Co-molded Anti-slip Collar for Level Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levels, especially small ones, often lack sufficient stability and grip on workpieces, leading to slippage during use, particularly when combined with longer straightedges for marking lines, due to insufficient friction and handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
The development of a level with a co-molded anti-slip or gripping collar made from high friction materials like thermoplastic elastomers or silicone, which surrounds the vial opening and provides enhanced friction without the need for additional adhesives, ensuring better grip and stability on workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional level without anti-slip material is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and grip on workpieces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip collar is co-molded with the vial surround to form an integrated structure. The collar and vial surround are molded as a single piece using compatible polymer materials that bond together, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and adhesives while providing enhanced friction surface for improved grip on workpieces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses two different polymer materials that are compatible for bonding: the first polymer material for the vial surround and the second polymer material for the anti-slip collar. This composite material approach allows the collar to provide high friction coefficient for better grip while maintaining structural integrity through material compatibility and bonding
2Reliability
If a co-molded anti-slip collar is added to the level, then the stability and grip on workpieces is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip collar is co-molded with the vial surround in a single manufacturing operation. By combining the formation of both components into one molding process, the invention eliminates subsequent assembly steps, adhesives, and potential failure points, actually simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow despite the dual-material complexity
3Reliability
If the collar completely surrounds the vial opening, then the grip is maximized, but the accessibility for viewing the vial markings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip collar is designed to partially surround the vial opening rather than completely encircling it. This localized approach provides enhanced friction and grip on the workpiece surface while leaving sufficient portions of the vial opening exposed for clear viewing of the bubble position relative to the level markings
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 co-molded anti-slip collar significantly improves the level's stability and grip on workpieces, preventing slippage and facilitating accurate marking and measurement, even with longer straightedges, by increasing the coefficient of sliding friction and eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
The collar is formed from a high friction material having a coefficient of sliding friction greater than that of the first material
Implementation Method 2
The second polymer material is compatible with the first polymer material such that a bond is formed between the first and second polymer materials
Data Source
AI summary
A level and level-straightedge system is provided. The level may include one or more slip-resistant structure. The slip-resistant structure may be a collar formed from a high friction polymer material that at least partially surrounds a level vial. The collar may be co-molded with the material of the vial surround. The level may be a relatively small level having a length less than 14 inches and may include a groove for receiving a straightedge. The groove design alone or in combination with the collar may allow for a relatively short level to support a relatively long straightedge.