Removable Holding Tool for Measuring Tape Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Measuring tapes often disengage from vertical edges during measurement due to gravitational forces, and it is impractical to maintain engagement, especially in environments where attachment to the measurement point is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A removable and attachable apparatus is designed to securely attach to measuring tapes, featuring a tacky surface for temporary affixation to workpieces and a clamping mechanism to prevent slippage, compatible with various tape types and end pieces, including metal claws and engineer's tapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the measuring tape is extended manually without assistance, then the measurement process is simple, but the tape disengages from vertical edges due to gravitational forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement operationVSAvoidtape engagement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A helper apparatus is introduced as an intermediary tool between the measuring tape and the vertical edge. This apparatus includes a holding mechanism that engages with the tape and a positioning mechanism that maintains contact with the vertical edge, preventing the tape from disengaging under gravitational forces while allowing the measurement to be taken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The helper apparatus is designed to be self-positioning and self-holding. It automatically finds and maintains engagement with vertical edges through its positioning mechanism, and the holding mechanism securely grasps the measuring tape without requiring continuous manual intervention. The apparatus serves itself by maintaining engagement through its own structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a second user assists in holding the tape measure in place, then the tape remains engaged with the edge, but the operation becomes impractical and undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetape engagement stabilityVSAvoidmeasurement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The helper apparatus is designed to be self-positioning and self-holding. It automatically finds and maintains engagement with vertical edges through its positioning mechanism, and the holding mechanism securely grasps the measuring tape without requiring continuous manual intervention. The apparatus serves itself by maintaining engagement through its own structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A helper apparatus is introduced as an intermediary tool between the measuring tape and the vertical edge. This apparatus includes a holding mechanism that engages with the tape and a positioning mechanism that maintains contact with the vertical edge, preventing the tape from disengaging under gravitational forces while allowing the measurement to be taken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring tape is used on vertically oriented surfaces, then the measurement can be taken, but the tape falls from the material before measurement is taken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement surface compatibilityVSAvoidtape engagement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A helper apparatus is introduced as an intermediary tool between the measuring tape and the vertical edge. This apparatus includes a holding mechanism that engages with the tape and a positioning mechanism that maintains contact with the vertical edge, preventing the tape from disengaging under gravitational forces while allowing the measurement to be taken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The helper apparatus incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism that opposes the gravitational force acting on the measuring tape. This may include a spring mechanism or adjustable weight that provides an upward force to counteract the downward gravitational pull, preventing the tape from falling away from the vertical edge during measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Enables stable and accurate measurements by preventing disengagement of the measuring tape from workpieces, allowing users to easily measure distances on vertical surfaces and in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a tacky surface for temporary affixation to workpieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8832958B2Removable holding tool for measuring devices

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 TODD MABEY INNOVATIONS

AI summary

A removable and attachable tool for attachment to a measuring tape. The tool may have a body defining a cavity which is configured to receive the measuring tape. A cap may be hingedly attached to the body to secure the measuring tape in the cavity. The tool may have a mount, such as a tacky outer surface, for example, for temporarily affixing the tool to a workpiece. The tool may have a cavity for receiving a rigid member. The tool permits unassisted measuring using a measuring tape.