring both simplicity and measurement precision.
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
Facilitates precise bearing measurements by simplifying declination adjustments, improving durability, and reducing costs, while maintaining accuracy and usability in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The vial assembly comprises a vial, a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and pointing to magnetic north
Implementation Method 2
The vial assembly comprises a vial, a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and pointing to magnetic north, and an azimuth ring frictionally coupled to the vial
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational or outdoor compass is comprised of a base member and a vial assembly pivotally coupled to said base member. The vial assembly comprises a vial and a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and pointing to magnetic north. The vial assembly is further comprised of an azimuth ring indirectly or directly frictionally coupled to the vial and a transparent disc member permanently aligned with the azimuth ring and arranged below the vial. Moreover, the vial assembly comprises a retention means permanently aligned with the azimuth ring, such that holding of the retention means allows to rotate the vial separately from the azimuth ring by exceeding the frictional force.