Pipe Level Collar With Two-Way Vial Mount for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe level devices often require separate horizontal and vertical level elements, are not easily interchangeable, and may need replacement when a level element breaks or visibility is compromised, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece pipe level device with a two-way mount that allows a level element to be removably attached in both parallel and orthogonal orientations, using a collar body with flex members and interchangeable level elements, enabling easy attachment and visibility adjustment without replacing the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate horizontal and vertical level elements are used, then accurate level readings can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and interchangeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collar body is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate level elements in multiple orientations. The mounting seats are configured to securely hold level elements whether they are positioned parallel to or orthogonal to the pipe axis, allowing one collar body to perform multiple measurement functions that previously required separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If separate horizontal and vertical level elements are used, then accurate level readings can be obtained, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The level element is designed as a separate, removable component from the collar body. The mounting seats provide secure retention while allowing easy removal and replacement. This segmentation enables users to replace only the level element (the consumable part) without replacing the entire collar body assembly, simplifying maintenance and repair operations.
3Ease of operation
If a single collar body with two-way mount is used, then the ease of operation and interchangeability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting seats are designed with specific local geometric features including tapered surfaces and positioning elements that provide precise alignment and secure retention. These localized precision features are concentrated at the critical mounting interfaces, allowing the rest of the collar body to be manufactured with standard tolerances while maintaining high interchangeability and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece pipe level device including a level-vial mount for removably mounting an elongate level element (such as a bubble level vial) in each of two orthogonal orientations. The collar has a c-clip shape with a closed side, an open side, and open axial ends. The level-vial mount is disposed on the closed side facing outwardly. The mount includes a mounting channel for retaining the level vial in the first orientation, the channel having mounting notches cut out of its opposite walls for retaining the level vial in the second orientation. The collar has a pair of flex members connected at their respective proximal ends to the mount and extending in opposite circumferential directions to their respective distal ends. The distal ends straddle the open side of the collar.