Level with Elastic Cord Attachment for Hands-Free Tilt Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levels require manual holding and are inflexible in accommodating various workpiece shapes and sizes, limiting their usability and accuracy during installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A level attached to a workpiece using an elastic cord that allows hands-free operation and adjustable elasticity, length, and shape, enabling secure attachment to planks, pipes, and other workpieces of different dimensions, with built-in cord retention mechanisms for storage and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional level is manually held against a workpiece, then the level can be positioned and adjusted, but the user's hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The level is divided into separate functional components: the level body and the elastic cord attachment system. The cord acts as an independent attachment mechanism that can be adjusted and replaced separately from the level body, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining simplicity of the core level function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord provides a dynamic, flexible attachment system that adapts to different workpiece shapes and sizes. The cord's elasticity allows it to stretch and conform to various geometries, enabling the level to be securely attached without rigid structural modifications to the level body itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid clamp is used to attach the level to a workpiece, then the level is securely held, but it can only accommodate limited shapes and sizes of workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord acts as a flexible attachment element that can wrap around and conform to various workpiece geometries including pipes, planks, and irregular shapes. This flexibility allows the same attachment system to securely hold the level on diverse workpieces without requiring rigid adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the cord allow it to change its physical parameters (length, tension, shape) to adapt to different workpiece dimensions. By selecting cords with different elasticity, length, and cross-sectional properties, the system can accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes while maintaining secure attachment.
3Productivity
If the level is permanently fixed to a workpiece, then stable measurement is achieved, but the workpiece cannot be easily repositioned or adjusted during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord creates a dynamic attachment that allows the level to move with the workpiece during repositioning while maintaining contact. The cord's flexibility enables the level to be temporarily attached during installation and measurement, then easily removed or repositioned as needed, unlike permanent fixed attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord acts as an intermediary between the level and the workpiece, providing a temporary but reliable connection during installation. This intermediary attachment allows the workpiece to be moved and repositioned while the level remains attached for continuous monitoring, and can be easily released when the workpiece is permanently installed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-length cord is used, then the attachment is simple, but it cannot accommodate workpieces of different girths and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The level system is designed with universal compatibility through interchangeable cords. The basic level body remains the same, but different cord types and lengths can be attached to accommodate various workpiece sizes and shapes. This multi-functionality allows a single level device to serve multiple applications by simply changing the cord component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cord parameters (elasticity, length, cross-sectional size, material) can be selected and swapped to match different workpiece requirements. This parameter variability allows the same level body to adapt to different girths and sizes by changing only the cord properties, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 continuous angular tilt monitoring during installation without manual holding, accommodating diverse workpiece shapes and sizes with enhanced accuracy and flexibility, and allows for easy customization and maintenance of the level.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic cord of the preferred embodiment level can be swapped out easily by the user for cords of a different elasticity, length, cross-sectional size or shape, stiffness, and material to accommodate workpieces of different girths, sizes, and cross-sectional shapes
Data Source
AI summary
A carpenter's, mason's, or plumber's level with an elastic, flexible cord for attachment to a plank, pipe, or workpiece is disclosed. The level has a linear, bar-shaped body with a rectangular cross-section, where portions of the body may be hollow or have recessed openings therein. The level has an elastic cord connected to the body, wherein the cord is stretch-wrapped around a plank, pipe or like workpiece to attach the level thereto for angular tilt measurement. A groove, a contour, a notch, a boss, a ridge, a hole, a recess, a hook, or the like can be used to hold or snare the elastic cord when in use and to store the elastic cord on the level body when not in use. The level body has an opening to receive a bubble vial for angular tilt indication.