Pivoting Level Body Shielding Bubble Vials

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional levels are prone to damage during storage due to exposure of fragile bubble vials, which are often broken when stored with other tools.

Innovation Solution

A level design that allows bubble vials to be exposed for use while being safely shielded within the body during storage, utilizing a mechanism of arms connected for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, with pivotally mounted bubble vials and a flexible tether for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bubble vials are exposed for use, then the measurement function is accessible, but the bubble vials are vulnerable to damage during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to bubble vialsVSAvoidprotection of bubble vials

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The level device employs dynamic positioning of the bubble vials through movable arms that can transition between open and closed states. The arms are connected to the level body via pivot joints, allowing the bubble vials to be dynamically repositioned from an exposed operational state to a protected storage state, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bubble vials are nested within the level body when the arms are in the closed position. The arms and bubble vials are arranged such that they fit within the contours of the level body, providing protection during storage while maintaining easy access when opened, similar to the nested doll principle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the arms are kept in open position for use, then the bubble vials remain exposed, but the level cannot be stored safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability of levelVSAvoiddamage to bubble vials

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The level device employs dynamic positioning of the bubble vials through movable arms that can transition between open and closed states. The arms are connected to the level body via pivot joints, allowing the bubble vials to be dynamically repositioned from an exposed operational state to a protected storage state, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The level is designed to be closed and protected during storage periods, with the bubble vials retracted within the body contours. This preliminary protective action is taken before any potential damage can occur, ensuring the bubble vials are safeguarded during transport and storage while remaining easily accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7676940B2Level

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC

AI summary

A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.