Rotating Level Vial Brake Lock for Stable 360-Degree Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional levels with fixed vial angles are inadequate for tasks requiring leveling at non-standard angles, and existing rotating vial designs fail to securely lock the vial in place, leading to unintended rotation during use.

Innovation Solution

A level with a rotating vial and a locking mechanism that includes a threaded channel, screw, and a brake component with a spring element, allowing the vial to be securely locked at custom angles and preventing unintended rotation by applying varying forces to restrain the vial support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating vial design is used to enable custom angle adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended rotation during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvial position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vial support is designed to be rotatable within the opening, allowing dynamic adjustment of the vial to various angular positions. This rotational capability enables the level to adapt to non-standard angles while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A locking system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vial support and the level body. This locking system includes a brake component that can engage with the vial support to prevent unintended rotation, thereby ensuring reliability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the vial in place, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevial position stabilityVSAvoidlocking system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is designed to be self-operating through a spring element that automatically engages the brake component with the vial support when the vial is rotated to a desired position. The spring provides the necessary force to secure the vial without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler friction-based brake component. The brake component applies frictional force to the vial support to prevent rotation, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other traditional fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a spring element is used to apply locking force, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism operationVSAvoidbrake component engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element allows the locking force to be adjusted by changing the spring constant or pre-compression. This parameter adjustment enables the brake component to engage with the vial support with sufficient force to prevent rotation while accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable and reversible locking of the rotating vial at selected angles, reducing the likelihood of accidental rotation and allowing 360-degree adjustment, thus enhancing usability for non-standard leveling tasks.

Implementation Method 1

The locking system includes a spring element located between the actuator and the brake such that the actuator compresses the spring element when the actuator is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the first surface of the brake component engages the vial support with a force sufficient to restrain rotation of the vial support and to hold the rotating level vial and vial support in a selected angular position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11085764B2Level with rotating vial and locking assembly

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A level including a rotating level vial is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism that utilizes an actuator that engages a brake to lock the rotating vial into the desired position. The locking mechanism may include a spring element that is compressed by the actuator during locking, and the spring element in turn pushes against the brake facilitating control of the normal force that the brake applies to the vial surround of the rotating vial. The rotating level vial may engage the level body such that the rotating level vial is permitted to rotate 360 degrees in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.