Handheld Control Module with Inclined Base for Inspection Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held control modules for inspection tools like borescopes lack stability and ergonomic design, making it difficult to maintain visibility and accessibility of the user interface while operating, especially when placed on a work surface.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a battery receptacle and grip protrusions angled to facilitate a reclined position on a work surface, ensuring the user interface remains visible and stable, with ergonomic grips for comfortable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the control module is designed with a conventional flat bottom surface, then it is simple to manufacture, but it lacks stability and tends to tip when placed on a work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by replacing the conventional flat bottom surface with an inclined bottom surface that forms an acute angle with the work surface when the device is in use. This asymmetric geometric configuration creates a stable base that prevents tipping while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change by inclining the bottom surface at a specific angle rather than keeping it flat. This angular orientation in the vertical dimension creates a wedge-like structure that enhances stability by distributing weight more effectively and preventing the device from tipping over during operation.
2Illumination intensity
If the control module is placed upright on a work surface, then it is easy to access the user interface, but the user interface is not visible when the user is working from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bottom surface inclinable rather than fixed. The inclined surface allows the device to automatically assume an optimal viewing angle when placed on a work surface, dynamically adapting to the user's position and distance without requiring manual adjustment, thus maintaining both visibility and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the bottom surface from flat (0 degrees) to inclined (acute angle). This parameter change in surface orientation enables the user interface to be visible from a distance while maintaining accessibility, as the inclination angles the display toward the user's line of sight during typical working distances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control module has a fixed flat bottom, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different working positions and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric inclined bottom surface provides adaptability to different working positions and distances by creating a natural viewing angle. This single geometric modification enables the device to adapt to various user positions without adding mechanical complexity such as hinges or adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined bottom surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stability prevention, optimizes viewing angle for distance visibility, and maintains structural simplicity. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without increasing device complexity, as one geometric feature accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held control module of an inspection tool includes a housing and a user interface supported by the housing and operable to control the inspection tool. The housing extends between a first side and a second side and includes a first surface at a bottom side thereof. The control module further includes a battery receptacle configured to receive a battery and a pair of grip protrusions each having a second surface inclined with respect to the first surface by a first angle. The hand-held control module is configured to be supported on a work surface in a reclined position in which the second surfaces engage the work surface.