Installable Bobbin Tape Measure With Modular Spring Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape measures face difficulties in easily attaching, replacing, or detaching the bobbin and spring, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular design comprising a first housing module with a spring space and a rotational shaft, and a second housing module with a power transmission part, allowing the bobbin to be mounted independently of the spring, and connected through a power transmission mechanism or directly to the rotational shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the spring and bobbin are directly connected and fixed together, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for attaching and detaching the bobbin deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of bobbin attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tape measure is divided into separate functional modules: the spring assembly (fixed to the housing) and the bobbin assembly (detachable). This segmentation allows the bobbin to be easily attached and detached while the spring remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bobbin is extracted from the fixed connection with the spring, allowing it to be independently mounted and detached. The spring is taken out from direct connection to the bobbin and instead connected to the housing, enabling the bobbin to be removed without affecting the spring assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the bobbin is directly fixed to the spring, then the reliability of the winding mechanism is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of winding mechanismVSAvoidease of bobbin replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The winding mechanism is segmented into the spring component and the bobbin component, connected through a standardized interface. This allows the bobbin to be replaced independently while maintaining the reliability of the overall winding mechanism through the consistent interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface between the bobbin and spring assembly is designed with universal compatibility, allowing different bobbin types to be replaced while maintaining reliable connection. The standardized mounting structure enables easy replacement without compromising the reliability of the winding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If the blade length is increased, then the measurement capability is improved, but the volume of the housing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade lengthVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is nested around the bobbin in a coiled configuration when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows a long blade to be stored within a compact housing volume, enabling increased measurement capability without proportionally increasing the housing size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing the blade in a linear extension, the blade is arranged in a three-dimensional coiled configuration around the bobbin. This dimensional transformation allows the blade to fit within a much smaller housing volume while maintaining its full length for measurement purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates easy installation and replacement of bobbins and blades, enhancing work efficiency and allowing for customizable tape measure lengths without disassembling the housing, while maintaining spring tension.

Implementation Method 1

a spring coupled to the first housing by one end within the spring space and coupled to the rotational shaft by the other end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a power transmission part for transmitting the rotation of the rotational shaft to the bobbin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12455154B2Tape measure having installable bobbin

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 KOMELON

AI summary

Disclosed is a tape measure which includes a first housing module including a first housing providing a spring space on one side, a rotational shaft mounted rotatably on the first housing, a spring located in the spring space, the spring coupled to the first housing by one end and coupled to the rotational shaft by the other end, and a first cover covering the spring space, an installable bobbin rotatably mounted around the rotational shaft while being in close contact with the rotational shaft or the first cover of the first housing module is wound, and a second housing module including a second housing assembled with the first housing and a power transmission part for transmitting the rotation of the rotational shaft to the bobbin, wherein the first housing, the spring, the rotational shaft, the power transmission part, and the bobbin are mechanically connected when the bobbin is installed onto the first housing module and the second hosing module is assembled to the first housing module.