Multi-Dimensional Level Tool with Simultaneous Plumb and Level Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level devices require rotation or repositioning to determine if a vertically oriented object is both level and plumb, which can be inconvenient or impossible in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A level tool with multiple level indicating devices, including disks, pendulums, and electronic displays, embedded in a frame that allows users to read both level and plumb angles from a single perspective without repositioning the device or themselves, using a combination of transparent liquid-filled containers, pins, and bearings for independent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional level devices are used to determine both level and plumb angles, then measurement capability is provided, but the device requires rotation or repositioning which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple level indicating devices (bubble levels, pendulums, electronic sensors) into a single tool body, allowing simultaneous measurement of level and plumb angles without rotation. The indicating devices are positioned on different faces of the tool but can all be viewed from a single viewpoint, merging multiple measurement functions into one stationary device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges indicating devices on multiple faces of the tool body in such a way that all indicators can be viewed from a single viewpoint through strategic positioning and transparency. This spatial arrangement in three dimensions allows the user to read all measurements without moving the device or changing position.
2Measurement precision
If the level device is rotated 90 degrees to measure plumb, then both level and plumb measurements can be obtained, but the user must change position or reposition the device which increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple indicating devices on different faces of the tool body during manufacturing, oriented to measure different angles (level and plumb). This preliminary arrangement ensures that all measurement functions are ready simultaneously, eliminating the need for rotation or repositioning during actual use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indicating devices are added to provide comprehensive measurement, then measurement versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal level tool that can measure multiple parameters (level angles in different directions, plumb angles) using a single device with multiple indicating mechanisms. Each indicating device serves multiple purposes - for example, bubble levels indicate both horizontal and vertical levelness, and pendulums indicate both level and plumb angles, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing 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
Enables accurate measurement of both level and plumb angles from a single viewpoint, enhancing usability by eliminating the need for device or user repositioning, and accommodating various surfaces and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
liquid-filled containers
Implementation Method 2
pendulums
Data Source
AI summary
Level tools and level indicating devices for determining the angle of a vertically oriented object relative to both level and plumb capable of being read without requiring the tool's user to change his or her position or the position of the level tool.