Magnetic Component Locating Apparatus for Wall Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate alignment of components on opposite sides of a structural wall is challenging due to the absence of identifiable mounting locations on one side, leading to measurement errors when using traditional methods like tape measures.
Innovation Solution
A component locating apparatus using rare earth source and clone magnets to magnetically align and mark corresponding positions on both sides of the wall, allowing for precise mirroring of a component locating template across the structural wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods like tape measures are used to locate components on the second side of the wall, then the process is simple to perform, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors in measuring long distances from edges or features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a template with mounting locations that can be positioned on the first side of the wall and then copied to the second side through magnetic alignment. The template serves as a physical copy that transfers the precise mounting locations from one side of the wall to the other, eliminating the need for direct measurement on the second side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (tape measures, scales) with a magnetic field-based alignment system. Magnets embedded in the template and wall interact through the wall material to provide precise positioning without physical contact or measurement on the second side, substituting magnetic forces for mechanical measurement tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mounting locations are positioned far from identifiable features or edges to optimize component placement, then the component positioning is more optimal, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased measurement errors over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The template copying mechanism allows mounting locations to be defined relative to each other within the template rather than relative to wall features. This enables optimal component placement anywhere on the wall surface while maintaining precise relative positioning through the template, independent of distance from edges or features.
Solution Approach 2:
The template acts as an intermediary between the wall and the mounting locations. It provides a reference framework that defines precise locations relative to each other, allowing components to be positioned optimally on the wall without relying on measurements from wall features. The template mediates the positioning process by establishing its own coordinate system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second side of the wall lacks identifiable mounting locations or features, then the wall design is cleaner and more versatile, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring mounting locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template serves as an intermediary that brings the mounting location information to the second side of the wall without requiring the wall itself to have identifiable features. The template, positioned on the first side, magnetically couples to the second side and displays or indicates mounting locations, mediating between the featureless wall and the need for precise location identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual/mechanical identification methods (looking for features, measuring from edges) with magnetic field-based identification. Magnets or magnetic indicators on the template reveal mounting locations through magnetic interaction with the wall or indicators on the second side, substituting magnetic detection for visual inspection of wall features.
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 precise alignment of components on opposite sides of a structural wall, reducing measurement errors and ensuring accurate positioning of sensors like strain gauges and temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The clone magnet has an first side configured to be magnetically held against the second side of the structural wall by an attractive magnetic force of the source magnet
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic centroid and the marking opening of the clone magnet are aligned with the magnetic centroid of the source magnet by the attractive magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A component locating apparatus for alignment of components on opposite sides of a structural wall includes a source magnet and a clone magnet. The source magnet has a magnetic centroid positioned relative to a locating feature and is successively held against the first side of the structural wall at a plurality of spaced apart source positions. The clone magnet has a marking opening at a magnetic centroid and is magnetically held against the second side of the structural wall by an attractive magnetic force at clone positions corresponding to the source positions. The magnetic centroids are aligned by the attractive magnetic force and the marking opening allows an operator to mark the second side of the structural wall at the magnetic centroid of the clone magnet at each of the clone positions to mirror, on the second side, the source positions corresponding to the component locating template.