Lighted Level Tool Vial Illumination Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level tools face visibility issues in low light conditions, making it difficult to read the vial orientations accurately.
Innovation Solution
A lighted level tool with integrated light sources, such as LEDs, positioned opposite the vials within the tool's body, powered by a control circuit housed in an end cap, ensuring illumination of the vials for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional level tools are used without additional lighting components, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but the visibility of vials in low light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, insert member, and vial into an integrated assembly where the insert member is mounted within the level body and holds both the vial and light source in fixed positions. This merging approach improves vial visibility in low light conditions while maintaining a compact, unified structure that minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert member acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the integration of the light source and vial. It provides a mounting structure that positions the light source opposite the vial opening, enabling effective illumination without requiring complex external lighting arrangements.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are integrated into the level tool, then visibility of vials is improved in low light conditions, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the level tool into distinct functional modules: the body with vial openings, the insert members that hold vials and light sources, and the control circuit housed in the end cap. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert member serves multiple functions: it holds the vial in place, positions the light source opposite the vial opening, and provides structural support within the body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing despite the enhanced illumination capability.
3Measurement precision
If insert members are mounted at predetermined locations in the body, then the light source is positioned optimally opposite the vial, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The insert member merges the vial mounting and light source positioning functions into a single component. By integrating these functions, the patent achieves precise positioning of the light source opposite the vial for accurate readings without requiring separate mounting brackets or adjustment mechanisms that would increase device 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 visibility of vial orientations in low light conditions, providing a durable and easy-to-read level tool with improved accuracy and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A lighted level tool with integrated light sources, such as LEDs, positioned opposite the vials within the tool's body
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted level tool comprising a body including at least one vial opening, a vial disposed at least partially within the at least one vial opening, a light source for illuminating the vial, an insert member mounted at a predetermined location in the body relative to the at least one vial opening, and at least one an end cap mounted at an end of the body. The insert member is configured to receive the vial therein and to hold the light source opposite an end of the vial. A control circuit for powering the light source is mounted in the at least one end cap.