Distance Measuring Unit Automatic Measurement Stop Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern distance measuring units require manual dexterity for operation due to the miniaturization of mechanical components, making it difficult to easily position and retract measurement stops, which can lead to incorrect measurements.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring unit with a measurement stop element that automatically extends and retracts from the housing using a locking apparatus, allowing for easy positioning into multiple measurement positions, with a pivotable design and position detection system to ensure accurate reference points for distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the measurement stop is manually operated, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to miniaturization requiring finger dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement stop performs self-service by automatically extending and retracting without manual intervention. The locking apparatus automatically locks the measurement stop in its extended position, eliminating the need for manual dexterity to operate miniaturized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement stop is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the housing. When measurement is required, it automatically extends to the predefined measurement position, and when retraction is needed, it automatically returns to the initial position, preparing the device for the next measurement.
2Ease of operation
If the measurement stop is automatically positioned, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to automatic extension and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical operation with an automated positioning system. The measurement stop is automatically extended and locked into position, substituting the need for manual manipulation of miniaturized mechanical components with an automated mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement positions are provided, then the adaptability improves for different measuring tasks, but the device complexity increases with additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement stop serves multiple functions by being positionable in different measurement positions. It can be extended to a first measurement position for one type of measurement and to a second measurement position for another type of measurement, making the device universal for different measuring tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement stop is designed to be dynamically positionable in multiple predefined positions. The locking apparatus enables the measurement stop to be locked in either the first or second measurement position, providing dynamic adaptability for different measurement requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a distance measuring unit (10) for contactless distance measurement, in particular a handheld unit, with a housing (12, 40), which has a housing front side (14), which points in the measurement direction (32), and a housing rear side (16), which faces away therefrom, wherein the housing rear side (16) forms a first reference plane (AA) for the distance measurement, and with at least one measurement stop (5) of a measurement stop element (4), which can be moved out of the housing (12). The invention proposes that the measurement stop element (46) is mounted in the housing (12, 40) in such a way that it moves automatically out of the housing (12, 40) once a locking apparatus (62, 63, 65) has been released and is optionally moved at least into a first (1) or into a second (1) measurement position.