Hand-Held Level Resilient Vial Calibration Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held levels face challenges in accurately calibrating bubble vials to predetermined angles, which affects the precision of surface alignment and leveling.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held level design featuring a resilient member between the orientation indicator and the indicator support, allowing for selective compression to calibrate the angular orientation of the bubble vial relative to reference planes, with additional orientation indicators for 90°, 45°, and 0° angles, and a method for manufacturing involving extrusion and mounting of components to secure the orientation indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bubble vial is rigidly fixed to the indicator support, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to perform fine angular adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mounting medium from rigid to resilient/compressible. By using a resilient member that can be compressed during assembly, the system transitions from a fixed rigid state to an adjustable state, allowing fine angular positioning of the bubble vial relative to the reference plane, then locks in the desired configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the resilient member. During assembly, the resilient member allows movement and adjustment of the bubble vial's angular position. Once positioned correctly, the system transitions to a stable locked state, providing both adjustability and structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple orientation indicators are added for different angles (90°, 45°, 0°), then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple orientation indicators (0°, 45°, 90°) into a single integrated level body structure. Rather than separate devices for different angles, all indicators are mounted on the same body with shared reference planes and mounting mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while providing multi-angle measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The level body is designed with universal mounting features and reference planes that serve multiple functions. The same mounting mechanism and reference plane structure support multiple orientation indicators at different angles, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enhances the precision and accuracy of surface alignment by allowing fine adjustment of the bubble vial's angular position, ensuring correct indication of leveling and alignment with predetermined angles.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member positioned between the orientation indicator and the indicator support, wherein a compression the resilient member facilitates a calibration of the orientation indicator
Implementation Method 2
the orientation indicator comprises a bubble vial containing a liquid and a bubble therein, the bubble vial being shaped such that an angular orientation thereof affects a position of the bubble relative to the bubble vial
Data Source
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AI summary
A level includes a body comprising a first portion having a first reference surface, and a second portion having a second reference surface, the second reference surface being spaced from the first reference surface. The body also includes an intermediate member comprising a wall positioned between the first and second portions, the wall being generally perpendicular to at least one of the reference surfaces. The level also includes an orientation indicator coupled to the intermediate member, the orientation indicator being positioned to indicate an orientation of at least one of the first and the second reference surfaces. The level additionally includes an indicator support configured to support the orientation indicator, and a resilient member positioned between the orientation indicator and the indicator support. A compression the resilient member facilitates a calibration of the orientation indicator, while the indicator support supports the resilient member and engages opposite sides of the wall.