Multitask multifunction apparatus for building inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building inspectors face inefficiencies and hazards during inspections in confined spaces due to the need to access multiple instruments, which are often cumbersome and difficult to carry, leading to delayed inspections and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained, battery-powered multifunctional apparatus with a variety of sensors and tools, including a handle, mini-desk, lighting, and safety features, designed for easy maneuverability and use in extreme conditions, allowing inspectors to evaluate building conditions and safety without repeatedly exiting confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inspectors carry multiple instruments in hands or clothing pockets, then they have access to necessary tools, but the instruments become cumbersome and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection instruments (moisture meter, stud finder, voltage tester, thermometer, clock radio) into a single integrated handheld device. This merging eliminates the need to carry separate tools, directly resolving the contradiction by providing versatile functionality while maintaining ease of carrying through a unified compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various inspection tasks including moisture detection, stud finding, voltage testing, temperature measurement, and timekeeping. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple specialized instruments, solving the contradiction between needing diverse tools and wanting ease of carrying.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inspectors repeatedly exit and reenter confined spaces to retrieve instruments, then they can access necessary tools, but inspection time increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple instruments into one handheld device that inspectors can carry personally, the patent eliminates the need to repeatedly exit confined spaces to retrieve tools. This directly addresses the time loss issue while maintaining full access to necessary inspection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing inspectors to have all necessary instruments readily available on their person without external support or repeated trips to storage areas. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making instrument access immediate and continuous.
3Reliability
If inspectors use multiple separate instruments, then they can perform comprehensive inspections, but the number of instruments becomes too numerous to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges five separate inspection instruments into one integrated handheld device, maintaining comprehensive inspection capabilities while reducing the number of carryable items from multiple separate tools to a single unified instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device achieves universality by incorporating multiple inspection functions (moisture detection, stud finding, voltage testing, temperature measurement, timekeeping) into one tool, thereby maintaining reliable comprehensive inspection while eliminating device complexity associated with carrying multiple separate instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction multitask apparatus for use in building inspections is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a portable case comprising a grippable handle, a mini-desk, lighting elements and a plurality of sensors for building structure inspection. The apparatus includes a power source in electric communication with a sensor. The apparatus may include a variety of sensors including a voltage tester, a circuit polarity sensor, and ambient air testing sensor, and ambient temperature sensor, and ambient humidity sensor, a moisture meter, a radon sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, and an airborne toxin sensor. Other embodiments of the invention may include safety features including a first-aid cat, a chemical spray deterrent device, and a tactical prong. Other embodiments may include lights including a laser pointer, an LED light, an a focused light beam.