Rotating Roller Tape Device for Surface Dimension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring two-dimensional objects are either complex, prone to measurement errors due to mechanical intricacies, or lack accuracy and practicality for surface measurements, especially when dealing with irregular shapes and large objects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatably mounted roller on a swivel arm, connected to a base via a vertical axis, utilizing a flexible measuring tape with a probe and sensors to accurately measure surface dimensions, allowing for precise angle and distance detection, and transmitting data for processing, which can be used to produce stair coverings with individual surface dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint is used to measure two spatial dimensions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the third-dimensional measurement capability from the system by removing the ball joint and its associated complex mechanics. The invention focuses solely on two-dimensional surface measurement by keeping the roller axis fixed perpendicular to the base plate, thereby eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining adequate measurement functionality for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex ball joint to enable three-dimensional measurement capability, the patent inverts the approach by deliberately constraining the roller axis to remain fixed and perpendicular to the base plate. This simplification inverts the conventional wisdom that more degrees of freedom enable more measurement capability, demonstrating that for two-dimensional surface measurement, fewer degrees of freedom actually improve the device.
2Length of stationary object
If a boom is used to extend the measuring plane, then measurement range is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to remote positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between measurement range and accuracy by transitioning to a different dimensional approach. Instead of extending the measuring plane horizontally through a boom, the invention uses a vertically extendible roller axis that can be moved closer to or farther from the base plate. This vertical dimension allows the measuring tape to reach distant points on the surface while maintaining accurate angular reference at the base.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extensible tape measure is used, then adaptability to irregular shapes is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to irregular behavior during unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the problematic extensible tape measure mechanism with a simpler rolling tape system. Instead of relying on complex expansion and contraction mechanics that exhibit irregular behavior, the invention uses a tape that rolls out from a reel and rolls back in, driven by a spring. This substitution eliminates the irregular mechanical behavior while preserving the ability to adapt to irregular surface shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the spring automatically winds the tape back onto the reel after measurement. This eliminates the need for manual retraction and ensures consistent, controlled winding that prevents tape distortion. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to reset the tape to its initial state, maintaining measurement accuracy for subsequent measurements.
4Device complexity
If a simple swivel joint is used instead of a ball joint, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability deteriorates by limiting angular detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential angular measurement function needed for two-dimensional surface measurement, removing the excess capabilities of a ball joint. By using a simple swivel joint with the roller axis constrained to remain perpendicular to the base plate, the system retains sufficient measurement capability for surface area and dimension measurement while eliminating unnecessary third-dimensional measurement functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring surface dimensions of an object (12), comprising an elongate flexible material piece (2), which is supported on a roller (1) in such a way that the material piece (2) can be unwound and on the end of which a probe (3) is provided, wherein the roller is connected to a base (5) of the device in such a way that the roller can be rotated about a vertical axis (4'), and wherein two sensors are provided, by means of which the unwound length of the material piece and the angle of the roller with respect to the base can be detected, wherein the base consists of a planar bottom plate and the roller is arranged on the side facing away from the contact surface (6) of the bottom plate.