Measuring Tape Stop Structure with Laser-Processed Friction Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring tape assemblies suffer from slipping issues due to lack of friction, both when the end hook detaches from the measured object and when the user's finger pulls it, especially on oily surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The tape structure incorporates laser-processed first and second laser bodies on the stop portion, forming first and second friction faces on the surfaces to enhance contact friction, preventing slipping from both the measured object and the user's hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional end hook with a flat face is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the contact friction is insufficient causing the hook to slip from the measured object and user's finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser processing to change the surface parameters of the end hook, creating laser bodies with specific patterns (lines, dots, or combinations) that increase surface roughness and friction coefficient, thereby preventing slipping while maintaining the basic hook structure
Solution Approach 2:
The laser bodies are applied locally on specific surfaces of the end hook (first surface, second surface, or both) rather than modifying the entire structure, providing enhanced friction only where contact with the measured object or user's finger occurs
2Reliability
If the end hook has a flat face for easy manufacturing, then production is simple, but the hook slips easily on oily surfaces during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical surface treatment methods with laser processing technology, which uses optical energy to directly modify the surface morphology without mechanical contact, enabling effective friction enhancement even on oily surfaces while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Laser processing changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface by creating micro-roughness structures through controlled material ablation or melting, fundamentally altering the surface's interaction with oils and lubricants to prevent slipping
3Force
If laser bodies are added to the stop portion, then friction force is significantly increased to prevent slipping, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical surface treatment methods (such as knurling, embossing, or coating) with laser processing, which achieves equivalent or superior friction enhancement through non-contact optical processing, thereby increasing friction force while actually simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating mechanical tooling and post-processing steps
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
The laser-processed friction faces significantly increase the contact friction force, effectively preventing the stop portion from slipping during measurements, even on oily surfaces, and enhance identification with added features like colors and patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The first laser body and the second laser body are formed by the laser process
Implementation Method 2
the first friction face increases the contact friction force between the first surface of the stop portion and the measured object
Data Source
AI summary
A tape structure includes a first body, a first laser body, and a second laser body. The first body is provided with a stop portion, a first surface, a second surface, and multiple grooves. The first laser body is provided on the first surface and includes multiple laser lines distributed on the first surface. The first surface forms a first friction face. The second laser body is provided on the second surface and includes multiple laser lines distributed on the second surface. The second surface forms a second friction face. The stop portion is provided with the first laser body and the second laser body and formed with the first friction face and the second friction face. The first laser body and the second laser body are formed by the laser process.