Level with Polymer Outer Sleeve to Prevent Concrete Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levels are prone to damage and contamination from materials like concrete, dirt, and dust, which can enter the hollow body and cause scratches, sticking, and difficulty in cleaning, reducing their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a scratch-resistant window and a polymer outer sleeve with anti-stick properties, along with sealed end caps to prevent material entry and a friction-fit window arrangement for easy replacement, enhancing durability and usability in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional levels are used in harsh environments, then they provide basic functionality, but they are prone to damage and contamination from materials like concrete, dirt, and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polymer outer body that acts as a protective shell surrounding the metal frame. This flexible yet durable polymer layer prevents concrete, dirt, and dust from directly contacting and damaging the metal frame components, thereby protecting against contamination and extending the level's service life in harsh construction environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines metal frame materials with polymer materials to create a composite structure. The metal frame provides structural integrity and rigidity, while the polymer outer body provides resistance to contamination and damage from construction materials. This composite approach leverages the strengths of both material types to improve overall reliability.
2Weight of moving object
If the level body is made hollow for lightweight design, then portability is improved, but material can enter the hollow area causing scratches and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer outer body serves as a sealing shell that encloses the hollow central area of the metal frame. This shell prevents concrete, dirt, and dust from entering the hollow space where the vial and window are located, eliminating the problem of material intrusion while maintaining the lightweight advantage of the hollow structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The level is divided into distinct segments: the metal frame providing structural support, the polymer outer body providing protection and sealing, and the internal components (vial, window) housed within the sealed hollow area. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while the polymer shell acts as a barrier against material entry.
3Reliability
If the window is mounted with separate fixation devices like screws, then secure mounting is achieved, but tool-free replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The window mounting system transitions from a static fixed arrangement to a dynamic, adjustable system. The window can be easily inserted and removed from the polymer body without tools, allowing for maintenance and replacement while maintaining secure mounting during normal use. This dynamic mounting approach balances security with ease of repair.
4Strength
If the level uses traditional materials for the outer body, then structural integrity is maintained, but adhesion of debris and difficulty in cleaning occur
Solution Approach 1:
The level combines metal frame materials with polymer materials for the outer body. The polymer material provides a non-stick surface that resists adhesion of concrete, dirt, and dust, making the level easier to clean while the metal frame maintains structural integrity. This composite material approach solves both the strength and cleaning ease requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of the outer body by using polymer materials with specific surface characteristics that prevent material adhesion. This parameter change in surface energy and friction properties makes the level resistant to sticking and easier to clean compared to traditional metal or plastic bodies.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool, such as a level, including one or more polymer/plastic body segment, protective cover and/or seal is provided. The covers discussed herein may limit or prevent dirt or construction materials, such as concrete, from entering into the level body. The cover may also be a non-stick material, such as a polymer outer sleeve, that limits the ability of dirt and construction material to adhere to the level. The level may also include scratch resistant vial windows.