Graphic Alignment Tool With T-Bar And Width Bar For Multi-Orientation Substrate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alignment tools for applying graphics to substrates are limited in providing reliable alignment across multiple orientations, particularly vertical, lateral, and rotational orientations, and lack a method for combining these orientations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A graphic alignment tool featuring a T-shaped center bar with a base and collar plate, along with a width bar and logo grid, utilizing slots and rods for precise alignment, and including alignment indicia for accurate positioning, allowing the components to be slidably joined in a squared orientation for reliable alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alignment tools are overlaid for combined use in vertical and horizontal directions, then alignment capability in multiple orientations is improved, but reliability of alignment is worsened due to susceptibility to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment tools (vertical alignment tool and horizontal alignment tool) into a single integrated alignment system. The vertical alignment tool includes a vertical center bar with vertical alignment indicia, while the horizontal alignment tool includes a horizontal center bar with horizontal alignment indicia. These tools are merged through a common base structure that allows them to work together as one unified system, providing both vertical and horizontal alignment capabilities simultaneously without the misalignment problems of separate overlaid tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is divided into separate functional components: a vertical alignment tool with vertical center bar and vertical alignment indicia, a horizontal alignment tool with horizontal center bar and horizontal alignment indicia, and a common base structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific alignment function independently while maintaining overall system integrity through the common base, thereby achieving reliable multi-orientation alignment.
2Device complexity
If alignment tools are designed for single orientation (vertical or horizontal), then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for combined use in multiple orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The common base structure supports both vertical and horizontal alignment tools, allowing the same base to facilitate alignment in different orientations. The vertical center bar and horizontal center bar both incorporate alignment indicia and can be used independently or together, providing multi-functional capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphic alignment tool and a method of using the same are disclosed. The graphic alignment provides for a placement of a graphic on a substrate. The graphic alignment tool includes a T-shaped center bar having a base vertically disposed and a collar plate laterally disposed at a top end of the base. A width bar is dimensioned to laterally extend across a width of the substrate. A rod is configured to be received in each of the slot and the alignment slot to slidably retain the width bar in a squared orientation relative the T-shaped center bar. A logo grid may also be provided for alignment of a graphic on a chest area of the substrate. The logo grid may be slidably retained with the T-shaped center bar via a rod and a grid slot defined in the logo grid.