Fitting Square Layout Tool for Pipe and Ductwork

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of efficient tools for quickly and accurately laying out pipe and ductwork installations, requiring tedious mathematical calculations that increase time and costs in the field.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, durable fitting square that allows plumbers and tradesmen to easily layout pipe and ductwork by indicating precise strike lines for various fittings, eliminating the need for manufacturer specifications and enabling faster, professional-looking installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mathematical calculations and manufacturer specification sheets are used for pipe and ductwork layout, then measurement precision can be achieved, but layout time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout precisionVSAvoidlayout time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting square has pre-marked angles (45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°) and measurement indicators prepared in advance on its edges. These preliminary markings eliminate the need for calculations during actual layout work, allowing tradesmen to directly transfer measurements from the tool to the work surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting square creates a simplified copy of the complex manufacturer specification sheets by consolidating all necessary angles and measurements into a single portable tool. The pre-marked edges serve as ready-to-use templates that replicate the information that would otherwise require查阅 (lookup) and calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If traditional layout methods using calculations and specification sheets are employed, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidlayout ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting square is designed to be self-explanatory with clearly marked edges and indicators that show exactly how to use each edge for specific fitting types. The tool serves itself by providing all necessary information directly on the device, eliminating the need for external reference materials or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A single fitting square tool provides multiple functions by incorporating various angle markings (45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°) and measurement indicators on different edges. This universal tool replaces multiple separate reference sheets and calculation methods, making operation simpler while maintaining accuracy across different fitting types.

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

3Measurement precision

If manufacturer specification sheets are used for each fitting type, then comprehensive information is available, but the quantity of materials and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting measurement accuracyVSAvoidinformation density
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting square merges all the information that would otherwise be distributed across multiple manufacturer specification sheets into a single consolidated tool. All angle measurements, fitting types, and layout instructions are integrated onto one device, reducing the quantity of separate materials needed while maintaining comprehensive information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10942019B2Fitting square
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 STOLTZ CLAYTON
  • US10942019B2 patent drawing
  • US10942019B2 patent drawing
  • US10942019B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fitting or measuring square with measuring indicia configured with a primary rectangular form and triangle collinear with one side of the primary rectangle and a secondary rectangle partially collinear with the triangle whereby the measuring square is provided with multi function indicia.