Calibrated Measuring Tool for Ring Stock Length

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the length of stock required to form enclosed shapes, such as rings and bezels, are inadequate due to their reliance on mathematical calculations, charts, or guesswork, which are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and prone to errors, especially when considering the variability in thickness and width of the stock material, leading to inaccuracies in internal diameter and fit.

Innovation Solution

A measuring tool with length measuring arms, a thickness gauge, and a pivot joint, which allows for precise measurement of stock length based on specific thickness and width, providing a tangible and efficient way to determine the required length for forming enclosed shapes with specified internal dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mathematical calculations or charts are used to determine stock length, then the internal diameter and fit can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal diameter accuracyVSAvoidfabrication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring arms are pre-calibrated with mathematical relationships between stock dimensions and resulting internal diameters. This preliminary computation is embedded in the physical tool's geometry, allowing instant reading without time-consuming calculations during fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a physical measuring tool as an intermediary between the stock material and the final product dimensions. This tool mediates the relationship by incorporating pre-calculated ratios in its structure, translating complex mathematical relationships into simple physical measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If charts or tables are used to determine stock length, then internal dimensions can be found, but the method is prone to errors due to reading confusion and measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestock length measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a physical measuring tool as an intermediary between the stock material and the final product dimensions. This tool mediates the relationship by incorporating pre-calculated ratios in its structure, translating complex mathematical relationships into simple physical measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the error-prone manual chart-reading process with a mechanical measuring system. The physical tool's structure inherently encodes the correct measurements, eliminating human error in reading and interpreting tables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If printed charts are used to show stock dimensions, then visual reference is provided, but scaling issues alter the dimensions making accurate measurement impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual measurement referenceVSAvoiddimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the error-prone manual chart-reading process with a mechanical measuring system. The physical tool's structure inherently encodes the correct measurements, eliminating human error in reading and interpreting tables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the measuring tool to maintain accuracy. The measuring arms are constructed with precise physical dimensions that correspond to correct stock lengths, ensuring that the tool's own geometry guarantees measurement accuracy regardless of scaling issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9671209B2Tool for establishing the length of specific thickness stock required to form an enclosed shape having predetermined dimensions

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 OHARA MARILYN J

AI summary

A physical measuring tool comprising one or more members for determining the correct length of stock of various shapes of a given thickness and width range required to form various enclosed shapes with predetermined internal dimensions. One embodiment is an easy to use enclosed shape measuring tool that allows jewelers to fabricate rings of various widths from stock with great precision and fit without costly revision, as the measurements it makes are calibrated to the proportional relation among the thickness, length, width of material, and finished fit of ring. Each measuring element includes a raised fence for bracing material against to maximize measurement accuracy, and other convenient elements such as a thickness-measuring member. Such a tool replaces mathematical calculations and charts for determining the ratio among length and thickness of stock, and width and interior dimensions of enclosed shapes representing a significant time and resource saver for fabricators.