Rotating Pendulum Angle Gauge for Plumb, Diagonal, and Slope Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spirit levels lack precision and functionality in verifying a wide range of specific angles commonly needed in carpentry, construction, and plumbing, requiring separate tools and calculations for slope and angle verification.

Innovation Solution

A multi-directional pendulum device replaces the traditional bubble mechanism, allowing for precise verification of angles through alignment of arrowheads or pointers, capable of indicating plumb, vertical, diagonal, and a range of specific angles without the need for calculations, and fitting within a common-level housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional bubble mechanism is used in a spirit level, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks precision and functionality in verifying a wide range of specific angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle verification precisionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent pendulum assemblies, each capable of verifying specific angles. Each pendulum assembly includes its own indicator and scale, allowing them to function independently while contributing to the overall angle verification capability of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pendulum-based verification device is designed to perform multiple functions: verifying horizontal angles, vertical angles, diagonal angles, and various intermediate angles all within a single housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining precision across different angle measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for different angle verifications, then each tool can be specialized and simple, but it requires multiple tools and calculations increasing device complexity and operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle verification rangeVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple angle verification capabilities are merged into a single integrated device. The housing contains multiple pendulum assemblies that can simultaneously or sequentially verify different angles, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate tools and reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes pre-calibrated scales and indicators for common angles (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and intermediate angles). These preliminary markings allow users to directly read angle measurements without performing calculations, simplifying the operation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a bubble level is used to verify angles, then the device is simple and familiar, but it cannot verify numerous specific commonly needed angles with precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecific angle verification precisionVSAvoidnumber of verification functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional bubble mechanism is replaced with a pendulum-based mechanical system. The pendulum's gravitational alignment provides more precise angular reference than bubble positioning, enabling accurate verification of specific angles including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and intermediate angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device adds angular verification capability in multiple dimensions by incorporating pendulums that can indicate angles in different orientations and planes. This multi-dimensional approach allows verification of numerous specific angles that a single-dimensional bubble level cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The device provides a 400% increase in functionality by enabling quick verification of angles, eliminating the need for separate tools and calculations, ensuring accuracy in slope, pitch, and adherence to safety standards, and simplifying training and task execution.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-directional pendulum device replaces the traditional bubble mechanism, allowing for precise verification of angles through alignment of arrowheads or pointers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12435976B2Multiple angle verification measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ROBINSON JONATHAN DUANE

AI summary

An angle measuring apparatus includes a housing that has a circular aperture, and a rectangular slot positioned such that a length of the slot is in parallel with the circular aperture. A rotating assembly has a weight, positioned within the circular aperture and is operative to rotate, with the weight maintaining the position of the rotating assembly with respect to the housing as the housing is moved angularly with respect to a reference position, such that the weight position indicates the direction of gravity. A transparent insert, that has indicia for indicating measurement angles, is operative to be removably inserted into the rectangular slot such that the indicia are superimposed over the rotating assemble and operative for use as reference indicia as the rotating assembly rotates.