Oblique Axis Swivel Head for Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measuring devices with pivotable head stops often hinder the user when the head stop is pivoted up or down, as they require movement around the head stop, compromising comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
The axis of rotation of the swivel joint is inclined relative to the vertical element's longitudinal axis, allowing the head stop to pivot without obstructing the user, with a detent for precise positioning and a telescopic design for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the head stop is arranged to be pivotable relative to the vertical element, then the device can be stowed compactly, but the person to be measured is hindered when the head stop is pivoted up or down
Solution Approach 1:
The axis of rotation is arranged obliquely at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal direction, changing the pivoting motion from a simple vertical arc to a three-dimensional curved path. This dimensional change allows the head stop to move along an inclined arc that clears the user's space while maintaining compact stowage volume.
2Device complexity
If a horizontally running axis of rotation is used, then the structure is simple, but the user must avoid the head stop when performing the pivoting movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a horizontal axis that creates a vertical pivoting arc obstructing user movement, the patent introduces an oblique axis of rotation inclined at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal. This changes the pivoting trajectory to a curved path in three-dimensional space that clears the user's movement space while maintaining structural simplicity through the pin and rotating surfaces design.
3Measurement precision
If the head stop extends essentially at right angles to the vertical element in working position, then accurate length measurement is enabled, but compact storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The head stop is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two extreme positions: in the working position, it extends essentially at right angles to the vertical element to enable accurate length measurement; in the stowed position, it pivots to extend essentially parallel to the vertical element for compact storage. The oblique axis of rotation enables this dynamic transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblique axis of rotation inclined at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal enables the head stop to achieve both measurement and storage configurations by following a curved three-dimensional path during pivoting, rather than being constrained to a simple vertical arc.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is used to measure the height of persons and comprises a vertical element and a headpiece arranged on the vertical element so as to be freely positionable. The headpiece is arranged so that it is rotatable relative to the vertical element by a rotational joint. An axis of rotation of the rotational joint is arranged obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vertical element.