Digital Linear Measuring Device with Continuous Display and Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A digital linear measuring device that digitizes the length of the extended tape and displays the measurement on a primary display screen, allowing users to save measurements on a secondary display for easy access, while accounting for both external and internal measurements and adjusting for the device's body length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a tape measure is used to collect measurements, then measurements can be obtained, but the user must manually record and remember measurements which leads to errors and confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement recall accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the measurement data stored in memory, eliminating the need for manual recording. The display unit continuously shows the current measurement, and the memory unit preserves previous measurements, allowing accurate recall without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of writing down and remembering measurements with an electronic digital system. The processor, memory, and display units work together to automatically capture, store, and display measurements, substituting human cognitive functions with electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a tape measure is physically moved from location to location, then measurements can be taken, but time is lost and accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidtime for moving device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the tape measure to serve itself by automatically capturing and displaying measurements without requiring user intervention to record or transfer data. The device maintains measurement context continuously, eliminating the need to physically relocate the device for each measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the physical shape and size of the measuring device limits its use, then the device remains simple, but the ability to fit into areas and transfer measurements is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accessibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a digital display to create a virtual representation of measurements, allowing the device to communicate measurement data without requiring physical access to the measurement location. This digital copy approach enables measurement transfer without physical device relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 a continuous display of current measurements and easy access to previously taken measurements, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in measurement-taking processes.

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

PatentUS12264912B2Digital linear measuring device

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 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.