Modular Level Device with Detachable Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level devices are often cumbersome and difficult to use in environments where workpieces have unique configurations, making it challenging to accurately determine horizontal, vertical, or 45-degree angled surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A level device with a body featuring multiple reference surfaces and embedded bubble vials, allowing for the determination of surface orientation, combined with a leveling extension that can be easily attached and detached for extended reach, enabling the assessment of multiple surfaces simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional level devices are used, then they can determine horizontal or vertical surfaces, but they are cumbersome and difficult to use in environments with unique workpiece configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The level device is divided into a main body and a separate extension component. The extension can be attached to the main body to reach into confined spaces or unique configurations, then detached when not needed. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various workpiece configurations while maintaining ease of use through modular assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The level device incorporates a movable extension component that can be dynamically attached or detached from the main body. This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition between different operational states (standard mode and extended reach mode), providing versatility for unique workpiece configurations while maintaining simple operation through straightforward attachment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional level devices are used, then they have a fixed structure, but they cannot accommodate various workpiece configurations or provide extended reach
Solution Approach 1:
The level device is divided into a main body and a separate extension component. The extension can be attached to the main body to reach into confined spaces or unique configurations, then detached when not needed. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various workpiece configurations while maintaining ease of use through modular assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension component is designed with universal attachment capability to the main body, allowing the same extension to be used with different main bodies or different extensions to be used with the same main body. This universality provides adaptability to various workpiece configurations without requiring complex custom-designed components for each scenario.
3Productivity
If a level device with multiple reference surfaces and bubble vials is used, then multiple surfaces can be assessed simultaneously, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reference surfaces and bubble vials are merged into a single integrated main body structure. The first and second reference surfaces are positioned at right angles to each other, allowing simultaneous assessment of multiple surfaces without requiring multiple separate level devices. This merging provides productivity benefits while maintaining relatively simple device structure through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The level device incorporates reference surfaces and bubble vials in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first reference surface and second reference surface are positioned at right angles, allowing the device to assess surfaces in multiple dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional arrangement enables efficient multi-surface assessment without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
4Length of moving object
If a leveling extension is added to the level device, then extended reach is enabled, but the device requires additional attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The level device is divided into a main body and a separate extension component. The extension can be attached to the main body to reach into confined spaces or unique configurations, then detached when not needed. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various workpiece configurations while maintaining ease of use through modular assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
An attachment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the main body and the extension component. This intermediary provides a simple, standardized interface for connecting and disconnecting the extension, enabling extended reach functionality without requiring complex integration mechanisms. The attachment mechanism simplifies the connection process while providing secure coupling.
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 device provides a versatile and efficient means to determine the levelness or 45-degree angle of surfaces, accommodating various workpiece configurations and allowing for quick reconfiguration, thus enhancing usability in construction and design settings.
Implementation Method 1
A first bubble vial having a first longitudinal axis parallel to the first reference surface is received in a first recess defined along the first side, and a second bubble vial having a second longitudinal axis parallel to the second reference surface is received in a second recess defined along the second side
Data Source
AI summary
Detailed herein is a level device having a body having a first face, an opposing second face, and a perimeter extending between the first and second faces. The perimeter includes first, second, third, and fourth sides, where a first reference surface extends along the third side and a second reference surface extends along the fourth side orthogonal to the first reference surface. A third reference surface may be between the first and second reference surfaces disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to each of the first and second reference surfaces. A first bubble vial having a first longitudinal axis parallel to the first reference surface is received in a first recess defined along the first side, and a second bubble vial having a second longitudinal axis parallel to the second reference surface is received in a second recess defined along the second side.