Rotating Tape Measure Belt Holder with Spring Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt holders for tape measures either allow easy removal during vigorous movements or require constant unlocking, lacking a balanced solution for secure carrying without unnecessary operation.
Innovation Solution
A belt holder with a rotatable holding part and locking bracket, supported by a restoring spring, allowing for easy insertion and removal in a holding mode and secure locking in a locking mode, using a simple unlocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tape measure is held using a typical belt holder with a vertical clip-through hole, then the worker can freely use both hands and easily remove the tape measure, but the tape measure is easily removed from the belt holder during vigorous movements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is made rotatable to dynamically switch between two functional states: in the first state, the holding part allows easy insertion and removal of the belt clip; in the second state, the locking bracket engages to prevent removal. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the belt clip retention by rotating the holding part between two positions. When rotated to the first state, the parameter allows free removal; when rotated to the second state, the parameter changes to locked retention. This parameter change enables the same structure to provide both ease of operation and reliability as needed.
2Reliability
If a special belt holder with locked state is used to prevent tape measure removal during vigorous movements, then the tape measure remains secure, but the worker must operate an unlocking device even for non-vigorous movements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable holding part provides a dynamic switching mechanism between locked and unlocked states. The worker can rotate the holding part to the first state for easy removal during non-vigorous movements, or to the second state for secure retention during vigorous movements, eliminating the need to operate a separate unlocking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding part serves multiple functions: it acts as both a simple holder for easy removal and a locked holder for secure retention, depending on its rotational position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms and allows the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a dedicated bracket is provided on the tape measure for the special belt holder, then the locked state can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part of the belt holder serves multiple functions: it provides both the holding function and the locking function through its rotational movement. The locking bracket, which is slidably disposed in the holder body, engages with the holding part to provide locking without requiring a dedicated bracket on the tape measure itself, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged into the belt holder structure itself rather than requiring a separate dedicated bracket on the tape measure. The locking bracket is integrated into the holder body and interacts with the rotatable holding part, combining the holding and locking functions into a single integrated assembly.
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 secure carrying of the tape measure during vigorous movements while allowing easy removal without additional operations, accommodating both general and special use cases.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring spring resiliently supporting the locking bracket so that the locking jaw of the locking bracket is positioned to prevent the belt clip from being removed
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a belt holder for a tape measure, including: a holder body mounted on the belt; a rotatable holding part having a clip-through hole through which the belt clip of the tape measure passes formed in a vertical direction and rotatably coupled to a front surface of the holder body in order to hold the tape measure by hanging the tape measure; a locking bracket having a locking jaw formed to prevent the belt clip from being removed from the clip-through hole of the rotatable holding part that is rotated with respect to the holder body and slidably provided in the holder body; and a restoring spring resiliently supporting the locking bracket so that the locking jaw of the locking bracket is positioned to prevent the belt clip from being removed.