Framing Square with Laser Distance Meter for Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of right-angle fittings in piping and conduit often lacks accuracy due to the difficulty in simultaneously using a bubble level and tape measure, leading to sloppy installations and increased time and costs for corrections.
Innovation Solution
A framing square with a metal armature forming a 90° angle, incorporating measurement indicia, spirit levels, and a laser distance meter to ensure accurate alignment and perpendicularity of pipes, even in the presence of obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workers use a conventional bubble level and tape measure simultaneously, then they can attempt to measure alignment and distance, but the complexity of holding and operating multiple tools increases, leading to reduced measurement accuracy and increased time for corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (alignment verification, distance measurement, and perpendicularity checking) into a single framing square tool. The laser distance meter is integrated with the square's arms, allowing workers to perform all measurements using one tool rather than juggling multiple separate tools, thereby improving measurement accuracy while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The framing square is designed as a multi-functional tool that can verify alignment, measure distances, check perpendicularity, and mark surfaces. This universal tool replaces the need for separate bubble levels, tape measures, and marking tools, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement and verification tasks that previously required multiple specialized tools
2Reliability
If workers use separate bubble level and tape measure for measurements, then each tool can perform its specialized function, but the time required to complete accurate measurements increases due to the need to switch between tools and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The laser distance meter is pre-positioned on the framing square's arm, allowing distance measurements to be taken immediately when the square is placed against the workpiece. This eliminates the need to separately deploy a tape measure and reduces the time required to obtain accurate measurements, as the measurement capability is already in place and ready to use
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows workers to continuously measure alignment and distance without interrupting the workflow to switch tools. The laser distance meter remains positioned on the square throughout the measurement process, enabling seamless transition between alignment verification and distance measurement, thereby maintaining continuous productive action without time loss from tool changes
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional measurement methods are used with separate tools, then equipment cost is lower, but the quality of installation decreases due to accumulated measurement errors and corrections required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods (manual reading of tape measures, visual alignment with bubble levels) with optical and electronic measurement systems. The laser distance meter uses optical principles to provide precise digital measurements, eliminating human reading errors and providing more accurate data for installation, thereby improving installation quality while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs
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
The framing square enables precise installation of right-angle fittings by allowing simultaneous measurement and verification of level, straightness, and plumbness, reducing errors and time spent on corrections.
Implementation Method 1
The square may further comprise a laser distance meter coupled to the carrier and may optically measure a separation distance between the first arm and a first object
Implementation Method 2
The square may include one or more spirit levels operable to determine whether the square is level or tilted
Data Source
AI summary
The framing square may comprise a square, a carrier, and a laser distance meter. The framing square may be a tool for measuring a right angle. The square may be a metal armature comprising two arms that form the right angle. The carrier may slide in a carrier located on a first arm. The laser distance meter may be coupled to the carrier and may optically measure a separation distance between the first arm and a first object. A second arm may be placed adjacent to a second object. Two separation distance measurements from different positions on the first arm may determine if the first object is perpendicular to the second object, even when the first arm is not in contact with the first object.