Removable End Cap Assembly for Level Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional levels do not have a secure and user-friendly mechanism for removing end caps without damaging them, which can lead to misalignment and inaccurate measurements during surface angle assessments.

Innovation Solution

A removable end cap assembly with a clip, outer member, and locking mechanism that uses frictional engagement and a resilient material to secure the end cap to the level body, allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the cap or the level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional fixed end cap is used on a level, then the level body is protected, but the end cap cannot be removed for cleaning or maintenance without risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend cap removalVSAvoidend cap integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap assembly is divided into separate components: an end cap, a retaining clip, and a level body. The retaining clip acts as an intermediary element that secures the end cap to the level body, allowing the end cap to be removed and reinstalled multiple times without damage. This segmentation enables easy maintenance access while preserving end cap integrity through the reusable clip mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the end cap is made removable for maintenance access, then cleaning and service become easier, but misalignment and measurement accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend cap accessibilityVSAvoidend cap alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip serves as an intermediary component between the end cap and level body. It features alignment elements such as tabs that engage with corresponding features on the level body, ensuring precise positioning of the end cap during reinstallation. This intermediary mechanism maintains manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy while enabling easy removal and reattachment for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a secure and user-friendly method for attaching and detaching the end cap, ensuring accurate measurements and extending the lifespan of the level by preventing damage during removal.

Implementation Method 1

the outer member (206) is arranged to engage the level body (102) and includes a resilient material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

uses frictional engagement and a resilient material to secure the end cap to the level body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11982543B2Level with removable end cap

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A level with a removable end cap is provided. The level includes a hollow level body. The end cap includes an outer member and locking member received within the outer member. The locking member is inserted into the outer member pushing a moveable portion of the outer member into a frictional engagement that holds the end cap assembly in place relative to the level body.