Panel Installation Bar with Spirit Level and Notch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assist devices for panel installation lack effective alignment and leveling mechanisms, making it difficult to ensure accurate and straightforward mounting of panels during installation.
Innovation Solution
A bar with selectively alignable holes for mounting to studs or rafters, equipped with spirit bubble tubes for leveling and a notch for panel support, along with additional features like cutouts for hand grip and pegs for alignment, facilitates precise and easy panel installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional assist devices are used for panel installation, then mounting can be performed, but alignment and leveling are difficult to ensure accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The bar incorporates spirit bubble tubes that automatically indicate when the bar is properly leveled, eliminating the need for separate leveling tools. The notches and holes are pre-positioned to automatically align with studs and panel edges, providing self-aligning functionality that improves both precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bar is pre-equipped with multiple holes at specific intervals and notches at predetermined positions before installation. These pre-positioned features allow for quick alignment with studs and panel edges without requiring measurement or adjustment during the installation process, thereby improving both alignment precision and operational ease
2Measurement precision
If a bar with multiple features (holes, notches, spirit bubble tubes) is used, then alignment and leveling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single bar: mounting holes for attachment, notches for panel support and alignment, and spirit bubble tubes for leveling. This consolidation provides precise alignment and leveling capabilities while avoiding the complexity of using multiple separate tools or devices
Solution Approach 2:
The bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mounting device with holes for studs, a support device with notches for panel edges, and a leveling device with spirit bubble tubes. This multi-functionality achieves high precision alignment and leveling without requiring separate specialized tools for each function, thereby managing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If holes are provided for mounting to studs or rafters, then adaptability to different mounting locations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bar includes multiple holes positioned at different locations along its length, allowing the bar to be mounted at various positions depending on stud or rafter spacing. This segmentation of mounting points provides adaptability to different building structures without requiring multiple different bar types, thereby managing mounting 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
The solution enables accurate alignment, leveling, and support for panels during installation, improving the efficiency and ease of mounting panels by allowing for precise orientation and secure attachment to structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
Respective spirit bubble tubes are configured to indicate an orientation of a longitudinal axis of the bar relative to horizontal and vertical
Data Source
AI summary
A panel installation assist device for supporting one end of a panel during installation includes a bar, which has a set of holes extending therethrough from a first face thereof. Respective holes are selectively alignable with studs or rafters. Mounting hardware inserted through the holes mounts the bar to the studs or the rafters. The bar has a set of orifices positioned therethrough, each of which has a spirit bubble tube positioned therein, which is engaged to the bar. Respective spirit bubble tubes indicate an orientation of a longitudinal axis of the bar relative to horizontal and vertical. A notch extends into the bar from a first edge thereof and the first face, and between opposed ends of the bar. The notch is configured for insertion of an edge of a panel so that one end of the panel is supported by the bar to facilitate installation of the panel.