Hands-free Level With Pivotable Support Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level devices are inadequate for securely holding against studs or structural members, especially when used alone, leading to inaccurate orientation and increased physical strain, as they often require two people for installation and are prone to disengagement or are limited in usability for various orientations and structural sizes.
Innovation Solution
A level with a support arm that includes a pivotable end member with a coil spring, allowing for hands-free operation by engaging the stud securely, either through a pointed end for piercing or a friction member, and an adjustable arm-length to accommodate different stud sizes, ensuring stable holding across various orientations and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a level is held against a stud manually, then the level can be positioned against the stud, but the worker experiences physical strain and reduced productivity when working alone
Solution Approach 1:
The level device serves itself by automatically engaging with the stud through the support arm and end member mechanism. The coil spring provides automatic engagement force, eliminating the need for manual holding and allowing the worker to focus solely on the installation task, thereby improving productivity when working alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary between the level and the stud. It transfers the engagement force from the coil spring to the stud, enabling hands-free positioning. This intermediary mechanism allows the level to secure itself against the stud without requiring continuous manual intervention.
2Reliability
If existing level devices are used, then some support is provided, but they are prone to disengagement and require precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be dynamically adjustable in length, allowing it to adapt to different stud sizes and positions. This dynamic capability ensures reliable engagement across various conditions without requiring precise manual positioning, as the arm can self-adjust to accommodate different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The level device is segmented into functional components: the level body, the support arm, and the end member with stud-engaging portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the support arm handling positioning and the end member handling engagement, improving overall reliability without requiring precise positioning of the entire assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length support arm is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different stud sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm incorporates a dynamic length adjustment mechanism that allows it to change from a fixed length to an adjustable length. This enables the device to accommodate different stud sizes while maintaining a relatively simple structure, as the adjustment mechanism builds upon the basic fixed-arm design rather than requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system.
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 solo workers to quickly and accurately install structural members with minimal risk of injury or disengagement, allowing for secure hands-free operation on studs of different sizes and orientations, enhancing efficiency and reducing physical strain.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring to bias the distal end and end member to the storage position
Implementation Method 2
the stud-engaging portion may be a friction member for frictional engagement with the stud
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free level for gauging structural-member orientation. The level includes an elongate frame with two side-faces and at least one main reference surface extending therealong and having a mainwidth, a level indicator secured to the frame, and a support arm to facilitate holding of the reference surface against the stud. The support arm has a proximal end and extends to a free distal end which includes an end member. The proximal end is pivotably secured to the frame about a pivot axis such that the distal end and end member are movable between a storage position along one of the side-faces and a use position beyond the reference surface and stud. A coil spring is about the pivot axis biases the distal end and end member to the storage position. The end member extends from the distal end and terminates in a stud-engaging portion. When the reference surface is against a stud surface, the stud-engaging portion engages the stud for hands-free holding of the level thereagainst.