Multi-Function Level with Integrated Deburring and Chamfering Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand tools for leveling surfaces, particularly electrical devices, lack versatility and precision in indicating orientation and often require additional attachments, making them cumbersome and less effective for various leveling tasks.
Innovation Solution
A level with multiple planar surfaces, a web, and vials that include a gas bubble for orientation indication, along with deburring and chamfering tools integrated into the design, allowing for precise leveling and adjustment of electrical devices and surfaces at different angles, and accommodating various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hand tools are used for leveling surfaces, then the basic leveling function is achieved, but the tools lack versatility and precision for indicating orientation of electrical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single level tool: traditional bubble vials for leveling, perimeter templates for electrical device orientation, and integrated deburring/chamfering tools. This merging allows the tool to perform leveling, orientation indication, and pipe preparation functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision by integrating specialized features directly into the level body.
Solution Approach 2:
The level is designed as a universal tool that can level surfaces, indicate orientation of electrical devices (outlets, switches, plates), and perform pipe deburring and chamfering. The perimeter templates can be removed and reused, making the level adaptable to various electrical device shapes while maintaining precise orientation indication capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional attachments are added to conventional tools to improve functionality, then versatility is enhanced, but the tools become cumbersome and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate attachments, the patent integrates deburring and chamfering tools directly into the level body, along with perimeter templates for electrical devices. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining simplicity, as all features are incorporated into a single unified device that doesn't require complex assembly or attachment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the level is designed to accommodate various shapes and sizes of electrical devices, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level incorporates removable perimeter templates that can be selected based on the specific electrical device being installed (outlets, switches, plates of various shapes). These templates are stored within the level body and can be attached as needed, providing universal compatibility without permanently increasing the level's structural complexity. The templates themselves are simple geometric perimeters that fit into corresponding slots in the level.
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 precise and versatile leveling of surfaces and electrical devices at multiple angles, including 0, 30, 45, and 90 degrees, with integrated deburring and chamfering capabilities, enhancing user convenience and accuracy without the need for additional attachments.
Implementation Method 1
The vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. A vial defines a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A tube deburring portion is coupled to the web and includes a male conical portion arranged to deburr an inner edge of a tube and a female conical portion arranged to deburr an outer edge of the tube.