Digital Linear Measuring Device with Optical Tape Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measuring devices, such as tape measures, face limitations in transferring and recording measurements due to their physical constraints, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in measurement transfer and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A digital linear measuring device that digitizes the length of the extended tape and displays measurements on a primary screen, allowing users to save and access previous measurements on a secondary screen, using an optical reader and rotary encoder to provide accurate and continuous measurement updates, accounting for both external and internal measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual recording of measurements is used, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement transfer accuracy deteriorates due to potential errors in recalling and transferring measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement transfer accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical recording system with an optical-digital measurement and recording system. The optical reader scans indicia on the tape to generate digital measurement data, which is then processed and stored electronically, eliminating manual recording errors while maintaining relatively simple device structure through automated optical recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the physical measurement by optically scanning the indicia on the measuring tape and converting it into digital data. This digital copy can be stored, recalled, and transferred without the errors associated with manual transcription, improving measurement transfer accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If continuous measurement recording is implemented, then measurement accuracy improves, but loss of time increases due to the need to move the device location to location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime to move device

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually moving and repositioning the measuring device with an automated optical scanning system. The optical reader can quickly scan measurements along the tape as it extends, continuously capturing measurement data without requiring physical repositioning of the entire device, thus reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If digital measurement and display system is added, then measurement recording efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement recording efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the housing structure - the housing not only contains the reel mechanism but also houses the optical reader, processor, and display system. This multi-functional integration improves measurement recording efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by combining components within the existing housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution eliminates the need for manual recording and reduces errors by providing continuous, accurate measurement updates and easy access to previous measurements, enhancing user efficiency and accuracy in measurement transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an optical reader comprising a grid of light sources and detectors arranged to read a preconfigured pattern associated with indicia printed on the measuring tape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a rotary encoder (or, in the alternative, a small friction wheel) fixedly attached within the housing and positioned to read the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11460284B1Digital linear measuring device

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 REEKON TOOLS INC

AI summary

A digital linear measuring device that digitizes the length of the extended tape and displays this measurement on a primary display screen that continually updates to a current measurement. The user can decide when to save a measurement, at which point the saved measurement will appear on a secondary screen (either a portion of the primary display, or a secondary adjacent display) as a previously taken measurement. These measurements can account for both an external measurement read from the tape measure, as well as an internal measurement, and the measurement may be adjusted where necessary to take into consideration the length of the device body. In use, there is no need to write down or remember a previous measurement, as they are displayed and easily accessible.