Conduit Bender Laser Measurement for Faster Accurate Bends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bender tools require time-consuming and labor-intensive measurements for accurate bending of conduit and piping, especially when multiple bends are needed with precise offset angles, and existing solutions are either too costly or inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A bender tool measuring system that includes a conduit bender with a measurement apparatus featuring a laser optical device, which projects an optical projection onto the handle to indicate the position of the bent conduit relative to the bender head, allowing for quicker and more accurate measurements without the need for repeated manual calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used for conduit bending, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but measurement time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical measurement system that uses a laser projector and sensor to automatically measure conduit position and bending angle, eliminating the need for manual calculations and repeated measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an optical projection of the desired conduit path onto the conduit itself, allowing the worker to directly follow the projected guide lines rather than performing mental calculations based on measured dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used for conduit bending, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but labor intensity and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system automatically performs all measurement and calculation functions without requiring the worker to manually measure, calculate, or mark multiple points, as the system self-adjusts and provides real-time guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual measurement and calculation procedures with an automated optical system that handles all computational geometry and positioning tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If optical measurement apparatus is used, then measurement speed and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical measurement apparatus is designed to work with multiple conduit sizes and bending configurations using the same basic device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an optical projection as an intermediary between the digital measurement data and the physical conduit, providing intuitive visual guidance that bridges the gap between complex calculations and simple worker actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This system reduces measurement time and labor costs by providing a quick and accurate method for bending conduit and piping, enabling faster and more efficient bending processes with reduced manual effort and capital expenditures.

Implementation Method 1

The measurement apparatus includes an optical device and an attachment device... The optical device includes a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11458520B2Bender tool measuring system, apparatus, and method
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 HEAIRLD TRAVIS
  • US11458520B2 patent drawing
  • US11458520B2 patent drawing
  • US11458520B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bender tool measuring system includes a conduit bender, a bent piece of conduit, and a measurement apparatus coupled to the conduit. The conduit bender includes a bender head comprising a hook and a handle coupled to and extending from the bender head. The measurement apparatus is configured to project an optical projection onto the handle of the conduit bender, and the location of the optical projection on the length of the handle indicates the position of the bent piece of conduit in relation to the bender head.