Pivoting Tree Caliper Legs for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional callipers for measuring tree diameters are cumbersome and difficult to transport due to their large size and awkward design, making them impractical for use in forest surveys under varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A calliper-type instrument with a straightedge and pivotally attached legs that can be folded into a compact position for easy transportation, featuring a recording unit for storing measurements, with legs made from wear-resistant materials like lightweight metal or tough plastic to maintain precision and ease of handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the calliper uses a straightedge measuring 1-1.5m and legs measuring 0.5m to measure large tree diameters, then the measurement capability is sufficient, but the instrument becomes awkward and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The calliper is divided into separate components: a straightedge and two legs that can be detached and stored separately. The legs can be removed from the straightedge and placed inside it for transport, allowing the measurement function to be maintained while dramatically improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs are designed to nest within the straightedge when not in use. The first leg fits inside the straightedge, and the second leg can be stored within the first leg or straightedge structure, creating a compact transport configuration that fits within a small volume.
2Measurement precision
If the legs are made rigid and straight for precise measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the instrument becomes more difficult to handle and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The legs incorporate pivotal joints that allow them to transition between a rigid straight configuration for measurement and a folded configuration for transport. The legs can be pivoted at specific points to fold back against the straightedge, maintaining rigidity during measurement while enabling compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs are divided into segments connected by pivotal joints, allowing each segment to remain rigid for accurate measurement while the overall leg structure can be folded into a compact shape for handling and transport.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A calliper-like instrument (1) for measuring tree diameters, comprising a straightedge (2) on which there is placed a first leg (3) and a second leg (4). The instrument further comprises a recording unit (5) which is placed adjacent the first leg (3) and which is adapted to record and store tree diameter measurements, with which the first leg (3) is fixedly placed along the straightedge (2), and wherein the second leg (4) projects out from a slide (6) which can be displaced along the straightedge (2), with the legs (3, 4) and the straightedge located in mutually the same plane. The invention is characterized in that the first leg (3) can be lowered in said plane and is pivotally fastened to an attachment (7) on the straightedge (2), and in that the second leg (4) can be lowered in said plane and is pivotally attached to the slide (6), and in that the first leg (3) is provided with a first fastener means (8) which is intended to be hooked into the attachment (7); and in that the second leg (4) is provided with a second fastener means (9) which is intended to be hooked into the slide (6).