Extendable Template Device for Angle Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carpenters and woodworkers face challenges in determining angles for making braces or supports without using mathematics, gauging, or measuring, as existing marking templates do not provide a comprehensive solution for this need.

Innovation Solution

A template device with an extendable base and vertically adjustable swivels allows users to determine and trace angles directly on materials for cutting, eliminating the need for mathematical calculations or measuring tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional measuring tools and mathematical calculations are used to determine angles, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the ease of operation and productivity are reduced due to the complexity of the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of angle determinationVSAvoidangle determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The template device has pre-established geometric relationships between its components (swivels, base, arms) that encode specific angle measurements. The user simply needs to position and trace the device, as the angle determination has been pre-calculated and built into the physical structure, eliminating the need for mathematical calculations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The template device acts as an intermediary tool that translates complex angular measurements into simple physical positioning. Instead of directly calculating angles, the user positions the device against reference surfaces and reads the angle from the pre-configured geometry, serving as a mediator between the workpiece and the final measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed template device is used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the adaptability to different angle requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different anglesVSAvoidangle determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The template device incorporates movable swivels that can be adjusted to different positions along the base arms. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to various angle requirements while maintaining precision through the geometric relationships established by the adjustable mechanisms. The swivels can be locked at specific positions to preserve measurement accuracy for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The template device is divided into separate modular components (base, swivels, arms) that can be independently adjusted and reconfigured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while working together to provide accurate angle determination across multiple applications, enhancing both versatility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If an extendable base with adjustable swivels is implemented, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template device uses universal joints (swivels) that can function in multiple positions and orientations. These swivels serve dual purposes: they enable the base to extend and adjust to different lengths while simultaneously providing the angular measurement functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10265843B2Template device
Publication Date: 2019.04.23 YOUNG DAVID CHRISTOPHER
  • US10265843B2 patent drawing
  • US10265843B2 patent drawing
  • US10265843B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A template device including an extendable base having a first part and a second part that are extendable along the device's longitudinal axis. A first swivel is appropriately attached to the first part, and a second swivel is appropriately attached to the second part such that the first swivel and second swivels are disposed on opposite ends of the base. The second part includes a slot having a width sized for frictionally receiving a stud member that extends from the first part, the slot sized and shaped for allowing the stud member to slide along the length of the slot.