Flexible Locating Device for Fixture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating and exposing variously shaped electrical or light fixtures behind wall or ceiling materials, such as drywall, are inefficient as they require cutting or piercing the material without precise alignment, leading to potential damage and increased labor.
Innovation Solution
A flexible locating device comprising a target member with adjustable components and magnets that secure internally to the fixture, and a defining member with opposing magnets and templates on the surface, allowing precise alignment and marking of the fixture's perimeter before cutting or piercing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional cutting or piercing methods are used to expose fixtures behind wall materials, then the fixtures can be accessed, but the sheet material is damaged and labor time increases due to lack of precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing a target member inside the fixture before the sheet material is installed. This target member serves as a permanent reference point that enables precise location of the fixture later, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures when cutting or piercing the sheet material. The perimeter defining member is also prepared in advance with templates that correspond to various fixture shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a target member as a mediator between the fixture and the sheet material. This target member contains magnetic elements that interact with the perimeter defining member, creating a reliable reference system. The intermediary target member translates the hidden fixture position into a detectable signal on the sheet material surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixture shapes are accommodated, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple templates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a perimeter defining member with multiple templates that can define perimeters for variously shaped fixtures. The target member uses universal magnetic interaction principles that work with all template types. This allows a single device to handle multiple fixture shapes (circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) without requiring separate locating devices for each shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the perimeter defining member movable and adjustable. The member can be positioned at different locations on the sheet material and the templates can be selected or adjusted based on the specific fixture shape being located. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device to accommodate various fixture configurations.
3Loss of substance
If precise perimeter marking is achieved, then material damage is reduced, but the locating device complexity increases due to adjustable components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces material damage through preliminary action by establishing precise perimeter markings before any cutting or piercing occurs. The target member is installed in advance inside the fixture, and the perimeter defining member with templates is prepared to match various fixture shapes. This preliminary setup ensures that subsequent cutting or piercing operations can be performed with high precision, minimizing unnecessary material removal and damage.
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
Enables accurate and efficient location and exposure of diverse fixture shapes by aligning the perimeter defining member with the fixture's shape, reducing material damage and labor through precise marking and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic member has means for maintaining itself in a body rigidly positioned behind a sheet of material... at least one opposing magnet with an opposite polarity of the magnet of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a flexible locating apparatus capable of locating a perimeter of a body with respect to an outer surface of a sheet of material, the body being one of a multitude of body shapes. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a target member having a main portion and an adjustable component, the adjustable component having a length and at least one securing member. The adjustable component is configured to adjust the length to the body to secure the target member internal with respect to the body with the at least one securing member. A defining member is positionable on an outer surface of the sheet and comprises opposing magnets from the magnets of the first member and a perimeter defining member comprised of more than one template, each template configured to define the perimeter of a different one of the multitude of body shapes.